Ohio DUI laws are very strict and they can cause you to wind up in jail and facing a loss of your driving privileges, even from the first offense. The best way to fight these charges is to contact an Ohio DUI lawyer to work with. These professionals will work closely with you to reduce your risks.

Blood Alcohol Concentration In Ohio

In Ohio, you could be charged with a violation of Ohio DUI laws in two situations.

1.      You show signs of alcohol intoxication and are unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.

2.      You fail a chemical test, such as urine, breath or blood tests.

The Ohio blood alcohol concentration level limit is .08 percent. Ohio also has an enhanced blood alcohol level of .17. If you are over this, you could face additional penalties including immediate suspension of your license and higher fees with longer jail time.

Ohio Implied Consent Law

In Ohio, operating a motor vehicle implies that you will willing to take a chemical test if an officer has reason to suspect you are driving while intoxicated. If you refuse to take this test, your license will be automatically suspended and you will face a hearing in court. A first refusal often warrants at least a one year of a suspended license. Subsequent years could mean additional penalties, depending on court rulings.

First DUI Offense

The first offense of Ohio's DUI laws will result in the following penalties:

• An Administrative License Suspension (ALS) is given for 90 days. This is a court ordered suspension of your driving privileges for between 6 months and 3 years
• A mandatory 72 hours in jail is required
• Fines between $250 and $1000 will be issued.
• You will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Second DUI Offense

Ohio does not offer a look back period. This means, any convictions will be considered a subsequent offense.

• ALS for one year
• A minimum of 10 consecutive days or 5 days in jail plus at least 18 consecutive days of electronically monitored house arrest
• A fine of $350 to $1500
• Discretionary driver's intervention program is mandatory
• A court suspended license for 1 to 5 years
• Vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 90 days
• Charged with a misdemeanor
  

Third DUI Offense

A third offense warrants additional Ohio DUI penalties including:

• ALS for 2 years
• A minimum of 30 consecutive days in jail, plus 55 consecutive days of electronically monitored house arrest, up to 1 year
• Fines of $550 to $2500
• Mandatory attendance in an alcohol treatment program
• Court license suspension for 1 year to 10 years
• Vehicle immobilizations for 180 days
• You will be charged with a misdemeanor

Fourth DUI Offense

A fourth offense of Ohio's laws warrants a FELONY charge, and these penalties:

• ALS for three years
• Minimum of 60 consecutive days in jail, up to 1 year
• Fines of $800 up to $10,000
• Mandatory alcohol treatment program
• Vehicle forfeiture: mandatory
• Court license suspension of 3 years to permanent revocation
  

Hire an Ohio DUI Lawyer

As you can see Ohio DUI laws are incredibly harsh. For those who are struggling with them, it is very important to contact an Ohio DUI lawyer who may be able to get charges reduced or dropped. They can help mitigate your case.

• If you have been charged with a DUI in Ohio, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled DUI Attorney.

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