OVI Laws and Penalties in Warren, Trumbull County,Ohio
Facing an OVI charge in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio? Hiring a knowledgeable Warren OVI lawyer like Sean Logue should be your top priority. Navigating OVI laws can be complex, but with the right representation, you have a chance for your charges to be reduced or even dismissed. An experienced Warren criminal attorney can guide you through what to expect and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Understanding Ohio’s OVI Laws
First OVI
A first OVI offense is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties include:
- Jail Term: Up to six months, with the possibility of serving only three days in a state-certified driver intervention program.
- License Suspension: 6 months to 3 years.
- Fines: $375 to $1,075.
- Optional Penalties:
- “Party” plates (yellow license plates for those with OVI convictions)
- Ignition interlock device
- Limited driving privileges
- Alcohol treatment and education programs
First OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal
This charge also falls under a first-degree misdemeanor but comes with mandatory “party” plates in addition to the penalties for a standard first OVI.
Second OVI
A second OVI is likewise a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties that include:
- Fines: $525 to $1,625
- Jail Sentence: 10 days to 6 months
- License Suspension: 1 to 5 years
- Additional Penalties:
- Probation
- Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
- “Party” plates
- Limited driving privileges after 45 days
- Possible house arrest or electronic monitoring
Second OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal
This first-degree misdemeanor includes penalties such as:
- Ignition interlock device
- “Party” plates
- House arrest
- Fines: $525 to $1,625
- Jail Sentence: 20 days to 6 months
- License Suspension: 1 to 5 years
- Alcohol education, treatment, and assessment
- Limited driving privileges
Third OVI
A third OVI is still a first-degree misdemeanor but involves stiffer penalties:
- Fines: $850 to $2,750
- Jail Sentence: 30 days to 1 year
- License Suspension: 2 to 10 years
- Additional Penalties:
- Vehicle forfeiture if titled in your name
- Probation
- “Party” plates
- Limited driving privileges after 180 days
- Electronic monitoring or house arrest
- Ignition interlock device
- Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
Third OVI with High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal
This charge, a first-degree misdemeanor, entails penalties similar to a regular third OVI but with longer jail sentences ranging from 60 days to a year.
First Felony OVI
A fourth-degree felony, carrying severe consequences:
- Prison Term: 2 months to 2.5 years
- Fines: $1,350 to $10,500
- Additional Penalties:
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Limited driving privileges after 3 years
- License suspension for 3 years to life
- Alcohol and drug addiction program
- “Party” plates
- Ignition interlock device
Second Felony OVI
Charged as a third-degree felony, with penalties similar to a first felony OVI but featuring a longer prison term of 2 months to 5 years.
You don’t have to face an OVI charge by yourself! Contact us today or call (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation.
Understanding and navigating the complexities of Ohio’s OVI laws, particularly under the Ohio Revised Code, can be daunting. Make sure you have the right legal support to guide you through the process and protect your rights.