Everything You Need To Know About Penalties For a First OVI in Ohio
A first-time Offense of Vehicle Impaired (OVI) in Ohio can result in a multitude of penalties. It is important to remember that the court system does not take these offences lightly and sometimes, the punishments can be quite severe. If youve been charged with a first OVI in Ohio, here’s what you need to know.
Firstly, if convicted, you will be faced with a mandatory license suspension. Depending on your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at the time of the offense, the suspension can range anywhere from six months to up to five years. For a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the suspension will be a minimum of one year and can go up to five years. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device during this time frame.
In addition to the license suspension, fines and fees will be imposed if convicted of a first OVI. Fines are usually between $300 and $1000 and can go up to $10,000 depending on additional circumstances in your case. Along with fines, court costs and court-mandated assessments will also be charged. These fees usually total anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
On top of the fines and fees, you can be ordered to take part in drug and alcohol abuse counseling or treatment. This category can include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and court-mandated rehabilitation programs. You may also be required to have a full evaluation of your alcohol abuse treatment history and current treatment options. The court may also require you to attend a specified number of drug/alcohol awareness classes before reinstating you license.
For the most serious offenses, incarceration may be imposed. If convicted of a first OVI, you may be sentenced to a jail term, ranging from three to 30 days. Additionally, you may be required to do community service or serve a period of probation.
Lastly, depending on the circumstances of your case, the court may impose additional or harsher penalties. Possibilities include house arrest, GPS monitoring, alcohol detection interlock devices, and vehicle immobilization devices.
In the event of a second OVI conviction, the penalties are even steeper. Fines increase to anywhere from $350 to $10,000 and suspension of your license can range from one year to 10 years. The court can order additional evaluation and counseling, or a combination of these components and a jail sentence. Community service is also often added as a penalty for a second offense. Depending on the severity of the case, the court can also order other punishments such as automobile impoundment, home detention, work house or labor details.
In some cases, a third OVI conviction can garner a felony charge and even long-term imprisonment. Fines can reach up to $20,000 and your license will be permanently revoked. The court can also impose other restrictions, such as the permanent installation of an ignition interlock device.
A fourth OVI convictions often results in a three-year mandatory prison sentence and permanent license revocation. Fines will increase further, reaching up to $25,000. Additional penalties can include immobility of your vehicle, as well as GPS monitoring of your whereabouts.
On top of the potential criminal penalties, you may also be faced with civil lawsuits from any victims that may have been involved in your accident. You may be sued to compensate them for personal injury, medical bills, property damage, and other losses. The court may even order you to pay restitution to those affected, if applicable.
The effects of an OVI conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. The subsequent probation and regular testing for drug/alcohol can be intrusive and embarrassing, while the higher insurance rates can prove to be difficult to manage. Having all of your rights, including the right to drive, suspended can be especially difficult.
Constant monitoring of your progress, including regular meets with your probation officer is often mandatory. You may be limited in the places you can frequent and in some cases, required to take on a certain number of community service hours.
There is no denying that an OVI conviction can have a lasting impact both emotionally and financially. If convicted, it is important to immediately start complying with all court-imposed orders and penalty conditions. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you and assist with the process, while presenting only the best possible outcome for your case.
