what is a super dui in ohio
A Super Dui in Ohio is one of the harshest DUI penalties in the country. Any person convicted of a Super DUI in Ohio is subject to enhanced penalties and consequences. This can also include the possibility of jail time, fines, and/or suspension of driving privileges. While a Super DUI is considered a criminal offense in Ohio, the ultimate determination of the nature of the charge will be up to the court.
A Super DUI is different from a regular DUI in Ohio in terms of the number of points. For a regular DUI, the state of Ohio will assign an eight point penalty to your drivers license. A Super DUI is much worse and will assign a thirteen point penalty to your drivers license. Moreover, the court can also levy additional fees and punishments for this offense.
Any person accused of Super DUI in Ohio is required to make a special plea of guilty or not guilty to the court. If the individual pleads guilty, they will face the full range of punishments and fees associated with a Super DUI conviction. Additionally, if an individual does not take a plea, they can face the possibility of a trial by jury. This will be the individuals opportunity to prove their case and potentially get the reduced punishment traditionally associated with a regular DUI.
The consequences of being convicted of a Super DUI are serious and long-lasting. An individual is usually required to take vehicle-specific DUI education courses, pay a hefty fine, and possibly spend time in jail. Additionally, their license can be suspended for up to three years and can have their car registration and plates confiscated by the court. This could mean weeks of public transportation and/or costly car rentals.
Another consequence of a Super DUI is the increase in insurance rates. A Super DUI conviction can cause insurance companies to potentially label the individual as high risk and thus charge them exorbitant amounts for auto insurance. This could mean an extra expense of hundreds of dollars each year for the individual and any immediate family members who are also required to have insurance on their vehicles.
Furthermore, for those convicted of a Super DUI, there could be even more long-term consequences. This can include the possibility of not being able to seek gainful employment due to background checks, losing professional licenses, or even having to attend extra DUI classes and/or community service. All in all, a Super Dui in Ohio is no laughing matter and should be taken seriously.
The consequences of Super DUI in Ohio extend to other areas as well. For instance, some individuals may suffer significant damage to their personal and professional reputations. Others may battle with a permanently tarnished driving record or suffer professional humiliation. On a more serious note, the legal repercussions of a Super DUI can lead to expensive lawyer costs and the possibility of extended jail time.
Finally, although most individuals recognize the seriousness of Super DUI, the best way to avoid being in this situation is to be responsible and educated. Control your rate of consumption, plan ahead for transportation if you are going out for the night, and know your state’s legal statutes regarding blood-alcohol levels. Taking these simple proactive steps can save you from going through the gruesome process of a Super DUI charge in Ohio.
For those who find themselves with a Super DUI, there is hope. Many states, such as Ohio, have adopted first offender laws. These laws stipulate that, after a set period of time, individuals who have a Super DUI on their record may have that charge expunged from their criminal record. This is not always the case and not all states have laws like this, meaning that taking preventative action is the best course of action.
Along with these laws, there are also a number of support avenues available to individuals convicted of a Super DUI. These support networks can include counseling, legal advice from a specialized DUI lawyer, and attendance at DUI courses or support groups. With this support in place, individuals can move forward while maintaining their reputation and avoiding any further legal troubles associated with a Super DUI charge.
There are also a few common mistakes that individuals should try to avoid when charged with a Super DUI. First and foremost, never skip bail or miss any court dates. Doing so can result in an arrest warrant and further complicate the case. Next, be aware of your drinking limit and stay away from any situation that could result in a Super DUI charge. Finally, do not blame others and take responsibility for your actions. Taking the necessary steps to repair what you have done wrong not only starts a process of healing but also shows the courts you acknowledge that this mistake was entirely your own and offers the opportunity of being granted leniency.