An OVI is abbreviation for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, which, as in all other states, is illegal to do in the state of Ohio. In many states, however, this criminal offense is labeled as DUI. The vehicle being operated does not need to be a car; the operation of trucks, boats, planes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and various watercraft are all subject to arrest for OVI. While alcohol is the most common influence leading to an OVI arrest, it is not the only one. Other substances termed “drugs of abuse” can also lead to an OVI arrest. The most common among them are marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and PCP. With regard to alcohol, influence is calculated in terms of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and is measured objectively by a chemical test. In Ohio, as in many states, the threshold in terms of BAC is .08 percent. If you operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or above, you may be arrested for OVI.
Posting Bail After Being Held In Jail In The State Of Ohio
If you are arrested for OVI for the first time in the state of Ohio, the arresting officer can choose to either release you or to hold you in a local jail. In either scenario, you are assigned a court date at which you must appear. If the arresting officer chooses to have you held in jail, you will be presented with the opportunity to post bail and be released. The posting of bail is, in practicality, the paying of money; the amount to be paid is a factor of the nature of the arrest and charges to be filed, and is often pre-determined in accordance with the bond schedule of the jurisdiction home to the jail in which you are held. If the bail amount is not pre-set by a bond schedule, it will be set by a judge at the arraignment stage of the legal process. For individuals with no prior OVI convictions in the state of Ohio, it is usually possible to post bail immediately upon being held in jail. This is the case even if the time of the arrest and jailing was late at night.
Types Of Bail In the State Of Ohio
Three types of bail are commonly set in the state of Ohio. The first of these is a recognizance bond. No money is paid to satisfy this bond; the individual charged with OVI is simply required to sign bond papers. The signing of these papers reflects a promise to appear in court as ordered. Failure to appear after posting a recognizance bond is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
A 10 percent cash bond may also be set. This type of bail requires that an individual arrested for OVI pay a percentage of the appearance bond set. For example, if a $1,000 appearance bond is ordered, the individual will have to pay $100 to secure release from jail. If the individual then makes all required court appearances, the money will be returned.
Other times, the court will not grant a percentage bond. In this event, the full amount will have to be paid to secure release.
What To Do If You Have Been Arrested For OVI In The State Of Ohio
If you have been arrested for OVI in the state of Ohio, contact an experienced Columbus OVI attorney at Suhre & Associates, LLC. An attorney from our offices will hear the specifics of your case, explain your legal rights, and work to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
