Ohio State DUI Laws
In Ohio, the term for operating a vehicle while under the influence is OVI. Most people still refer to the charge as a "DUI."
Who can be arrested for DUI in Ohio?
While the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for individuals over age 21 is 0.08% in Ohio, you may also be arrested for drunk driving if you have lesser amounts of alcohol in your blood if it impairs your physical or mental abilities or if you are under the age of 21. That means, according to Ohio state DUI laws, a Breathalyzer test, urine test or blood test is not necessary to convict you of DUI.
What happens when you are arrested for DUI in Ohio?
If you are arrested for drunk driving in Ohio, you will face two separate cases: one with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and one in a court of law. In most situations, the arresting officer will seize your license at the scene and you will lose driving privileges for 90 days to 5 years (depending on past offenses or refusal to take a BAC test). You have a right to an initial hearing within 5 working days. You may appeal your license suspension at the initial appearance or within 30 days of the same.
What are the penalties for an Ohio DUI conviction?
The legal penalties for being convicted of a DUI in Ohio are steep, and increase in severity with each offense. Penalties include:
- Jail
- Fines
- Court License Suspension
- Discretionary Driver’s Intervention Program
- Alcohol Treatment Program
- Vehicle Immobilization
- Vehicle Forfeiture
It is imperative to contact an Ohio DUI attorney as soon as you have been arrested in order to protect your rights. An experienced attorney should be able to explain how Ohio state DUI laws will impact you and be able to develop a defense on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Ohio DUI Attorney
I have been helping individuals fight serious criminal charges since 1999. In that time, I have learned that BAC tests are not always accurate, stops are not always legitimate and arrests are not always legal. When you contact me for help with a DUI arrest, I will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and carefully analyze the evidence against you. As my client, you can rest assured that you will not be passed off to a junior associate or an inexperienced attorney. I personally handle all of my cases and am committed to providing you with prompt, competent legal defense.
If you have been arrested for DUI and have questions about Ohio state DUI laws, contact me for a FREE CONSULTATION. Call me toll free at 866-334-6345 today!