OVI / DUI Second Offense In Ohio

Second-Offense DUI / OVI In Ohio
For a person charged with a second-offense DUI / OVI in Ohio, the consequences are more severe than the consequences for a first offense. If the second offense occurs within ten years of the conviction for the first offense, increased penalties are mandatory. If you have been charged with a second offense, you may be wondering if it’s possible to avoid or minimize those penalties. You may also want to know what to expect in court, and you may be questioning whether a good Columbus DUI lawyer can make a difference for a second offense. If you find yourself in this situation, there is a highly recommended first step.

First Step For A Second Offense
The first step for a second offense OVI / DUI in Ohio is to learn more about your situation. You can do that with the information in this website. This site has information about the court process and the potential sentences. There are pages which discuss DUI / OVI investigations and DUI / OVI tests, as well as many other DUI / OVI topics.

You can also learn more about DUI / OVI issues by reading the guide ‘Ohio DUI / OVI Guide’ Many of the questions people have about Ohio DUI / OVI cases are answered in this guide, which can be read in about 30-40 minutes. The paperback version can be purchased through online bookstores, and an e-book version can be downloaded for free from this site.

Sentences For Second Offense DUI / OVI In Ohio
In Ohio, a second DUI / OVI conviction within ten years has minimum mandatory sentencing. The minimum sentence includes at least ten days in jail, a license suspension of at least one year, and a fine of at least $525. It should be noted the minimum mandatory jail sentence is increased to 20 days if there is a high test (.170 or higher) or a chemical test refusal.

A second DUI / OVI conviction within ten years also has maximum possible sentences. The maximum sentence includes up to 180 days in jail, a license suspension up to seven years, and a fine up to $1,625. In addition, the sentence will include yellow license plates, an ignition interlock device, vehicle immobilization and substance abuse treatment.

In addition to the penalties described above, a court may also order other sanctions. Those sanctions may include community control (probation) and use of a SCRAM device. Like other OVI offenses, a conviction for a second offense involves secondary consequences and six points on your driver license. You can find a chart outlining penalties for DUI / OVI convictions on this site’s DUI / OVI sentences page.

Pleading Guilty Or Not Guilty For A Second Offense DUI / OVI Charge In Ohio
When you attend the first court appearance, you will likely be asked to plead either guilty/no contest or not guilty. If you enter a guilty or no contest plea, you will be found guilty and sentenced as described above. If you enter a plea of not guilty, you will have the opportunity to review and challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and you will therefore have an opportunity to improve the outcome of the case.

Can A Lawyer Can Help With A Second Offense DUI / OVI?
A good DUI / OVI lawyer can help with a second offense in Ohio. The lawyer should review the prosecution’s evidence very closely. A close examination of the evidence often reveals holes in the prosecution’s case which can be used in a trial or used in negotiations with the prosecution. The lawyer should also present mitigating evidence to the prosecution and/or judge and make recommendations to the client regarding action items which may help mitigate the sentence.

How Do I Choose A Lawyer For A Second Offense DUI / OVI?
There are many attorneys in central Ohio who practice DUI / OVI defense. There are a few attorneys in central Ohio with expertise in DUI / OVI defense. Those attorneys have specialized education in DUI / OVI defense subjects and implement that specialized education to zealously represent their clients. As one would expect, the attorneys with expertise in DUI / OVI defense typically achieve better outcomes for clients than attorneys without the same expertise.

Attorney For Second Offense DUI / OVI In Columbus And Central Ohio
The Dominy Law Firm has expertise in DUI / OVI defense. We have completed courses in DUI / OVI investigations, field sobriety testing, breath testing, and blood/urine testing. Shawn Dominy is a founding member of the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association and a long-time member of the National College for DUI Defense. He frequently teaches other attorneys about DUI / OVI at continuing education seminars and also mentors individual lawyers in DUI / OVI defense.

You can learn more about Shawn Dominy from his profile, and you can learn more about the Dominy Law Firm from the firm overview. Also available for your review are past case results and client reviews. To schedule a free phone consultation with us, call 614-717-1177 or email the Dominy Law Firm.