how many dui in ohio result in prison
What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘DUI in Ohio’? Is it the tumultuous court proceedings that follow, the tumultuous grief and regret of those involved, or the possibility of someone spending time in prison? Sadly, many DUIs in Ohio do result in prison time. The number of DUI-related imprisonment cases has been staggering over the past few years and it’s a growing problem.
There’s no doubt about it: Drunk drivers who choose to get behind the wheel are a danger to themselves and to everyone around them. Not only do they risk killing someone or themselves, they also break the law and as a result, they must pay the price. Despite stricter regulations and laws, many people still choose to drive while intoxicated and the rate of convictions for DUI in Ohio is higher than it has ever been.
For example, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections, there were over 3,800 impaired-driving arrests in 2019 alone. And, as of 2020, over 2,400 Ohioans had been convicted of DUIs in the past twelve months. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation also reports that in 2019 alone, there were more than 270 fatal crashes that involved impaired drivers.
It would be naive to believe that everyone charged with DUI in Ohio will receive merely a slap on the wristin fact, most courts are getting tougher on offenders these days. The crime has become so widespread that correctional facilities in Ohio are experiencing a major overcrowding problem. On average, offenders can expect a prison sentence that can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
The costs associated with DUI convictions are steep, too. Once a person has been convicted of DUI, they can expect not only a hefty fine, but also a substantial increase in car insurance premiums. The amount of the fine and the length of jail time served depends on how many times the offender has been convicted of DUI.
For individuals convicted of a first offense, being found guilty of DUI in Ohio can lead to a six-month jail sentence or a hefty fine. Receiving multiple DUI convictions can increase the likelihood of being sentenced to a longer sentence in state prison. For instance, if a person has multiple DUI convictions and has been charged with a fourth offense, they could be facing a prison sentence of up to five years.
It could be argued that being sent to prison for a DUI can seem unfair, but remember: no one should ever drive after drinking. Drunk driving is never an acceptable choice and there are consequences for doing so, and prison sentences are just one of those consequences. If we want to reduce the number of DUIs in Ohio, we have to continue advocating for stricter laws.
When it comes to DUI convictions, the best way to avoid prison time is to not drive after drinking in the first place. Stricter laws combined with more aggressive prosecution of offenders can be effective in lowering these rates. The state of Ohio should not only consider investing in more advanced legislation, but also making changes to the current court system. For instance, special probation requirements, such as attending an alcohol education program, can help to ensure that offenders dont re-offend.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an easily avoidable crime, yet we still witness so many cases of people driving after having a few drinks. Drunk driving is dangerous for everyone on the road, and Ohioans need to understand that if theyre caught driving drunk they can be sent to prison and face hefty fines.
In addition to educational and legal measures, police officers should use every available tool available to them to crack down on DUI offenders. In Ohio, local law enforcement officials can use Breathalyzers and other tools to detect potential problems, as well as increased enforcement in areas with a higher rate of DUI offenders.
We need to stop the cycle of people being sent to prison for DUI convictions. Every effort should be made to keep drunk drivers off the roads, and the state of Ohio must continue its commitment to reducing the rate of DUIs by implementing less lenient sentencing. Stricter laws, increased enforcement, and the utilization of available tools can all help reduce the number of DUI related prison sentences in Ohio.
Furthermore, there is an opportunity for the government to help support DUI offenders with assistance programssuch as providing individuals involved with DUI with rehabilitation servicesto help them get and stay sober. This type of program could support Ohioans who battle addiction and help them to eventually lead a life free from alcohol.
Lastly, municipalities need to work to improve roadway infrastructure and create safe areas which are designed to reduce the chance of DUI-related death or injury. Protective measures such as rumble strips, red-light cameras, median barriers, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks can all go a long way towards making Ohio roads safer for everyone.
