OVI Laws and Penalties in Ohio

If you are facing an OVI charge, finding the right legal representation should be your top priority. Hiring a Carrollton OVI lawyer, like Sean Logue from the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, can make all the difference. Ohio’s OVI laws are complex, but with an attorney well-versed in these regulations, your charges could potentially be reduced or even dismissed. A knowledgeable lawyer will explain your situation and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Below is an overview of Ohio’s OVI laws and the potential penalties associated with them.

First OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired)

A first OVI is considered a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio. The penalties for this charge include:

• Jail time of up to six months, though a judge may approve an alternative three-day driver intervention program certified by the state, lasting 72 hours.
• Fines ranging from $375 to $1,075.
• Suspension of your driver’s license for six months to three years.

Optional penalties may include:

• Limited driving privileges.
• Installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Yellow “party” license plates issued for OVI convictions.
• Enrollment in alcohol treatment and education programs.

First OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is significantly over the legal limit or you refuse a chemical test, this charge remains a first-degree misdemeanor. However, the yellow “party” license plates are mandatory.

Second OVI

A second offense escalates the consequences but remains a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties include:

• Jail sentences ranging from 10 days to six months. A longer sentence of up to 20 days applies for elevated charges due to high BAC or chemical test refusal.
• Fines of $525 to $1,625.
• Driver’s license suspension for one to five years.

Additional penalties may include:

• Probation, electronic monitoring, and/or house arrest.
• Yellow “party” plates and installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Limited driving privileges after 45 days.
• Participation in alcohol assessment, education, and treatment programs.

Second OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

The penalties for a second OVI with a high BAC or refusal include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 20 days, along with the penalties listed above.

Third OVI

A third OVI conviction increases severity while remaining a first-degree misdemeanor. Punishments include:

• Fines ranging from $850 to $2,750.
• Jail time from 30 days to one year, with elevated charges requiring a 60-day minimum.
• Driver’s license suspension for two to 10 years.

Additional penalties include:

• Potential vehicle forfeiture if titled in your name.
• Yellow “party” license plates and ignition interlock device.
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, education, and treatment programs.
• Limited driving privileges available after 180 days.
• Probation, electronic monitoring, and potential house arrest.

Third OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

For this charge, the mandatory jail time increases to 60 days to one year, while other penalties remain the same as a standard third OVI.

First Felony OVI

A first felony OVI charge is classified as a fourth-degree felony in Ohio. The penalties substantially increase and include:

• Prison time from two months to two and a half years.
• Fines ranging from $1,350 to $10,500.
• Driver’s license suspension for three years to life.

Other consequences include:

• Vehicle forfeiture if it’s titled in your name.
• Limited driving privileges after three years.
• Assignment of yellow “party” plates and installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Enrollment in mandatory alcohol and drug addiction programs.

Second Felony OVI

A second felony OVI is prosecuted as a third-degree felony. Though some penalties mirror those for a first felony OVI, this charge comes with:

• A longer prison sentence of up to five years.

Again, offenders face vehicle forfeiture, substantial fines, lifetime license suspensions, limited driving privileges after three years, and mandatory addiction programs.

Facing an OVI charge is a serious matter, but you don’t have to handle it alone. A Carrollton criminal lawyer from the Youngstown Criminal Law Group can help you build a strong defense. Schedule your free consultation by calling us today at (330) 992-3036. Secure expert guidance to protect your rights and take the first step toward resolution.

Contact Us Today

Getting started is simple. Give us a call at (330) 992-3036 or reach out through our website to schedule your free consultation. The Youngstown Criminal Law Group is proud to serve Carrollton and surrounding communities, providing expert legal representation when it matters most.

Don’t face your OVI or criminal charges alone – put your trust in the team that’s here to help.