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Like every state in the Union, Ohio has tough laws when it comes to driving under the influence. Since 1989, DUI attorney Malcolm Stewart Douglas, Attorney at Law, has been serving the Jefferson, OH, and Ashtabula County region in criminal law and civil litigation matters. Below, he provides a brief overview of Ohio's DUI laws and how they could impact your case.

DUI & OVI

Some states have slightly differing vernacular when it comes to the charge of DUI. Ohio utilizes the term Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence, or OVI, in all legal dealings relating to a drunk driving case. But it's important to understand that, in the state of Ohio, an OVI is the same as a DUI, and the terms can be used interchangeably.

Low-Level & High-Level Test Results

DUI attorneyThe amount of alcohol you have in your system, based on the findings of chemical testing, will often dictate the extent of the penalties you face. A low-level test must meet the following criteria:

  • Breath Test: .169 or less
  • Blood Serum or Plasma: .203 or less
  • Urine Test: .237 or less
  • Whole Blood: .169 or less

A high-level test result will be any numbers that exceed these figures.

Possible Penalties

Low levels will likely correlate with lighter penalties, and higher levels will lead to stricter ones. Also, the fewer DUI/OVI offenses you have on your record, the better your odds for a lesser punishment or a better plea deal. Penalties for a low-level first offense can entail up to six months in jail, license suspension for one to three years, or a maximum fine of $1,075. Penalties for a high-level, third DUI, or a refusal to take part in a chemical test, might include up to a year in jail, a license suspension of up to 12 years, or a maximum fine of $2,750.

When faced with DUI/OVI charges, it's in your best interest to have a DUI attorney representing you at every step of the legal process. Call Malcolm Stewart Douglas, Attorney at Law, at (440) 576-5980, visit his firm's website, or connect with them on Facebook to schedule a consultation. Trust an experienced DUI attorney to help you effectively tackle the charges against you, and get the results you need to move forward with your life.

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