Ohio DUI Laws

In addition to the usual punishments used in other states, Ohio adds the options of house arrest and vehicle forfeiture for drunk driving. There is also an automatic administrative suspension of driving privileges separate from any such suspension ordered by the court.

In Ohio, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher constitutes operating a vehicle intoxicated (OVI). Minimum jail time included with OVI convictions is doubled for BAC above 0.17 percent.

Intervention Program May Substitute for Minimum Jail Time

Punishment for a first OVI conviction includes a fine of $250 to $1,000 and jail time of from three days to six months. For a three-day sentence, the court may substitute participation in a three-day driver intervention program, at the offender's expense.

There is also an administrative license suspension (ALS) of 90 days, in addition to any court-ordered suspension, which could be from six months to three years. A fee of $450 is charged for reinstating driving privileges.

A second OVI conviction brings a fine of $350 to $1,500 and jail time of from 10 days to six months. After 18 days, time may be spent under electronically monitored house arrest. ALS can be up to a year. The additional court-ordered suspension can be from one to six years. The court also has the option of ordering the offender's vehicle immobilized for up to 90 days.

Third Conviction Driving Suspension Could Be 13 Years

With a third OVI conviction, the fine is $500 to $2,500, minimum jail time is 30 days, and the maximum goes up to one year, possibly using electronic house arrest. ALS can be up to three years, and court-ordered suspension can be from two to ten years. Vehicle immobilization can be up to 180 days.

Vehicle forfeiture may be ordered for a fourth OVI conviction, along with classification as a felon.

If you've been arrested for OWI in Ohio, contact an experienced attorney. You deserve the representation of someone who will help you take full advantage of your rights as a defendant. If you are convicted, your attorney will fight to see that your punishment is not more than you deserve.