First Time DUI

All Ohio DUI/OVI/Drinking and Driving charges have serious consequences, however, most drivers are not aware that even a first time offender faces mandatory jail time or in-patient treatment. Unfortunately, Ohio judges do not have the discretion to go below the mandatory minimum sentences in an Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving case. If you have an Ohio DUI case, you should consider talking to a top Ohio DUI lawyer to see if he can get the case dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. The penalties on these pages only apply to drivers who are convicted of DUI/OVI.  An experienced Ohio DUI lawyer may be able to prevent that from happening.

Minimum Penalties For a First Ohio DUI/OVI Conviction With a “Low Tier” Chemical Test

If an Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving Defendant pleads guilty in court, at a minimum, he will be sentenced to the following: (a) three days in jail or an Ohio DUI/OVI in-patient treatment facility; (b) a $375 fine plus other financial sanctions; (c) a one-year Ohio DUI/OVI driver’s license suspension; (d) optional probation with court-ordered drug/alcohol treatment; (e) optional Ohio DUI/OVI license plates and ignition interlock device on any automobile the Defendant drives after his suspension is complete. Remember, these are just the minimums.

Maximum Penalties For a First Ohio DUI/OVI Conviction With a “Low Tier” Chemical Test

Just as an judge cannot deviate below the minimum penalties for a first time Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving offense, the judge has maximum penalties that she cannot exceed. The maximum penalties are as follows: (a) six months in jail; (b) a $1075 fine plus other financial sanctions; (c) a three-year Ohio DUI/OVI driver’s license suspension; (d) probation with court-ordered drug/alcohol treatment; (e) Special Ohio DUI/OVI license plates and ignition interlock device on any automobile the Defendant drives after his suspension is complete.

Minimum Penalties For a First Ohio DUI/OVI Conviction With a “High Tier” Chemical Test

If an Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving Defendant pleads guilty to a “high tier” DUI/OVI in court, at a minimum, he will be sentenced to the following: (a) six days in jail or an Ohio DUI/OVI in-patient treatment facility, or a combination of both; (b) a $375 fine plus other financial sanctions; (c) a one-year Ohio DUI/OVI driver’s license suspension; (d) optional probation with court-ordered drug/alcohol treatment; (e) mandatory special Ohio DUI/OVI license plates and the possibility of an ignition interlock device on any automobile the Defendant drives after his suspension is complete. Remember, these are just the minimums.

Maximum Penalties For a First Ohio DUI/OVI Conviction With a “High Tier” Chemical Test

The maximum penalties for a “high tier” Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving offense are as follows: (a) six months in jail; (b) a $1075 fine plus other financial sanctions; (c) a three-year Ohio DUI/OVI driver’s license suspension; (d) probation with court-ordered drug/alcohol treatment; (e) Special Ohio DUI/OVI license plates and ignition interlock device on any automobile the Defendant drives after his suspension is complete.

Common Mistakes in Ohio DUI/OVI Investigations

No Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving arrest is perfect and the best Ohio DUI/OVI lawyers knows this. Most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a number of witnesses, including police officers and the personnel who collect, store and test chemical samples.  These witnesses are human and they make mistakes. Further, most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a breath testing device or other testing equipment that is not always maintained according to current Ohio DUI/OVI regulations.

Do You Want Award-Winning Ohio DUI/OVI Representation?

There are over 1 million laws in the United States. I am a top Ohio DUI/OVI defense lawyer who devotes his entire practice to ONE. Because of my experience and concentrated focus, I know the Ohio DUI/OVI laws better than most attorneys in the state. I am passionate about Ohio DUI/OVI defense and I get results, however, I only accept a limited number of clients. If you’re serious about your case and want a top Ohio DUI/OVI lawyer on your team, call me, the Ohio DUI Dude at 1-844-DUI-DUDE.