Penalties for First OVI in Cadiz, Ohio

Most individuals arrested for OVI in Cadiz have no prior criminal record. A Cadiz OVI lawyer with extensive experience defending drunk driving cases can be an invaluable asset in navigating the legal process and minimizing the impact of such a charge.

Costs and Fines for a First-Time OVI in Ohio

A first-time OVI charge in Ohio can be an expensive ordeal. Offenders may face:

• Fines ranging from $375 to $1,075, plus court costs.
• A license reinstatement fee of $475 to regain driving privileges.

Additionally, offenders’ income may be affected due to time spent in jail, attending court hearings, and meeting with attorneys. This financial and logistical burden can make the situation especially stressful.

Other Consequences of an OVI

Beyond fines and fees, an OVI conviction comes with several other penalties. Here’s what offenders in Harrison County might face:

Penalties Based on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

1. BAC Between .08% and .17%
2. 3 days in jail or
3. 3-day Driver Intervention Program (DIP) at the offender’s expense. This court-approved, 72-hour seminar educates drivers about the risks of alcohol and drug use, and its benefits often outweigh its costs.
4. BAC Over .17%
5. 3 days in DIP + 3 days in jail, or
6. 6 days in jail.

This applies even if the offender refused a breath test and has a prior OVI conviction within the past 20 years.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

After an OVI arrest, the offender’s driver’s license is automatically suspended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Additionally, the judge may impose a Class Five license suspension, which can:

• Last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
• Allow for occupational driving privileges after a set period, enabling limited driving for work or school purposes only.

Additional Penalties

Depending on the circumstances, further sanctions may include:

• Ignition Interlock Device – Installed on the offender’s vehicle to prevent it from starting if alcohol is detected in their breath. Random retests ensure compliance.
• Yellow License Plates (Party Plates) – Required for some offenders, these serve as a public marker for repeated or aggravated OVI offenses.

First OVI ALS Suspensions in Cadiz

If a first-time OVI offender refuses a breath, blood, or urine test, the BMV administers a 1-year license suspension. If the offender submits to testing but their BAC exceeds .08%, the administrative suspension will last 90 days. 

Additionally, the judge may impose another suspension ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

Driving Privilege Restrictions After an OVI

Offenders can request limited driving privileges to commute for specific needs like work or school. To do so:

1. File a petition with the court presiding over the area where the arrest occurred (county court, municipal court, or mayor’s court).
2. For drivers under 18, the petition must be filed in juvenile court.

Overview of Consequences for a First-Time OVI Offense in Cadiz, Ohio 

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