In addition to paying fines and possibly serving jail time, getting charged with a DUI—also known as an OVI in Ohio—often means having to lose your license. Given these outcomes, it’s always critical to hire a DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your initial arrest. Even with qualified legal representation, you will likely need to take several steps before you get your license back. To help you get back on the road, here are four common steps to reinstating your driver’s license after a DUI.

A Guide to Getting Your License Back After an OVI

1. Understand the Terms  

During DUI proceedings, the court will determine what to do with your driving privilege. While you can expect to lose your license, the exact terms can vary. In Ohio, first-offense OVIs can require license suspension between one and three years. Third offenses, however, can involve suspensions of up to 12 years.

If DUI charges are significant—such as those involving vehicular manslaughter—one’s license may be revoked. While license suspension comes with specific terms, the length of revocation is indefinite and can only be removed with the court’s approval.

2. Pay Fines & Serve Sentence

Before the DMV reinstates your license, you must successfully comply with all penalty orders. You may need to pay fines, serve a jail sentence, complete community service requirements, and/or attend alcohol intervention programs(classes). In many cases, individuals will also need to complete driver’s education courses to show they understand how to stay safe behind-the-wheel.

3. Secure Proof of Insurance

Once you’re ready to go to the DMV to reinstate your license, get an SR-22 form—which is documentation that your insurance provider files to show that you have the minimum amount of auto coverage as required by the state.

SR-22 requirements can last several years, so make sure to pay insurance premiums on time. If you miss a payment, your insurance provider is required by law to report the lapse in coverage to the DMV. If the matter isn’t resolved quickly, the DMV may suspend your license again.

4. Go to a Hearing

If your license has been revoked, you won’t be able to get it back through standard DMV measures. Instead, you’ll need to work with your DUI lawyer to request a hearing regarding license reinstatement. Once the hearing arrives, your case will be reviewed, and the judge will determine if you can regain your license.

If you’re charged with an OVI in Ohio, Michael A. Newland Esquire will guide you through the necessary legal processes—including those required to reinstate your license. Serving as a criminal attorney in Hamilton, OH, for more than two decades, attorney Newland is familiar with state OVI laws and penalty proceedings. Taking a personalized approach, he will learn every aspect of your case to help you avoid severe penalties—such as maximum fines and jail time. To learn more about this representation, visit this DUI lawyer online or call (513) 887-9595.