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License Suspension Lawyers

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In Ohio, there are two types of license suspensions you may face for OVI charges. There is an administrative license suspension (ALS) and court suspension. The court suspension will result as part of the sentencing you face if found guilty of OVI or DUI. However, ALS is a separate sentence that is imposed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles after anALS hearing. If a person refuses to take a chemical test or the results are over the legal limit, they will immediately receive an ALS, regardless of the criminal proceedings.

How long will my license be suspended?

While every case is different and a suspension will depend on the varying factors in an OVI conviction or case, there are some general guidelines that the court follows. Similarly, an ALS is determined by the factors involved in a case, including previous offenses, which means the penalties are subject to change over time.

Typically, you face the following for an administrative license suspension:

  • 1 st offense: For a refusal, you will face a 1 year suspension and 30 day waiting period to receive driving privileges back. For a test failure, you will have a 90 day suspension and a 15 day waiting period.
  • 2 nd offense: For a refusal, you will face a 2 year suspension and 90 day waiting period. For a test failure, you will have a 1 year suspension and a 45 day waiting period.
  • 3 rd offense: For a refusal, you will face a 3 year suspension and 1 year waiting period to receive driving privileges back if found not guilty. For a test failure, you will have a 2 year suspension and a 180 day waiting period.
  • 4 th or subsequent offense: For a refusal, you will face a 5 year suspension and 3 year waiting period to receive driving privileges back. For a test failure, you will have a 3 year suspension and a 3 year waiting period if found not guilty.

When it comes to court suspensions, it is usually stricter. For example:

  • 1 st offense: Your license will be suspended for 6 months to 3 years, with a 15 day waiting period for driving privileges.
  • 2 nd offense: Your license will be suspended for 1 to 5 years, with a 45 day waiting period for driving privileges.
  • 3 rd offense: Your license will be suspended for 2 to 10 years, with a 180 day waiting period for driving privileges.
  • 4 th or subsequent offense: Your license will be suspended for 3 years to life, with a 3 year waiting period for driving privileges.

If there are aggravating factors in your case, such as a minor in the vehicle or an extremely high BAC, you may face even more severe license penalties.

Know Your Options and Fight for Your License

These cases can be very complex and require counsel from a qualified attorney who understands the cross over between criminal law and administrative hearings. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., our Columbus OVI lawyers are highly experienced in handling license suspension cases.

Attorney Saia is a member of the National College of DUI Defense and is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in field sobriety tests. Our experienced defense team has a strong understanding of OVI laws and can represent you at your ALS hearing. To find out how we can help you fight your license suspension, schedule a free consultation today!