Consequences of a First-Time DUI

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) comes with serious consequences that vary based on several factors. Key considerations include your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether any drugs, either prescription or illegal, were found in your system. To effectively handle this complex situation, it is essential to get help from a skilled criminal attorney.

Understanding Ohio’s DUI Tiers

Ohio law classifies DUI offenses into different tiers, which dictate the specific penalties and fines for a first-time conviction. These tiers are generally based on your BAC level at the time of the arrest. If you are facing a DUI charge, consulting an experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you understand the potential consequences and explore your legal options.

Tier 3: Highest BAC DUI

If you are arrested with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 percent or higher, your case will fall into the most severe category, Tier 3. This BAC level is double the legal limit in Ohio. A first-time DUI can also be elevated to Tier 3 if you refuse to take a blood, breath, or urine test, or if illegal narcotics or certain prescription medications are present in your system. A knowledgeable Steubenville DUI attorney can help you understand the specifics of your case.

For a first-time Tier 3 offense, the penalties can be severe and may include:

• Fines ranging from $1,500 to $5,000
• A jail sentence between three days and six months
• Mandatory community service, which varies by county
• A required alcohol evaluation interview (CRN) and safe driving classes
• A one-year suspension of your driver’s license

Tier 2: High BAC DUI

If your BAC for a first-time DUI is between 0.10 and 0.159 percent, it is classified as a Tier 2, or “High,” DUI. The penalties for a Tier 2 conviction include:

• A jail sentence from two days up to six months
• A driver’s license suspension for one year

When charged with a Tier 2 or Tier 3 DUI, the potential license suspension can have a significant impact on your life. This is why it is so important to hire an assertive Steubenville criminal lawyer. An experienced attorney can provide many advantages, such as helping you enroll in a diversion program to potentially reduce your license suspension period. Depending on the specifics of your case, they might even help you avoid a suspension altogether.

Tier 1: General Impairment DUI

A Tier 1 DUI, also known as a General Impairment DUI, is the least severe offense. This applies when your BAC is between the legal limit of 0.08 percent and 0.099 percent. For first-time offenders in this tier, there are typically no jail time or license suspension penalties.

Ohio’s First Offender Program

Ohio offers diversion programs, like the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), which serve as an alternative to traditional punishment for first-time DUI offenders. These programs focus on rehabilitation. Successfully completing a first offender program can lead to the charges being dropped and may allow you to have the DUI arrest expunged from your criminal record.

To be eligible for an ARD program, you generally must:

• Have no previous DUI convictions.
• Have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration at the time of the arrest.
• Not have been involved in an accident connected to the DUI.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a first-time DUI, it’s crucial to get legal help from a skilled Steubenville DUI attorney who specializes in DUI law and defenses. The Logue Criminal Defense team has helped countless clients navigate their DUI charges and can provide expert guidance. We serve the Steubenville area, as well as West Virginia, and offer a free initial consultation. Contact us today at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website to learn more.