High Test OVI in Cadiz

In Cadiz, a High BAC = .17 Percent or Higher

No OVI charge should be taken lightly. But if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .17 percent or higher, the situation becomes even more severe. Your Cadiz OVI lawyer understands the techniques used by local police officers and state troopers in Harrison County to determine intoxicated driving.

How Is a Low OVI Different From a High OVI?

Low Test OVI

Under Ohio law, a low OVI is referred to as a “low test” OVI. This applies when the driver’s BAC is below .17 percent.

High Test OVI

If the driver’s BAC is .17 percent or higher, the charge escalates to a “high test” OVI. This classification carries much harsher penalties compared to a low test OVI.

The Ohio Revised Code defines high test results across different testing methods as follows:

• A breath test or a test of whole blood measuring .17 percent or higher.
• A urine test showing alcohol concentration of .238 percent or greater.
• A test of plasma or blood serum indicating a BAC of .204 percent or higher.

Details of the law can be found in Section 4511.19(A)(1)(h) of the Ohio Revised Code. The penalties listed below highlight the severity of a first-time high test OVI conviction.

Penalties for a High Test OVI in Cadiz

The consequences of a high test OVI conviction in Harrison County can be life-changing. Here’s what you should be prepared for:

• Mandatory Yellow License Plates

 Drivers convicted of high test OVI may be required to display specially marked yellow license plates.

•  Minimum Jail Time
• At least 6 days in jail, OR
• 3 days in jail paired with a 3-day driver intervention program.
• The sentence could extend up to 6 months.
• Ignition Interlock Device

 The judge has the discretion to require the installation of an ignition interlock device, which must be paid for by the offender.

• Fines

 A high test OVI conviction carries fines ranging from $375 to $1,075.

• License Suspension
• A minimum of 15 days with no driving privileges following the arrest (Administrative License Suspension).
• An additional judicial suspension ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

Driver Intervention Program (DIP)

A driver intervention program is a 3-day educational course focusing on alcohol and drug use, traffic safety, and OVI prevention. Programs must be approved by the judge and are often suggested by defense lawyers, like your Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer, to demonstrate their client’s commitment to corrective action.

Typically, these programs take place over a weekend in a hotel facility. Offenders check in Thursday evening and leave Sunday afternoon. Limited to first-time offenders, these programs offer assessments, referrals for additional assistance if needed, and specific resources for minors.

Life-Altering Consequences

Apart from legal penalties, the fallout from a high test OVI often impacts numerous aspects of life, such as:

• Damage to your reputation in the community, especially if the incident involved an accident.
• Risk to employment, particularly if your job involves driving.
• Limitations on educational and professional opportunities, including possible revocation of licenses.

Operating a vehicle under the influence is serious, and the consequences can significantly alter your life. If you are facing charges, seeking the guidance of an experienced Cadiz criminal lawyer is crucial.

Defend Against a High Test OVI Charge

A high test OVI arrest doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. Your Cadiz criminal lawyer from Youngstown Criminal Law Group is skilled at navigating OVI cases. They’ll carefully examine the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence, including chemical tests, to identify errors or procedural misconduct.

By identifying flaws in testing protocols or arrest procedures, your attorney can effectively:

• Seek to reduce your charges or penalties.
• Challenge the validity of evidence to have your case dismissed.
• Work swiftly to restore your driving privileges.

Call for Professional Representation

The penalties for a high test OVI in Harrison County are severe, but you don’t have to face this alone. Skilled legal representation can make all the difference.

Call us at (330) 992-3036 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an expert Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer today.