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DUI Penalties
In Steubenville, as in the rest of the United States, driving under the influence (DUI) is treated as a serious offense by the courts. Ohio employs a structured system with specific guidelines for punishing DUI convictions. This guide will detail the penalties for a DUI and explain how they might impact you.
If you are found driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of .08, you will be automatically charged with driving under the influence. It is crucial to be aware of the potential repercussions of such a charge.
A DUI conviction can have a major effect on your ability to get and keep different kinds of insurance, such as auto, health, life, and disability coverage. Insurance companies often respond to DUI convictions by raising premiums or, in some cases, canceling policies entirely. A skilled Steubenville DUI attorney can provide guidance on these matters.
Ohio DUI Penalties
The state of Ohio has established strict penalties for DUI offenses. The table below outlines these consequences. If you are arrested in Ohio, it’s important to have strong legal representation. Attorney Sean Logue and his team are prepared to defend your case with diligence and expertise.
You shouldn’t have to face the complexities of DUI penalties on your own. For professional advice and dedicated legal support, contact Steubenville criminal lawyer today.
| Prior DUIs | Penalties – .08 to .099 percent BAC, or undetermined BAC | Penalties – .10 to .159 percent BAC | Penalties – .16 percent or greater BAC |
| None | Up to six months of probation; $300 fine; required attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential for substance abuse treatment. | One-year license suspension; two days to six months in prison; $500 to $5,000 fine; mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential for substance abuse treatment. | One-year license suspension; three days to six months in prison; $1,000 to $5,000 fine; mandatory attendance at an alcohol highway safety school, and potential for substance abuse treatment. |
| One | One-year license suspension; five days to six months in jail; fines from $300 to $2,500; attendance at an alcohol highway safety school; potential substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. | One-year license suspension; 30 days to six months in prison; fines from $750 to $5,000; attendance at an alcohol highway safety school; potential substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. | First-degree misdemeanor. 18-month license suspension; three months to five years in prison; fines from $1,500 to $10,000; attendance at an alcohol highway safety school; potential substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. |
| Two or more | One-year license suspension; 10 days to two years in prison; $500-$5,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; three months to five years in prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock. | 18-month license suspension; one to five years in prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock. |
| Three or more | One-year license suspension; 10 days to two years in prison; $500-$5,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. | 18-month license suspension; one to five years in prison; $1,500-$10,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. | 18-month license suspension; one to five years in prison; $2,500-$10,000 fine; possible substance abuse treatment; and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. |
Recent legal updates have intensified the consequences for repeat offenders. A third DUI offense where the driver has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.16 percent or higher is now classified as a felony. This change means that a conviction will result in much harsher penalties. A qualified Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you understand these changes.
Under the current law, a fourth DUI, no matter the BAC level, is also charged as a felony.
Furthermore, the legislation has increased the penalties for DUI incidents that result in a fatality. A driver found responsible for a fatal accident who is also driving with a suspended license or without a license at all will face an additional five years in prison. Similarly, individuals convicted of aggravated assault while driving on a suspended license will now serve an extra two years of jail time. A dedicated Steubenville criminal lawyer can analyze your situation, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights in these serious cases.
Drunk Driving Defense
If you need dependable and effective legal help for a drunk driving charge, reach out to Logue Law Group online or call (844) PITT-DUI for a no-cost consultation with a knowledgeable Steubenville DUI attorney. Our dedicated team will manage your case with care, working to prevent or minimize any DUI penalties you may face.
Serving Steubenville and surrounding areas in Ohio, Sean Logue and the legal team at Logue Law Group are committed to delivering outstanding legal services.
DUI Consequences
A DUI conviction leads to a wide range of consequences that go far beyond legal penalties. The specific repercussions depend on several factors, including your profession, whether you hold professional licenses (like a Commercial Driver’s License), and the attitudes of your personal and professional contacts.
One of the most significant ways a DUI charge can affect your life is through your employment. For certain jobs, such as professional truck driving or other CDL-required roles, a DUI conviction can result in the permanent loss of your commercial driver’s license and, consequently, your livelihood. Finding a new job after serving jail time and completing a license suspension becomes extremely difficult with a DUI on your criminal record. The financial burden of paying bills and supporting a family adds to this challenging situation. A Steubenville criminal lawyer can offer support during this time.
Your car insurance provider is always notified of a DUI conviction, which results in higher insurance rates. The amount your premiums increase depends on how many prior convictions you have. If you receive a third DUI conviction within a ten-year period, your insurance costs could become so high that you can no longer afford to drive.
Of course, a DUI conviction leads to a suspended driver’s license, creating major disruptions for you and your family. Getting to work— assuming you can keep your job or find a new one—becomes a daily challenge. Transporting children to school, activities, or appointments becomes impractical. Even basic errands like grocery shopping are suddenly much more complicated. Working with a Steubenville DUI attorney is essential to navigate these issues.
Lost time is another major consequence of a DUI conviction. You might be ordered to perform community service, attend safe driving courses, and undergo drug and alcohol assessments. Sentences of jail or state prison are also possible outcomes. Every hour you spend fulfilling court-ordered requirements is an hour you can never get back. This permanent loss serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence— one that a skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you minimize through effective legal representation.
From a legal standpoint, the severity of the consequences depends on the level of impairment and your prior record. Jail sentences can range from as short as five days to as long as five years. Fines can be anywhere from $500 to a steep $10,000. Additionally, driver’s license suspensions can last from 30 days up to 18 months.
The web of DUI consequences presents many difficulties. Being aware of the potential outcomes should encourage responsible choices and help you avoid the severe repercussions that come with driving under the influence.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI, it is vital to retain the services of a respected Steubenville DUI attorney. At Logue Criminal Defense, we have managed hundreds of DUI cases with circumstances similar to yours. Our experienced team proudly serves Steubenville and other communities in Ohio. You can arrange a free initial consultation by calling us at (844) PITT-DUI or by contacting us online. We are ready to guide you through this difficult period.