DUI / OVI Penalties

OVI/DUI Penalties May Include Loss of Driving Privileges and Fines

If you have been arrested for OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence), DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), you face serious criminal consequences. At minimum, you may lose your driving privileges and have to pay a fine. The most serious offenses may result in incarceration. Additionally, you face social DUI consequences, such as loss of employment and a tarnished reputation.

Some of the penalties for DUI/OVI conviction include:

Administrative License Suspension Terms For OVI DUI Offenses

(Refusal to take a Breathalyzer test or submit to a request for a urine or blood test)

No. of Refusals in Last 6 YearsLength of SuspensionDriving PrivilegesRestricted PlatesImmobilizing or Disabling Device
1st1 yearafter 30 daysOptionaloptional
2nd2 yearsafter 90 daysOptionaloptional
3rd3 yearsafter 1 yearOptionaloptional
4th or more5 yearsafter 3 yearsOptionaloptional

Failure of Breathalyzer Test Chemical Test – Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.191(C)

No. of Convictions in Last 6 YearsLength of SuspensionDriving PrivilegesRestricted PlatesImmobilizing or Disabling Device
1st90 daysafter 15 daysOptionaloptional
2nd1 yearafter 45 daysOptionaloptional
3rd2 yearsafter 180 daysOptionalRequired Alcohol Opt Drugs
4th or more3 yearsafter 3 yearsOptionalRequired Alcohol Opt Drugs
Opt Drugs

DUI OVI Penalties – Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19

No. of OffenseIncarcerationFineLicense SuspensionDriving Privileges
1st in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge3 days jail and/or intervention program up to 6 months jail$375-$1075180 days-3 yearsafter 15 days
1st in 6 years and low alcohol test or refusal w/ prior in 20 years6 days jail or 3 days jail & 3 days intervention program up to 6 months in jail$375-$1075180 days-3 yearsafter 15 days
2nd in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge10 days jail or 5 days jail & 18 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months in jail$525-$16251-5 yearsafter 45 days
2nd in 6 years and either high alc. or refusal w/ prior in 20 years20 days jail or 10 days jail & 36 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months in jail$525-$16251-5 yearsafter 45 days
3rd in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge30 days jail or 15 days jail & 55 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 1 year in jail$850-$27502-10 yearsafter 180 days
3rd in 6 years and either high alc. or refusal w/ prior in 20 years60 days jail or 30 days jail & 110 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months$850-$27502-10 yearsafter 180 days disable device required for days 181-365

Contact An Ohio Defense Attorney To Minimize DUI Penalties

If you have been arrested for drinking and driving, you could lose your driving privileges, your reputation and your freedom. I am Michael S. Probst, a former prosecutor and skilled criminal defense lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. I will aggressively defend you to protect your rights and minimize the DUI consequences you face. Contact my Columbus OVI defense law firm, Probst Law Office, Inc., online or at 614-232-8890 to schedule a free consultation.