Charged with Ohio DUI? Find a qualified Ohio DUI Lawyer at MyDUIAttorney

Getting charged with a DUI offense in any state of America and having to face the consequences can be a challenge because a DUI case not handled properly can result in serious penalties and a criminal record that can put your future and your freedom at risk. To avoid this uncertainty and to get help in facing this challenge, you need to have maximum amount of information about DUI in Ohio and the penalties for it. Generally penalties for DUI can involve heavy fines, ignition interlock device, and license suspension and jail time of varying periods. Although, this website and many more on the internet can provide you with a lot of information on DUI and its laws in Ohio and although, it is a good idea to educate yourself as far as they are concerned but the facts of your case are unique and need to be dealt in that way. This is what only a qualified Ohio DUI lawyer can do; he or she will be experienced and knowledgeable about DUI laws in Ohio and consequences of DUI offenses of various types. That is why, the best advice for you in such a situation is to start searching for a DUI lawyer that suits you needs and to hire one as soon as possible.

In Ohio, Driving Under the Influence is also known as OVI that is, Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or OMVI (Operating a Motor vehicle while under the Influence). All of these terms, however, mean the same thing and have the same consequences. Also, these penalties can be strict involving jail time and heavy fines as well as alcohol education or evaluation programs. Therefore, you must know beforehand how the Ohio court proceedings happen and you must hire a DUI attorney to represent you in court. A general outline of the penalties involved with different types of DUI cases in Ohio are as follows:

First DUI Offense: The first DUI offense involves three to six months in jail however three days minimum is mandatory and can be substituted with three days in driver’s intervention program. A high blood test result or refusal to take one can result in a minimum mandatory six days in jail. This offense also involves $200 to $1000 in fines and license suspension of six months to three years.

Second DUI Offense: A second DUI offense involves minimum ten days of jail and mandatory minimum 20 days if the driver refuses to take the test. Fines of $525 to $1625 are involved. This offense can also involve 90 days of vehicle immobilization and license suspension of one to five years.

Third DUI Offense: If the driver commits a third DUI offense, the penalties involve jail stay of minimum mandatory 30 days and 60 days if the driver refuses to take the chemical or breath test. Fines of $850 to $2750 are involved as well as license suspension of two to ten years. The offender may also have to install an ignition interlock device after release and mandatory vehicle forfeiture.

Fourth and subsequent DUI Offense: A DUI offense committed for the fourth or subsequent time can result in jail time of minimum 60 days and maximum one year. If the driver refuses to get the test taken, he or she can have to face 120 days in jail to one year. Heavy fines of $800 up to $10,000 are usually involved and the court can suspend your driver’s license for three years or more and you can also face vehicle immobilization.

In most of the DUI cases in Ohio, the court can decide whether or not to install an ignition interlock device. However, for people with three or more prior DUI cases, ignition device installation is mandatory and usually this installation is required for drivers on probation. If the driver wishes to use the vehicle, he or she will have to take a breath test in order to start the vehicle; your Blood Alcohol Content should be less that 0.05. The ignition device also requires random breath samples throughout the drive to ensure the sobriety of the driver. You can consult with your legal attorney to find out more information about ignition interlock and its installation necessities depending upon your probation terms. You can discuss all your options concerning your penalties and limitations with your lawyer in order to get through your DUI case most effectively.

To fully understand the penalties associated with an Ohio DUI charge, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an Ohio DUI lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can knowledgeably represent you throughout your trial and court proceedings.  You can find an Ohio drunk driving attorney by typing in the city of your arrest above or call our 24 hour DUI hotline

Additional resources

• Ohio Department of Motor Vehicle
• Ohio State Bar Association