OVI Attorney in Warren, Trumbull County, OH

Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) is a serious offense with significant consequences. If you’ve heard terms like DUI, DUBAL, or DWI, they’re all related but not entirely the same. In Ohio, the most accurate term is OVI. Here’s a quick breakdown of the various acronyms you might encounter:

• DUI: Driving Under the Influence
• DUBAL: Driving with Unlawful BAC Level
• DWI: Driving While Impaired
• OMVI: Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired

When a driver under the legal drinking age of 21 is involved in an incident, the charge is termed as Operating a Vehicle After Underage Consumption (OVUAC).

Regardless of the terminology, the consequences of an OVI or OVUAC can be severe. Penalties may include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. If you’re facing an OVI charge in, the Youngstown Criminal Law Group is here to help. Our experienced Warren OVI lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case to build a strong defense for you.

Penalties for DWI in Ohio

Under the Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, the penalties for DWI vary based on several factors:

Factors That Determine DWI Charges:

1. Previous offenses
2. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
3. Refusal to take a test

Specific Penalties:

First DUI in Six Years, BAC 0.08 or Higher but Lower than 0.17

• Classification: First-degree misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Minimum three days in jail
• Driver Intervention Program (DIP) up to six months
• License suspension up to three years
• Fines up to $1,075

First DUI in Six Years, BAC Higher than 0.17, and Refusal to Test

• Classification: First-degree misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Minimum six days in jail and three days in DIP
• Up to six months in jail
• License suspension up to three years
• Fines up to $1,075
• Compulsory yellow restricted license plate
• Mandatory installation of ignition interlock device

First OVUAC in One Year

• Classification: Fourth-degree misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Up to thirty days in jail
• Fine up to $250
• License suspension for two years

Second OVUAC in One Year

• Classification: Third-degree misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Up to sixty days in jail
• Fine up to $500
• License suspension for five years

Second DUI in Six Years, BAC 0.17 or Higher, and Refusal to Test

• Classification: First-degree misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Minimum twenty days in jail or ten days in jail plus thirty-six days under House Arrest with Electronic Monitoring (HAEM) and/or Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM)
• Up to six months in jail
• License suspension up to five years
• Mandatory yellow restricted license plate
• Installation of ignition interlock device (compulsory if alcohol-related, optional if drug-related)
• Prohibition to drive for ninety days
• Fines up to $1,625

Third DWI in Six Years, BAC 0.08 or Higher but Less than 0.17

• Classification: Unclassified misdemeanor
• Penalty:
• Minimum thirty days in jail or fifteen days in jail plus fifty-five days under HAEM and/or CAM
• Up to one year in jail
• License suspension up to ten years
• Mandatory yellow restricted license plate
• Installation of ignition interlock device (compulsory if alcohol-related, optional if drug-related)
• Fines up to $2,750
• Forfeiture of your vehicle

Facing such charges can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact the Youngstown Criminal Law Group to get the expert legal assistance you need. Our team is committed to defending your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait—reach out to us or call us today at (330) 992-3036 to discuss your case with a dedicated Warren OVI lawyer.