OVI Laws, Penalties in Ohio

If you find yourself facing an OVI charge, your top priority should be hiring a Steubenville OH OVI lawyer like Sean Logue. Navigating the complexities of OVI laws can be daunting, but with a knowledgeable and experienced Steubenville OH criminal attorney by your side, you can greatly improve your chances. They can make a significant difference in your case, potentially leading to dropped or reduced charges.

Now, let’s delve into Ohio’s OVI laws:

First OVI Offense – Classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, a first OVI offense carries penalties that include a potential jail term of up to six months. However, there may be an opportunity to serve just three days if approved for a judge-certified driver intervention program lasting 72 hours. Other consequences include a six-month to three-year driver’s license suspension and fines ranging from $375 to $1,075. Optional penalties can include “party” plates, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, limited driving privileges, and participation in alcohol treatment and education programs.

First OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal – Similar to a regular first OVI, this charge is also classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, but it requires the mandatory use of an OVI plate.

Second OVI Offense – Once again considered a first-degree misdemeanor, a second OVI charge carries potential penalties such as fines ranging from $525 to $1,625, jail sentences lasting from 10 days to six months, a one-to-five-year driver’s license suspension, probation, alcohol assessment, education and treatment requirements, OVI “party” plates, and limited driving privileges after a month and a half from the original charge. House arrest, electronic monitoring, or a combination thereof could also be part of the sentence.

Second OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal – Falling under the category of a first-degree misdemeanor, this offense carries potential penalties including fines ranging from $525 to $1,625, probation, and electronic monitoring. Other consequences may involve the installation of an ignition interlock device, “party” plates, house arrest, jail sentences from 20 days to six months, driver’s license suspensions lasting one to five years, and alcohol education and treatment requirements.

Third OVI

A third OVI is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying significant penalties. Find yourself facing an increased fine of $850 to $2,750, a jail sentence ranging from 30 days to one year, and a driver’s license suspension lasting from two to 10 years. Brace for additional consequences, such as potential vehicle forfeiture, probation, limited driving privileges after 180 days, electronic monitoring (with or without house arrest), or even an ignition interlock device.

Third OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal

Similar to a regular third OVI, this charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. Expect comparable penalties, but with a more extended jail sentence of 60 days to one year.

First Felony OVI

Find yourself facing a fourth-degree felony charge, and the severity of the consequences becomes evident. Prepare for a lengthy incarceration period, ranging from two months to two and a half years, along with fines ranging from $1,350 to $10,500. Be aware that vehicle forfeiture is likely if the vehicle is titled in your name. Furthermore, your driver’s license suspension may range from three years to life, although limited driving privileges after three years are possible. Additional penalties may include completing an alcohol and drug addiction program, displaying party plates, or installing an ignition interlock device.

Second Felony OVI

Prosecuted as a third-degree felony, a second felony OVI carries penalties similar to a first felony OVI. However, the prison sentence is extended, ranging from two months to five years.

Remember, you don’t have to face an OVI charge alone! Contact us today or call (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation.