March 15, 2011 | OVI / DUI Law, OVI / DUI Penalties

Yes, if convicted of a DUI in Ohio you face mandatory jail, fines, court costs, and license suspension. There will be a time called a “hard suspension” where the Judge is not able to grant you limited driving privileges for any reason at all.

A DUI in Ohio is a Misdemeanor of the first degree. A Judge can put you on probation for up to five years. A condition of that probation can be meetings with a probation officer who can order random drug and urine screens.

Most first time offenders will choose to replace the three days in jail with a state approved 72-hour driver intervention program. Additional drug and alcohol treatment can be ordered as recommended by probation.

The court can order driving privileges with the restriction of ignition interlock and/or special red license plates.

A DUI conviction can also cause you to lose your job and limit your employment options in the future. It is specifically not eligible for expungement. It will add 6 points on license for two years for 12 point suspension purposes.

Our firm includes prior prosecuting attorneys and a former police officer with the experience and knowledge to help build an effective DUI defense. If you or a family member have been arrested on a DUI in the Columbus area, call us at our 24 Hour Emergency Number at 614-827-2000 for affordable and professional help.