First OVI Offense in Ohio

Have you been arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio? If so, call us as soon as possible to determine the best strategy to drop or reduce the charges and prevent the suspension of your driver’s license. Without the help of experienced OVI attorneys, you could be facing serious penalties.

First OVI Offense Defined

In Ohio, an OVI stands for operating a vehicle under the influence. Ohio defines OVIs as:

• Driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher or a urine alcohol concentration of 0.11% or higher.
• Driving with a particular concentration of certain kinds of controlled substances in the body.
• Driving while impaired, regardless of the concentration of drugs or alcohol in the body.

In our experience, we have found that most OVI arrests are first-time offenders. The law considers you a first-time offender if you have not had an OVI conviction within the past ten years.

Low-Level OVI Penalties

A BAC (blood alcohol content) level between .08 and .17 is referred to as the low-level OVI. Fines and penalties for a low-level OVI are as follows:

The judge may allow you to substitute the three days of jail time for three days in a Driver Intervention Program for first-time offenders. Additionally, the judge can grant limited driving privileges to and from work or school. Low-level offenders may be required to display restricted special license plates or install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles at the discretion of the court.

High-Level OVI Penalties

A BAC level .17 and above is referred to as the high-test OVI. Fines and penalties for a first-time high-test OVI are as follows:

The judge may allow you to serve up to three days of your sentence in a Driver Intervention Program for first-time offenders. Additionally, the judge can grant limited driving privileges to and from work or school.

When it comes to high-level OVI penalties, the judge can require an ignition interlock device as well as restricted special license plates.

Other Consequences of Your First DUI

Your first OVI offense and conviction can harm other areas of your life, aside from jail, fines, and a suspended license.

An OVI / DUI will also:

• Increase insurance rates
• Limit job prospects and educational opportunities
• Permanently appear on your driving record
• Prevent certain professional licenses

These charges can have a potential impact on the rest of your life because they hang over your head for years to come. When it comes to your future, you need an ally, someone who can fight for you. That’s where the experienced attorneys at Fortress Law Firm come into play; we do not shy away from any case. We will meticulously examine the facts, and we will work together to build a strategy that works best for you and your case.

Not Sure What To Do Next?

Call our experienced team of Ohio OVI defense attorneys today to discuss your legal options. Together we can build your defense strategy.

Contact The Fortress Law Office in Willoughby, Ohio

As a former prosecutor, your Ohio criminal defense attorney, Matthew C. Bangerter, at The Fortress Law Office brings extensive experience in OVI defense and knowledge of the strategies employed by the prosecution team. What does this mean for you and your OVI case? You can work directly with your lawyer to develop a comprehensive criminal defense strategy with your best interests in mind. If you’re dealing with an OVI, don’t wait to get help. Contact The Fortress Law Office here or call (440) 340-1740 to schedule a consultation.

Copyright© 2021. The Fortress Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Fortress Law Office
4124 Erie St
Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 340-1740
https://www.bangerterlaw.com/