DUI Reference Guide

Ohio DUI Laws

Anytime an individual is arrested for a DUI in Ohio, they face administrative license suspension (ALS) as well as criminal penalties.  Any driving privilege losses from the ALS are separate from those imposed by the court case.  DUI is a serious offense and as such carries strict consequences in the state of Ohio.

Those convicted of a DUI, face harsher penalties as the number of prior DUI convictions increases.  People must submit to a blood alcohol content test, otherwise their license can be revoked immediately for refusal.  Anyone who refuses testing or who has had DUI offenses in the fast will have an ALS.  The suspensions can be as much as five years for multiple penalties.  The minimum penalty is generally for 90 days.

There are certain cases in which those convicted of DUI will need to forfeit their automobile permanently.  This can happen to those who are on their third DUI offense.  The owner of an automobile can also have their own car forfeited if they have allowed a person with a suspended license to drive their car.  The first time this happens they usually do not lose their car, but the second time they will. 

First time offenders can have their license suspended for up to three years and not less than six months.  This is the court ordered suspension.  The ALS will usually be for at least ninety days unless a driver refused a test in which case they will not have their license for one year.  First time offenders might be sent to a driver intervention program to teach them safe driving and not to drive intoxicated.  If they are not sent to this course, they could serve three days in jail instead.  Fines can range from $200 to $1500.

Second time offenders will find themselves facing even more penalties.  For ninety days their vehicle’s plates will be impounded.  The vehicle will be immobilized so that it cannot be driven.  They will then face a loss of their license for up to three years and at least one year.   The ALS time will equal one-year suspension.  The license will be suspended for two years for those who would not take a blood test.  Second time offenders can also be sent to a driving program.  They can serve five or ten days in jail.  They can also face 18 days of house arrest.  Total arrested time cannot be higher than 90 days in total length.  Fines range from $300-$1500.

Third time offenders will have their vehicle’s plates will be impounded for 180 days.  The car will also be immobilized for the same length of time.  They will then face a license suspension that cannot exceed ten years but will be for at least one year.  The ALS suspension will be for three years for anyone who would not take a blood test and two years for anyone who had a BAC greater than the legal limit.  The convicted party will be required to receive treatment for drug and/or alcohol problems.  They will need to pay for those expenses on their own.  Jail time can range from 30 days to a year unless they are sentenced to 15 days in jail and at least 55 days of house arrest.  Fines range from $300-$2500.

Forth time offenders face even more trouble.  They will have to give up their vehicle as a result of their crime.  This fourth offense is a felony and treated as such.  A person can actually lose their license for life and will definitely have at least a three-year suspension.  Fines can range from $750-$10000.  Jail time can be as much as one year with at least a 60-day sentence. 

Those who are arrested for DUI can request an administrative license hearing.  This hearing is their opportunity to try to retain their license.  A hearing will be no more than five days after the person was arrested for DUI.

Anyone who is facing DUI charges should consider consulting with an attorney.  DUI is a very serious offense and as such carries severe penalties.  A lawyer can help a person to create the best defense they can for their criminal case.  It is essential to seek a lawyer who specializes in DUI defense.