Ohio DUI Lawyers

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we fully understand the profound impact a DUI/OVI charge can have on your life and career. When caught driving under the influence of alcohol, the consequences can be severe, ranging from the loss of your driving privileges to significant setbacks in your professional endeavors.

That’s where our team of experienced Steubenville OH OVI lawyers comes in. We are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging process, working tirelessly to minimize penalties or even have the charges dismissed entirely. By taking swift action, we can help you navigate the legal complexities and address the consequences with utmost efficiency.

Ohio DUI Laws

According to the OHIO REVISED CODE (ORC) 4511.19, it is strictly prohibited to operate a vehicle while under the influence or intoxicated. Several factors are considered in these cases, including:

• Substance abuse, encompassing alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof
• A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.8 or higher at the time of the incident

In Ohio, OVI charges can be issued in various scenarios, including:

• Exceeding the BAC limit, which is 0.8 for general drivers and 0.4 for commercial vehicle drivers
• Facing charges even if your BAC does not surpass the legal limit. Under ORC 4506.01, the police must demonstrate that your judgment and reflexes were impaired by drugs or substances, including over-the-counter medications.
• The use of dangerous drugs, as defined in ORC 4729.01, can impair your judgment and reflexes, even if you have a legally prescribed medication. Building a robust defense for your case may prove to be challenging.

These are just the fundamental aspects of DUI laws that can be utilized when charging you. Numerous other DUI laws may have an impact on your case, underscoring the importance of consulting with an experienced Steubenville OH OVI lawyer.

Difference of OVI vs DUI

There seems to be some confusion surrounding the terms OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence). While both are abbreviations for similar charges, they actually refer to the same offense and vary in nomenclature depending on the state. In Ohio, this offense is referred to as OVI.

DUI Offences Youngstown Criminal Law Group Handles

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we specialize in handling a wide range of DUI cases in Steubenville, OH. When faced with these complex legal matters, it is essential to hire an expert and experienced Steubenville OH criminal lawyer who can guide you through the intricacies of the law.

Our team has extensive experience in dealing with various DUI offenses, including:

• First DUI Offense: If you are charged with your first DUI case within a 10-year period, we are here to help. We can assist you if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit or if impairments are caused by medications.

• Second DUI Offense: Dealing with a second DUI offense can be more challenging, as the penalties and fines are more severe. Longer jail sentences may also accompany this offense.

• Third DUI Offense: If you find yourself facing a third DUI charge within 10 years, the consequences can be even more severe. This may include imprisonment, substantial fines, house arrest, and the requirement to display a yellow OVI plate on your vehicle upon license reinstatement.

• Physical Control of Vehicle: Operating a vehicle while impaired is prohibited under ORC 4511.194. While considered a misdemeanor, the penalties are less severe compared to a first DUI offense.

• Underage DUI or OVUAC: In Ohio, drinking is strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 21. If you are found impaired due to prescribed drugs or alcohol, seeking the guidance of a lawyer is crucial.

• Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Homicide: If you are involved in an accident resulting in injury or death while driving under the influence, you could face felony charges with severe penalties.

DUI Laws and Penalties

The penalties for DUI charges may vary. To navigate through this legal matter and potentially have your charges dropped, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a Steubenville OH OVI lawyer.

First DUI(First Degree Misdemeanor)

• 3 days of imprisonment or completion of a 72-hour certified driver intervention program approved by a judge
• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Fines ranging from $375 to $1,075
• Driver’s license suspension for 3-6 years
• Optional limited driving privileges after 15 days from the initial charge
• Optional alcohol education and treatment programs
• Optional yellow OVI license plate
• Optional ignition interlock device

First DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Six days in prison or completion of a seventy-two-hour certified driver intervention program approved by a judge
• Up to six months in jail
• Financial penalties between $375 and $1,075
• Six-month to three-year driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory yellow OVI license plate
• Optional limited driving privileges after 15 days from the initial charge
• Optional alcohol education and treatment programs
• Optional ignition interlock device

Second DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Imprisonment ranging from ten days to six months
• Fines between $525 and $1,625
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• One to five years suspension of driver’s license
• Limited driving privileges after forty-five days from the initial charge
• Mandatory yellow OVI license plates
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment programs

Second DUI with a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Imprisonment: Between twenty days and six months
• Fines: Ranging from $525 to $1,625
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Driver’s license suspension: One to five years
• Limited driving privileges available after forty-five days from the initial charge
• Requirement for yellow OVI license plates
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

Third DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Imprisonment: Between thirty days and one year
• Fines: Ranging from $850 to $2,750
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Vehicle forfeiture if you’re the owner
• Limited driving privileges available after 180 days from the initial charge
• Driver’s license suspension: Two to ten years
• Requirement for yellow OVI license plates
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

Third DUI with a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Imprisonment: Between sixty days and one year
• Fines: Ranging from $850 to $2,750
• Probation
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring
• Vehicle forfeiture, if the title is in your name
• Limited driving privileges available after 180 days from the initial charge
• Driver’s license suspension: Two to ten years
• Requirement for yellow OVI license plates
• Mandatory alcohol assessment, education, and treatment
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

First Felony DUI (Fourth Degree Felony)

• Imprisonment: Between sixty days and thirty months
• Fines: Ranging from $1,350 to $10,500
• Vehicle forfeiture, if the title is in your name
• Driver’s license suspension: A minimum of three years, up to a lifetime
• Limited driving privileges available after three years
• Requirement for yellow OVI license plates
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Mandatory alcohol and drug addiction program

Second Felony DUI (Third Degree Felony)

• Imprisonment: Between sixty days and five years
• Fines: Ranging from $1,350 to $10,500
• Vehicle forfeiture if you’re the owner
• Driver’s license suspension: A minimum of three years, up to a lifetime
• Limited driving privileges available after three years
• Requirement for yellow OVI license plates
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Mandatory alcohol and drug addiction program

When it comes to your legal defense, trust the expertise of Steubenville OH Criminal Lawyer at Youngstown Criminal Law Group to fight for your rights. Contact us today to discuss your situation and schedule a free consultation. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way.