Ohio DUI Lawyers

If you are caught driving your car under the influence of alcohol, you will be charged with DUI/OVI. This serious charge can take a massive toll on your personal life and career. You risk losing your driving privileges—potentially for life—and facing significant professional setbacks.

Because the stakes are so high, it is essential to get in touch with legal professionals who can guide you through the complexities of the legal system. The goal is to get penalties reduced or, in some cases, have the charges dropped entirely. For this level of assistance, you need to come to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our experienced team will help you navigate the case so that you can deal with the consequences and resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Ohio DUI Laws

Under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4511.19, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Several conditions determine the severity of the charge, including the specific substance abuse involved and whether your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher at the time of the incident. If you find yourself in this situation, retaining a Youngstown criminal lawyer is a vital step in your defense.

There are multiple ways you can be charged with an OVI in Ohio:

• High BAC Limit: You will be charged if your BAC exceeds the legal limit during an accident or traffic stop. For general drivers, the limit is 0.08, while commercial vehicle drivers are restricted to a limit of 0.04.
• Impairment Without High BAC: You can be charged with a DUI even if your BAC does not exceed the legal limit. According to ORC 4506.01, police must prove that you consumed a drug, substance, or over-the-counter medication that impaired your judgment and reflexes.
• Dangerous Drugs: According to ORC 4729.01, certain dangerous drugs can potentially impair your judgment. Even if you hold a legal prescription for these drugs, using them while driving can lead to charges. Without a knowledgeable Youngstown DUI attorney, it can be difficult to build the best defense for your case in these circumstances.

These laws form the basis for most DUI charges, though other statutes may also apply depending on your specific situation.

Difference Between OVI and DUI

Clients often ask about the difference between these terms. Essentially, there is no basic difference; OVI and DUI are abbreviations for similar charges, but Ohio chooses to call the offense “Operating a Vehicle under the Influence” or OVI. The slight difference in these cases often lies in the burden of proof; the prosecutor must prove that the offender was actively impaired while driving. Dealing with these tricky legal nuances requires the help of an expert Youngstown criminal lawyer.

DUI Offenses Youngstown Criminal Law Group Handles

Our group handles a wide variety of cases in Mahoning County, including:

• First DUI Offense: This applies if you are charged with your first DUI case ever, or your first in 10 years. Charges apply if your BAC is over the limit or you are impaired by medication.
• Second DUI Offense: You face a second offense if you are charged within 10 years of your first. Punishment and fines are harsher, often involving more jail time.
• Third DUI Offense: This occurs when charged for the third time in 10 years. Consequences include imprisonment, high fines, and house arrest. You must also use yellow OVI plates after regaining your license.
• Physical Control Of Vehicle: Under ORC 4511.194, it is prohibited to be in the driver’s seat with the keys while impaired. This is a misdemeanor with lighter punishment than a moving violation. A Youngstown DUI attorney can help ensure your charges do not escalate.
• Under Age DUI or OVUAC: If you are under 21, you are prohibited from drinking in Ohio. If you are impaired by alcohol or prescribed drugs, you will need legal assistance.
• Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Homicide: If drunk driving results in an accident causing injury or death, it is a felony with severe penalties.

DUI Laws and Penalties

The penalties for DUI charges vary significantly based on the circumstances. Getting your charges dropped or reduced will require the intervention of a Youngstown criminal lawyer.

First DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• 3 days of imprisonment or completing a 72-hour certified driver intervention program.
• Up to 6 months imprisonment.
• Fines between $375 and $1,075.
• Driver’s license suspension for 3-6 years.
• Limited driving privileges after 15 days (optional).
• Alcohol education and treatment programs (optional).
• Yellow OVI license plate (optional).
• Ignition interlock device (optional).

First DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• 6 days in prison or completion of a 72-hour driver intervention program plus 3 days jail.
• Up to 6 months in jail.
• Financial penalties between $375 and $1,075.
• 6 months to 3 years driver’s license suspension.
• Yellow OVI license plate.
• Working with a Youngstown DUI attorney may help secure limited privileges after 15 days.

Second DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Between 10 days and 6 months in prison.
• Fines between $525 and $1,625.
• Probation.
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring.
• 1 to 5 years suspension of driver’s license.
• Limited driving privileges after 45 days.
• Yellow OVI license plates.
• Alcohol assessment, education, and treatment.

Second DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Between 20 days and 6 months in prison.
• Fines between $525 and $1,625.
• Probation.
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring.
• Immediate need for a Youngstown criminal lawyer to protect your rights.
• 1 to 5 years suspension of driver’s license.
• Yellow OVI license plates.
• Ignition interlock device.

Third DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Between 30 days and 1 year in prison.
• Fines between $850 and $2,750.
• Probation.
• House arrest and/or electronic monitoring.
• Vehicle forfeiture if the offender is the owner.
• Limited driving privileges after 180 days.
• Driver’s license suspension between 2 and 10 years.
• Yellow OVI plates.

Third DUI With a High BAC or Chemical Test Refusal (First Degree Misdemeanor)

• Between 60 days and 1 year in jail.
• Fines between $850 and $2,750.
• Probation.
• Vehicle forfeiture if the title is in your name.
• Representation by a Youngstown DUI attorney is critical at this stage.
• Limited driving privileges after 180 days.
• Driver’s license suspension between 2 and 10 years.
• Yellow OVI plates.

First Felony DUI (Fourth Degree Felony)

• Between 60 days to 30 months in prison.
• Fines between $1,350 and $10,500.
• Vehicle forfeiture if the title is in your name.
• Driver’s license suspension from 3 years to lifetime.
• Limited driving privileges after 3 years.
• Yellow OVI plates and Ignition interlock device.
• Alcohol and drug addiction program.

Second Felony DUI (Third Degree Felony)

• Between 60 days and 5 years in prison.
• Fines between $1,350 and $10,500.
• Vehicle forfeiture if the offender is the owner.
• Driver’s license suspension from 3 years to lifetime.
• Yellow OVI plates and Ignition interlock device.

Consult a Youngstown criminal lawyer at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. We will listen to your case diligently to offer you the best resolution for the situation. Call us today at 412.387.6901.