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 Years | Length of Suspension | Driving Privileges | Restricted Plates | Immobilizing or Disabling Device |
| 1st | 1 year | after 30 days | Optional | optional |
| 2nd | 2 years | after 90 days | Optional | optional |
| 3rd | 3 years | after 1 year | Optional | optional |
| 4th or more | 5 years | after 3 years | Optional | optional |
| No. of Convictions in Last 6 Years | Length of Suspension | Driving Privileges | Restricted Plates | Immobilizing or Disabling Device |
| 1st | 90 days | after 15 days | Optional | optional |
| 2nd | 1 year | after 45 days | Optional | optional |
| 3rd | 2 years | after 180 days | Optional | Required Alcohol Opt Drugs |
| 4th or more | 3 years | after 3 years | Optional | Required Alcohol Opt Drugs |
| Opt Drugs |
| No. of Offense | Incarceration | Fine | License Suspension | Driving Privileges |
| 1st in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge | 3 days jail and/or intervention program up to 6 months jail | $375-$1075 | 180 days-3 years | after 15 days |
| 1st in 6 years and low alcohol test or refusal w/ prior in 20 years | 6 days jail or 3 days jail & 3 days intervention program up to 6 months in jail | $375-$1075 | 180 days-3 years | after 15 days |
| 2nd in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge | 10 days jail or 5 days jail & 18 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months in jail | $525-$1625 | 1-5 years | after 45 days |
| 2nd in 6 years and either high alc. or refusal w/ prior in 20 years | 20 days jail or 10 days jail & 36 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months in jail | $525-$1625 | 1-5 years | after 45 days |
| 3rd in 6 years and low alcohol test or drug charge | 30 days jail or 15 days jail & 55 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 1 year in jail | $850-$2750 | 2-10 years | after 180 days |
| 3rd in 6 years and either high alc. or refusal w/ prior in 20 years | 60 days jail or 30 days jail & 110 days house arrest and/or monitoring up to 6 months | $850-$2750 | 2-10 years | after 180 days disable device required for days 181-365 |
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.
