DUI Attorneys in Ohio

Protecting Your Freedom, Rights & Driving Privileges

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Ohio, you need strong legal defense right away. Otherwise, if you are convicted, you could face exorbitant fines, a suspended driver’s license, probation, and even extensive jail time. With the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney in Ohio, you can ensure your rights and best interests are well represented.

At Ingram, Cassese & Grimm, LLP, our Ohio OVI lawyers are highly skilled in this complex area of law. Backed by more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we have a comprehensive understanding of Ohio DUI law. Our legal team can proficiently guide you throughout every stage of the legal process while helping you make well-informed decisions. You can trust us to provide you with the effective representation you need and deserve.

Ohio DUI Offenses & Their Penalties

Also referred to as operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), DUI charges can be brought when an individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or more. However, this only applies to individuals 21 years old or older. For motorists under 21, the BAC limit is 0.02%. Drivers are also prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs. While an individual may not be drunk, they can still be charged with OVI/DUI if they are visibly impaired by drugs.

The penalties for OVI may include:

• Yellow OVI plates
• Court fees and costs
• Alcohol monitoring system
• Drivers’ intervention program
• Vehicle forfeiture or immobilization
• Drug and alcohol treatment programs
• Driver’s license revocation or suspension
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Prison or jail time from 3 days to 15 years
• Fines ranging anywhere from $375 to $20,000

Additionally, the penalties are increased for each subsequent DUI offense. For a second OVI conviction within 6 years, you may face a court-ordered drug/alcohol assessment, vehicle impoundment for 90 days, a suspended license for 1 to 5 years, thousands of dollars in fines, and imprisonment. Not only can these penalties have a significant impact on your day-to-day life, you will gain a criminal record that will have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences for you.

OVI Administrative Penalties

Additionally, if you are arrested for OVI, your driver’s license may be suspended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This administrative suspension (also known as an “implied consent suspension”) may occur regardless of if you were convicted of an OVI in court.

Refusing testing or failing a test by having a BAC level of 0.8% or higher, may cause your driver’s license to be suspended. The suspension may be longer depending on prior test refusals or OVI convictions over the past ten years.

License Suspensions:

• For a first offense, your driver’s license may be suspended for 3 months if you fail the test and up to one year if you refuse to take it.
• For a second offense, your driver’s license may be suspended for one year if you fail the test and up to two years if you refuse to take it.
• For a third offense, your driver’s license may be suspended for two years if you fail the test and up to three years if you refuse to take it.

If your license is suspended, you can petition for a limited license. This will allow you to have limited driving privileges while using an ignition interlock device (IID).

Call (330) 758-2308 for a Consultation

Regardless of your situation or the severity of the charges you are facing, our Ohio DUI attorneys can help you. We will sit down with you during a consultation and help you figure out your optimum course of action. Once you retain our services, our legal team can immediately get to work on creating a personalized case strategy for you.