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Felony DUI/OVI Charges

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Defense of Felony DUI/OVI Charges

In Ohio, a person may be charged with felony DUI/OVI if:

  • This is his or her fourth or fifth DUI/OVI within six years.
  • This is his or her sixth DUI/OVI within 20 years.
  • He or she has a prior felony DUI/OVI conviction.
The penalties for a felony DUI/OVI are harsh, and they include driver’s license revocation, vehicle forfeiture, prison time, mandatory treatment programs and more. Do not take a DUI felony charge lightly! You need an experienced defense attorney who can minimize the consequences you face as much as possible.

EXPERIENCED COLUMBUS FELONY DUI LAWYER

My name is Michael S. Probst, and I am a Columbus DUI/OVI defense lawyer with more than 13 years of professional legal experience. As a former prosecutor, I understand what is required to obtain a felony DUI conviction and will use this insight to your advantage. You can count on me to prepare a strong defense designed to obtain the best possible outcome in your felony drunk driving case.

Drinking And Driving Defense Tailored To Meet Your Needs
I understand that some clients want to fight their DUI felony charges at trial and other clients simply want a fair plea agreement that will limit their exposure to adverse penalties. I will take the time necessary to understand and implement your goals and objectives. Additionally, I will do everything I can to protect your driving privileges. While you may have your license suspended, I will work to get it reinstated on a limited basis as soon as possible so you can drive to work, pick up your children at school, and get to other court-approved places.

Getting You the Help You Need

If you are facing felony DUI/OVI charges, chances are that you have a deeper issue than a tendency to drink and drive. If convicted, you will be required to attend an alcohol treatment program to address your potential problem. I will assist you in getting the help you need. I believe that everyone deserves a chance.

Contact Probst Law Office, Inc.

If you have been charged with a felony DUI/OVI, skilled Columbus felony DUI attorney Michael Probst can help protect your rights and freedom. Contact my law office in Columbus online or call me at 614-232-8890 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Felony DUI/OVI in Ohio

In Ohio, a DUI/OVI is typically elevated to a felony if:

  • You have three or more prior OVI convictions within the last 10 years.
  • You have five or more prior OVI convictions within the last 20 years.
  • You have a previous felony OVI conviction on your record.
  • The incident resulted in serious physical harm or death to another person (Aggravated Vehicular Assault or Homicide).

A felony OVI is a grave offense with life-altering consequences, including:

  • Mandatory Prison Time: Sentences can range from 60 days to several years depending on the level of the felony (Fourth or Third Degree).
  • Heavy Fines: Financial penalties can range from $1,350 to over $10,000.
  • License Suspension: You may face a Class 2 suspension (3 years to life) or even a permanent revocation.
  • Vehicle Forfeiture: The court may order the criminal forfeiture of the vehicle you were driving at the time of the offense.
  • Permanent Criminal Record: Felony convictions cannot typically be expunged in Ohio, affecting your future employment and civil rights.

While challenging, it is possible. A skilled attorney like Michael Probst reviews the prosecution’s evidence—such as the legality of the initial traffic stop and the accuracy of chemical tests—to identify weaknesses. If the evidence is flawed, it may lead to a reduction of charges or even a dismissal.

Yes. When you are facing felony charges, the state’s goal is a conviction with maximum penalties. Because of his background as a former assistant prosecutor, Michael Probst understands how the state builds its case and can provide the aggressive defense necessary to protect your freedom.

Every case is unique. Some are resolved through strategic negotiations to limit penalties, while others require a full trial to fight for an acquittal. At Probst Law Office, we prepare every case as if it is heading to trial to ensure you are in the strongest possible position.

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