In Ohio, being cited for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will lead to a range of penalties, from fines and a suspended license to jail time. The penalties increase with every conviction you have. Whether you’ve had multiple offenses, or this is your first one, reach out to a DUI lawyer who can provide options and ensure your rights are upheld. 

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUIs in Ohio?

First Offense

In Ohio, DUIs are often known as OVIs, meaning “operating under the influence.” This includes drugs or alcohol or a combination of both. 

While most first offenses are punished with a fine between $375 and $1,075, there could be other penalties as well. 

A judge can suspend your driver’s license for one to three years. However, you might be eligible for a limited license with an ignition interlock. This allows you limited driving privileges after the first 15 days of your suspension. Consult your DUI lawyer to discuss the possibility and parameters of driving with a limited license. 

Even for the first offense, you can see jail time between three days and six months. Alcohol Intervention Programs (counseling and classes) are often an alternative to jail when a first offense is involved.

Second Offense

If convicted a second time, the penalties increase. You could be fined between $525 and $1,625, and your license could be suspended for up to seven years. 

The possibility of jail time increases slightly. You could be jailed between 10 days and six months.

In some cases, a judge will sentence you to house arrest instead. They might also enforce a mandatory drug or alcohol treatment program. 

Third Offense

A third offense sees a fine increase, ranging from $850 to $2,750. Your license might be suspended for up to 12 years. The likelihood and potential length of jail time will also increase. If your blood alcohol count is at 0.17 or above, you’ll face a minimum of 60 days in jail. On average, for the second offense, you could be sentenced between 30 days and one year. 

Subsequent Offenses 

Ohio considers the fourth and all subsequent incidents as felony offenses. If convicted, you could be fined up to $10,000. Drug or alcohol treatment will be mandatory. Your license can also be suspended for up to 12 years or even permanently. As with third offenses, you could spend up to a year in jail. 

If you need a DUI lawyer, reach out to Michael A. Newland Esquire. For over 20 years, he’s helped people in the Hamilton, OH, area with dedication, compassion, and experience. Whether guiding juvenile cases to helping those navigate the criminal case process, he provides personalized service at reasonable rates. For more information on his services, including traffic offenses and wills, visit his website. To schedule a free consultation, reach out to him at (513) 887-9595.