Driving under the influence (DUI), also called OVI in Franklin County Ohio, can carry a number of different penalties the first time around. DUI penalties vary from state to state, with some states having less harsh penalties than others. Ohio is known for having very harsh penalties though, even for first-time DUIs.

In Ohio, a first-time DUI charge carries penalties like:

  • The potential of 3 days to 6 months in jail
  • Total denial of all your driving privileges for at least 15 days
  • Possible criminal or traffic fines that range between $375 to $1,075
  • A driver’s license suspension between 1 year and 3 years

These penalties only increase when you are facing criminal charges for multiple DUIs as well in Ohio. So, what should you do if you are facing criminal charges for multiple DUI offenses?

Below, we take a look at what the penalties are for multiple DUI offenses and what you can do if you are facing criminal charges for them.

Disclaimer: The following is not legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Please consult with a multiple DUI offenses attorney for legal guidance.

What is a DUI Offense?

As defined by Cornell University, a DUI encompasses any “dangerous driving impairment caused by alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.” In Ohio, state laws define a number of things as a vehicle including:

  • Cars
  • Boats
  • Scooters
  • Mopeds
  • Electric bikes
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Aircraft

Police may stop a driver if they believe that the individual is under the influence while operating any of the above. Drivers may be stopped by way of the police receiving a tip, noticing that a driver is weaving, or committing another driving violation. After being stopped, an individual may face a DUI charge because of drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, or a combination of both.

What Are the Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses in Ohio?

If you have faced a DUI charge in the past, you might already know some of the potential penalties you can face with one or two charges and the severity of those penalties. Those penalties can include jail time and criminal or traffic fines. Penalties get far more severe depending on the number of DUI-related charges you are facing.

So, when you are facing charges for multiple DUI offenses in Columbus, Ohio, the penalties you face will vary based on how many prior DUI-related charges you have. Those penalties include:

  • Mandatory jail time
  • Fines
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Driver intervention programs
  • Vehicle immobilization
  • An interlock device on your car or vehicle
  • Drug and/or alcohol monitoring
  • Possible forfeiture of your vehicle

With these possible penalties in mind, let’s take a closer look at the minimum penalties when a DUI charge is not your first offense.

Second DUI

In Columbus Ohio, a second DUI in 10 years can result in minimum penalties like:

  1. At least 10 days in jail and/or 18 days in house arrest
  2. A drug and alcohol assessment
  3. A fine of $525
  4. A 1-year driver’s license suspension
  5. No driving privileges for 45 days
  6. Special plates
  7. An interlock device
  8. A 90-day vehicle immobilization of the vehicle is registered to you

Third DUI

In Columbus Ohio, a third DUI in 10 years can result in the following minimum penalties:

  1. At least 30 days in jail or 15 days in jail and 36 days on house arrest
  2. A fine of $850
  3. A 2-year driver’s license suspension
  4. No driving privileges for 180 days
  5. Forfeiture of the vehicle if it is registered to you
  6. An interlock device
  7. Special plates

Fourth DUI

In Columbus Ohio, a fourth DUI in 10 years can result in minimum penalties such as:

  1. A minimum of 60 days in jail
  2. A 3-year driver’s license suspension with no driving privileges at all
  3. A fine of $1,350
  4. An alcohol and drug addiction program
  5. Forfeiture of the vehicle if it is registered to you

Additional penalties that can come with facing charges for multiple DUI offenses may include higher vehicle insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and commercial driver’s license suspension or disqualification.

What Should I Do if I’m Facing Criminal Charges for Multiple DUI Offenses?

If you are facing charges for multiple DUI offenses in Franklin County Ohio, it can be prudent to seek legal assistance. As we discussed above, the mandatory minimum penalties a defendant is facing will increase substantially with each DUI conviction.

You are facing jail time, heavy fines, and even the complete loss of your ability drive legally. A multiple DUI offenses attorney in Franklin County Ohio can be extremely helpful in the immediate aftermath of receiving charges. They will be able to examine the circumstances of your DUI offenses, explain your options to you, and provide you with legal representation to help get the best result possible. They will be able to help put together a defense for your specific case and help you fight the charges.

About the Author

Maher Law Firm, LLC is a law firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Founder Colin Maher has 10+ years of experience and brings immense knowledge of criminal defense law to the table with each case he works on. If you are on the hunt for a multiple DUI offenses attorney in Franklin County, Maher Law Firm is the firm to consider. With a thousands of happy clients and over 100 trials, rest assured The Maher Law Firm is the right choice for your Columbus Ohio OVI defense lawyer. You can reach attorney Colin Maher at 614-205-2208.