Ohio DUI law changes often and although any lawyer in Ohio could defend your case dealing with an Ohio DUI arrest, you may want to consider Attorney David P. Drew who specializes in Ohio DUI law and works in all the courts that handle Ohio DUI's.

The first chart is entitled “Ohio OVI/Physical Control Misdemeanor Offense Penalties”. The first page details the penalties for the offenses of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, underage operating under the influence, and physical control. The second page concerns the length of administrative license suspensions imposed upon arrest and the process for appealing such suspensions.

The second chart is entitled “Ohio Driver’s License Offense Penalties”. Both pages of the chart list the penalty provisions for common offenses such as driving under suspension, driving without a license, and wrongful entrustment. The second page also has a summary of when driving privileges may be granted and the requirements for the same.

Both charts are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in the law.

Ohio Impaired Driving Law - Download Here - Back Page
Ohio Driver's License Law - Download Here - Back Page

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• If you are stopped for drunk driving and you refuse to take the sobriety test, or if your test results exceed the legal limit of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), the officer can take your driver's license on the spot, and the suspension begins immediately.
• Depending on previous offenses or refusals, you can have your license automatically suspended for a period of 90 days to five years.
• The administrative suspension is independent of any jail term, fine or other criminal penalty imposed in court for a DUI offense.

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = one year license suspension
• Jail - Minimum of three consecutive days or 3-day driver intervention program
• Fine - Minimum $375 and not more than $1,075
• Court License Suspension -  6 months to 3 years

• ALS for one year for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = two year license suspension
• Jail -  Minimum of 10 consecutive days or five days jail + minimum 18 consecutive days of electronically monitored house arrest combined, not to exceed 6 months
• Fine - Minimum $525 and not more than $1,625
• Discretionary driver's intervention program
• Vehicle immobilization and plates impounded for 90 days
• Court License Suspension - 1 year to 5 years

• ALS for two years for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = three year license suspension
• Jail - Minimum 30 consecutive days to one year
• Alternative sentence - 15 days or Jail + minimum 55 consecutive days of electronically monitored house arrest combined, maximum of one year
• Fine - Minimum $850 and not more than $2,750
• Mandatory attendance in an alcohol treatment program paid for by offender
• Vehicle Forfeiture - Mandatory criminal forfeiture of vehicle operated by offender, imposed by court
• Court License Suspension - 1 year to 10 years

• ALS for three years for a prohibited BAC
• ALS for test refusal = five years license suspension
• Jail -  Minimum of 60 consecutive days and up to 5 years in jail
• Fine -  Minimum $1,350 and not more than $10,500
• Mandatory drug/alcohol treatment program paid for by offender
• Vehicle Forfeiture - Mandatory criminal forfeiture of vehicle operated by offender, imposed by court
• Court License Suspension - 3 years to Permanent Revocation

The court must hold the administrative license suspension hearing within five days of arrest. The appeal is heard at this initial appearance if requested. The scope of appeal is confined to four issues :

• Was the arrest based on reasonable grounds?
• Did the officer request the person to take a test?
• Was the violator made aware of the consequences if he/she refused or failed the test?
• Did the person refuse or fail the test?

• Third offense of DUI within six years
• Third offense or more of Driving Under FRA Suspension within five years
• Second offense of owner knowingly permitting a person who is under suspension to
  drive their vehicle
• First offense of driving a vehicle that is immobilized and plates impounded.

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