Extreme DUI

In Ohio, driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal. However, when a driver’s BAC is significantly above this limit, they can face what is known as an “Extreme DUI,” which comes with much harsher penalties. These more severe charges are designed to reflect the increased danger posed by highly intoxicated drivers on the road.

Ohio law categorizes DUI offenses, also known as OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence), based on a driver’s BAC level at the time of the incident. The penalties assigned to these offenses become progressively more severe as the BAC level rises. A criminal lawyer can help you understand these classifications.

Ohio’s BAC Tiers and Associated Penalties

• Low-Tier OVI: A BAC reading between 0.08% and 0.169% falls into this category. Penalties for a first offense can include at least three days in jail (or a driver intervention program), fines ranging from $375 to $1,075, and a license suspension from one to three years. A Steubenville DUI attorney can help you navigate these penalties and explore options to reduce the impact on your driving privileges.
• High-Tier OVI: If a person’s BAC is 0.17% or higher, they face more severe “High-Tier” penalties. For a first offense, this includes a minimum of six days in jail, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and yellow “party plates” on their vehicle. Fines and license suspension periods are also typically higher. A knowledgeable Steubenville criminal lawyer can advise you on your rights and defend against the potential consequences associated with high-tier offenses.

Even more severe consequences apply if a driver’s drunk driving leads to an accident that causes injuries. In such cases, the penalties can escalate significantly, potentially leading to felony charges.

Enhanced Penalties for Extreme DUI Convictions

While most first-time OVI charges in Ohio are considered misdemeanors, certain factors can lead to enhanced penalties, especially in cases of extreme DUI. These enhancements are often determined by the driver’s history of prior offenses within a specific look-back period, which is typically ten years. Refusing a chemical test, like a breathalyzer or blood test, can also trigger mandatory sentence enhancements under Ohio’s implied consent law. A Steubenville DUI attorney can navigate these complex legal waters for you.

When determining a sentence, the court will carefully review any previous OVI convictions. A history of refusing a blood or breath test can lead to stricter penalties, including increased jail time and fines. For the prosecution to secure these enhanced penalties, they must prove the driver’s refusal. A prior OVI conviction automatically elevates the potential punishments for a new offense.

In recent years, Ohio has continued to enforce strict laws against repeat and high-BAC offenders. For instance, an individual with multiple OVI convictions faces increasingly severe charges, including the possibility of felony offenses for a fourth or subsequent OVI within ten years. Causing the death of another person while driving under the influence, especially with a prior OVI record, can result in very serious felony charges, such as aggravated vehicular homicide.

Furthermore, if someone causes a fatal accident while driving drunk with a suspended license or no license at all, they may face additional prison time. Similarly, committing aggravated assault while driving without a valid license can add extra years to a prison sentence.

It is vital to share all details of your case with your Steubenville criminal lawyer. They will explain the specific charges you are facing, review your legal options, and provide support throughout the entire criminal justice process.

Contact a DUI Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is facing a charge for an Extreme OVI in or around Steubenville, it is crucial to get help from an experienced DUI attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team serves Steubenville and surrounding communities in Ohio and West Virginia. To schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Steubenville DUI attorney from Logue Law Group, call us today at 844.PITT.DUI or contact us online.

Act now! The longer you wait to secure legal representation, the more difficult it can be for an attorney to build a strong defense and achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Don’t delay— make the call today