The State of Ohio has some strict regulations when you choose to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal to drive in Ohio with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or above. If you drive commercial vehicles or you are an underage driver, you will have a lower measurement that you are under when you are driving. An OVI or operating a vehicle while intoxicated is something that you will affect not only your freedom, but also your financial state.
First Offense OVI
A first offense OVI/DUI conviction will mean that you will lose your license for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending upon the circumstances. A minimum incarceration period of three days is mandated for a first offense and this time can be increased to six months. If your BAC is .17 or above, this time can increase to a mandatory six days. Fines of $250 to $1000 will be necessary for your first offense and this amount will not include reinstatement fees, sentencing costs, and more.
Second Offense OVI
A second offense OVI within a period of six years will result in a license suspension of one to five years, with your vehicle possibly being immobilized for a period of at least 90 days during this period. A minimum jail sentence of 10 days is going to be in your future and if your BAC is at the higher level, it will be increased to 20 days. Electric home monitoring for a period of 18 days to 6 months will be mandated after you have served your jail sentence. Fines will range from $350 to $1500, not including court fees, costs associated with your sentencing, including driver intervention program costs, and any reinstatement fees to get your license reinstated.
Third Offense OVI
A third OVI conviction will result in you losing your license for 1 to 10 years. Jail sentencing will be a minimum of 30 days and this amount can increase depending upon your BAC. Mandatory Electronic Home Monitoring may be mandated as well. Mandatory Alcohol Treatment will be essential, as will six months vehicle immobilization. Fees of $350 to $1000 will be mandated, as will other costs that are associated with court fees, sentencing costs, and reinstatement fees.
Fourth Offense OVI
A fourth OVI conviction will be a felony charge. You can lose your license for anywhere from three years to permanently, depending upon the circumstances that are around your conviction. A jail sentence of 60 days to one year will severely restrict your freedom and after your sentence is served, this is when your license suspension will begin. Fines of $800 to $10,000 will be required as part of your sentencing and this will not include the costs of reinstating your license, mandatory alcohol treatment, court fees, lawyer fees, and more. As you can see, you will be responsible for many costs when you make the choice to drink and drive.
When you make the choice to drink and drive, you are going to be facing some very strict and severe penalties and punishments. From jail time to license suspension to drug/alcohol treatment to fines of differing amounts, you will find that an OVI will severely affect your life. A lawyer can help you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are taken care of and that you will get the guidance and advice that you need. While this will not get you out of punishment, it will help you to get the fairest sentencing possible to help decrease the effect on your life now and in the future.