In Ohio, a DUI is now known as OVI. DUI is the old acronym which stood for Driving Under the Influence, while OVI is the current acronym and stands for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence. If you are charged with DUI / OVI in Ohio and have been convicted of a DUI / OVI previously, the penalties increase in severity with each conviction, and the length of the Administrative License Suspension also increases. If you are hoping to minimize the consequences in a pending DUI / OVI case and already have one or more DUI / OVI convictions, it is important to contact a good Columbus, Ohio DUI / OVI attorney to represent you (if your case is in central Ohio).
If you have previously been convicted of DUI / OVI and are currently charged with another DUI / OVI, you face severe penalties. The sentences associated with multiple DUI / OVI convictions are even worse if the pending case involves a high test result or a refusal of a chemical test. The consequences for a second or more DUI / OVI offense include:
For a second Ohio DUI / OVI conviction within ten years, the minimum mandatory jail sentence is ten consecutive days (doubled with a high test or refusal), and the maximum jail sentence is six months. The license suspension will range from a minimum of one year to a maximum of seven years, with no driving privileges for 45 days. You will also receive mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, ignition interlock device, and immobilization of your vehicle for 90 days.
For a third Ohio DUI / OVI conviction within ten years, the minimum mandatory jail sentence is 30 consecutive days (doubled with a high test or refusal), and the maximum jail sentence is one year. The license suspension will range from a minimum of two years to a maximum of 12 years, with no driving privileges for 180 days. You will also receive mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, ignition interlock device, and forfeiture of your vehicle.
If you are convicted of a fourth Ohio DUI / OVI in ten years or a sixth Ohio DUI / OVI in 20 years, the offense is categorized as a felony. For a first felony DUI / OVI conviction in Ohio, the minimum mandatory term of incarceration is 60 days in jail or prison (doubled with a high test or refusal), and the term of incarceration is 30 months in prison. The license suspension will range from a minimum of three years to a maximum of a lifetime suspension, with no driving privileges for three years. For a first felony DUI / OVI conviction, you will also receive mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, ignition interlock device, and forfeiture of your vehicle.
For a second Ohio felony DUI / OVI conviction, the minimum mandatory term of incarceration is 120 days in prison (doubled with a high test or refusal), and the maximum term of incarceration is five years in prison. The license suspension will range from a minimum of three years to a maximum of a lifetime suspension, with no driving privileges for three years. For a second felony DUI / OVI conviction, you will also receive mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, ignition interlock device, and forfeiture of your vehicle.
If you are charged with DUI / OVI and have one or more prior convictions, you do not have to plead guilty and accept the consequences. Hiring a good DUI / OVI attorney with experience and expertise can improve the resolution of your case. Your DUI / OVI lawyer can review the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses in the case. For example, you may find issues with the field sobriety tests as well as the breath test, blood test, or urine test. You may discover the prosecution will have a problem proving the prior conviction(s). You may find there was an illegal search or seizure that leads to evidence being suppressed. You may also present circumstances that mitigate the sentence.
The Dominy Law Firm focuses on DUI / OVI defense and has experience representing many clients with multiple DUI / OVI convictions. For more information about Shawn Dominy, please see his profile, and for more details about our Firm, please see the firm overview. You can also see what our clients say and review the our firm’s past case results. We limit the number of cases accepted in order to provide personal service for its clients. If you would like to discuss how the Dominy Law Firm can help with your repeat DUI / OVI, complete this short CONTACT FORM or call 614-717-1177 to arrange a free consultation.