Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Partner Group Photo
Choose A Team Of
Award-Winning Attorneys
  1. Home
  2.  | 
  3. OVI/DUI Defense
  4.  | DUI Penalties

DUI Penalties in Ohio

Get Help From Top OVI Defense Attorneys In Columbus

If you have been accused of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) or driving under the influence (DUI) in Ohio, you need to know that the consequences could result in legal penalties that are more serious than the embarrassment and humiliation that many experience after an arrest. DUI convictions are serious business. Being convicted of an OVI offense can have a serious impact on your life.

Penalties required by law include mandatory jail time or a 72-hour alcohol intervention program for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face costly fines, and high-test offenders could be subject to special, restricted license plates. In extreme cases, drivers may be sentenced to forfeit their vehicles.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we are serious about representing our clients after an OVI arrest. Do not risk lengthy jail time sentences, expensive fines, or license suspension; we prepare extensively in order to achieve the best possible resolution for you. If you have been arrested for drunk driving, call a Columbus OVI attorney from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. immediately.

First OVI Penalties

First-time offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree. First offenses are generally classified as simple OVI offenses. Penalties could include the following:

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Fines up to $1,075
  • License suspension for up to 3 years
  • Potential restricted license plates or ignition interlock device

Second OVI Penalties

A second OVI offense is typically penalized as a misdemeanor of the first degree. Second-time offenders can be convicted of a second offense within six years of a prior OVI conviction. Penalties can include any or all of the following:

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • Fines up to $1,625
  • Alcohol / drug assessment
  • Mandatory alcohol / drug treatment program attendance
  • License suspension for up to 5 years
  • Required restricted license plates
  • Ignition interlock device required if case is alcohol related
  • 90-day vehicle immobilization

Third OVI Penalties

A third OVI offense is typically penalized as an unclassified misdemeanor. Third-time offenders can be convicted of a third offense within six years of the two prior OVI convictions. Penalties can include any or all of the following:

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Fines up to $2,750
  • Mandatory alcohol /drug addiction program attendance
  • License suspension for up to 10 years
  • Required restricted license plates
  • Ignition interlock device required for alcohol-related cases
  • Vehicle forfeiture

Fourth OVI Penalties & Subsequent Offenses

A fourth OVI offense is typically penalized as a felony DUI of the fourth degree. You can be charged with a felony if you are convicted within six years of a prior OVI conviction. Penalties can include any or all of the following:

  • 60 days local incarceration
  • Up to 1 year in prison with option of additional 6 to 30 months
  • Fines up to $10,500
  • Mandatory alcohol /drug addiction program attendance
  • License suspension from 3 years to life
  • Required restricted license plates
  • Ignition interlock device required for alcohol-related cases
  • Vehicle forfeiture

Penalties for Subsequent Offenses

Felony offenses for multiple OVI charges could lead to serious penalties. Any subsequent offenses after a fourth offense could result in penalties, including up to 5 years in prison, up to $10,500 in fines, vehicle forfeiture, and license suspension for life. In addition, there are non-legal penalties such as professional licensure problems, higher insurance rates, lost income due to court appearances and sentencing obligations, and towing and storage fees. Convicted persons typically must rely on public transportation and face strained relationships or possible loss of employment.

OVI Penalties Questions & Answers

1. I have never been in trouble before. What will happen if I just enter a “guilty” plea to my OVI?

There are certain mandatory penalties that a judge must levy against you if you are found guilty of a first offense OVI. First, you will have to complete a 72 hour driver intervention program. This is an intensive drug and alcohol counseling program usually held from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. You will be required to pay for the program and you are not permitted to leave the facility during your stay.

Secondly, your license will be suspended for a minimum of six months. You may apply for occupational and educational driving privileges during the course of this suspension. You will also have to pay a fine of at least $375 and six points will be placed against your driver’s license. While these are penalties are the mandatory minimum a judge must impose, a judge can technically sentence you to up to six months in jail and a $1000 fine for an OVI conviction.

2. My license suspension is over. How do I get my license back?

Be sure to pay your reinstatement fee either prior too or on the date your suspension expires. The reinstatement fee for a first offense OVI is $475.00. Failure to timely pay your reinstatement fee could result in a No Operator’s License or Driving Under Suspension charge. Remember that any occupational driving privileges you received expire on the date you are permitted to reinstate your license.

If you do not have the money to pay your entire reinstatement fee at once, you can set up a reinstatement fee payment plan with the BMV so that you can begin driving while making monthly payments toward your fee.

3. My case is officially over. Can I get this OVI conviction off my record?

Unfortunately, no. Generally speaking, sex offenses, offenses of violence, traffic offenses such as OVI, and offenses involving a victim under the age of 18 CANNOT be sealed. Ohio Rev. Code §2953.36 outlines the exceptions to Ohio’s expungement law. So, while the six points on your license will drop off after two years, an OVI conviction will stay on your record forever.

Columbus DUI Lawyer Defends Your Driving Privileges

No matter what charges you may be facing, it will be crucial to have a competent, qualified Columbus OVI attorney by your side. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., attorney Jon Saia is an active member of the National College of DUI Defense and has been included in the Best Lawyers® listing of Best Lawyers in America.

We will not be afraid to take your case before a jury! No matter how complex you think your case is, we can utilize our knowledge and experience to your benefit. You can rest assured that from the moment you retain our firm, your rights will be protected every step of the way. Living with a DUI conviction could have long-lasting effects on your life. You need an aggressive attorney who concentrates on defending clients accused of drunk driving cases.

Contact The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.. to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable trial attorneys today. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There’s nothing to lose but time, so call us now! We proudly serve areas throughout Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cincinnati and Dayton.