Drunk Driving Penalties in Columbus Ohio

The sentences, fines and penalties for DUI in Columbus Ohio are tough and vary widely depending on how many offenses you may have been convicted of, your blood alcohol content, and whether or not you refused to submit to a sobriety test.

Your first offense could result in an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for a prohibited Blood Alcohol Concentration, a minimum of 3 consecutive days in jail, fines up to $1,000 and a Court License Suspension for up to 3 years.

A second offense can get you even more jail time, a 2-year license suspension if you refuse testing, vehicle immobilization and license plates impounded for 90 days, heftier fines, and a Court License suspension of up to 5 years.

Your third offense could result in a 3-year ALS, a year in jail, vehicle immobilization and impounded plates for 180 days, fines up to $2,500 and a Court License Suspension of up to 10 years.

At four or more offenses, your fines could be up to $10,000. You will have to complete drug and alcohol treatment (that you must pay for), spend up to one year in jail, and face mandatory vehicle forfeiture. Court License Suspensions for four or more DUI offenses range from three years to PERMANENT loss of your license.

These are general provisions. Each city within Ohio has its own code and penalty provisions. The Ohio State legislature has made many changes of late, and continues to make changes regularly. The lawyers at Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. stay on top of these changes and consistently review the legislative enactments for issues that affect the OVI practice.

The Columbus Ohio DUI defense attorneys at Yavitch & Palmer are experienced with the scientific and legal procedures for proving DUI and DWI charges, and are dedicated to achieving positive results for all clients.

By Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A | Posted on February 12, 2009

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FAQs

Q: What kinds of crimes go to trial?

Answer

Any case can go to trial. Although we often see the most serious matters in trial, that is not always the case. Sometimes the more serious offenses carry the risk of greater consequences. We commonly have trials on all matters, including OVI, traffic, and complex criminal cases.

Q: How likely is it my case will go to trial?

Answer

Trials are rare, with just 2.5% of Ohio criminal cases in common pleas court going to trial in 2012. Most cases resolve by plea negotiations. However, every case is unique and you need a lawyer to help you figure out all your available options.

Q: What’s the difference between a civil law and a criminal law?

Answer

Civil law deal with disputes between individuals, organizations or both. Yavitch & Palmer deals with criminal law— crimes and legal punishments of criminal offenses, like assault, robbery, drug trafficking and much more.