An OVI conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely and cannot be expunged. The conviction also stays on your driving record and can be utilized to enhance penalties for future OVI offenses.
DUI & OVI
DUI & OVI
Successful Dayton OVI Attorneys
Many Ohioans find themselves charged with driving under the influence for being behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A driving under the influence (DUI) offense, also often referred to as operating a vehicle while impaired or as an “OVI” in Ohio, is a serious criminal offense that can carry mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license that can last for years.
A DUI/OVI conviction will also result in a criminal record, the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, an increase in your auto insurance premiums, and can cause you difficulties later in life when it comes to certain employment opportunities in the future. A DUI conviction has a significant and long-lasting impact on your life. That is why it is so critically important to fight your DUI charges with a strong defense. Let a skilled and experienced DUI attorney help you fight your charges.
FAQs About DUI/OVI Charges in Ohio
How long does an OVI stay on my record?
What if I refuse a breathalyzer test?
Refusing a chemical test results in an automatic Administrative License Suspension (ALS), which can last for one year or longer, depending on prior refusals. This suspension is separate from any penalties you may face from the criminal court case.
What is an Administrative License Suspension (ALS)?
An ALS is an immediate, pre-conviction license suspension imposed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) if you fail or refuse to complete a chemical test. This is a civil penalty and is separate from any criminal court-ordered suspension.
Can I seek driving privileges while my license is suspended?
You may be eligible for limited driving privileges for work, school or medical purposes during your suspension. Your attorney can help you petition the court for these privileges.
Does an OVI affect car insurance rates?
A conviction for an OVI will almost certainly make your car insurance premiums substantially increase. You may also be required to obtain an SR-22 bond, which proves you have the state-mandated minimum liability insurance.
Who The VanNoy Firm Serves
Our clients come to us from all walks of life. Many share the same concerns: what happens next, and what can be done. We serve clients across a wide range of OVI situations, including:
- Drivers questioning the stop or test results: You have concerns about the traffic stop, checkpoint, roadside testing, breath or blood results, a refusal claim, or the way police handled the investigation.
- Drivers accused of drugged driving: Police claim you were impaired by prescription medication, illegal drugs, or a mix of substances, and you need help challenging the evidence of impairment.
- Drivers concerned about their license and OVI requirements: A DUI arrest, test result, refusal, or conviction may affect your license and lead to suspension, restricted driving, ignition interlock, classes, or reinstatement steps.
- Drivers worried about their record and future opportunities: You want to understand how a DUI could affect your criminal record, driving record, insurance rates, employment, background checks, or future opportunities.
No matter which of these situations applies to you, our team is ready to listen and get to work.
What Is The Legal Limit In Ohio?
The laws concerning legal limits are complicated. For starters, under state law, there are many different ways to determine when a suspected intoxicated driver is over the legal limit. For instance:
- A driver who is over the age of 21 is not permitted to operate a vehicle if they have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater.
- A driver who has a urine alcohol concentration of 0.11 or greater is considered over the legal limit.
- A driver who has a blood plasma or serum level of 0.096 or greater is also considered to be over the legal limit.
- A driver who has a concentration of 500 nanograms per milliliter of amphetamines in their urine, or more than 100 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood, blood serum, or plasma is considered to be intoxicated.
- A driver who has a concentration of 150 nanograms per milliliter of cocaine in their urine, or at least 50 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood, blood serum, or plasma, is considered to be intoxicated.
Not only are there legal limits under state law, but there are also two tiers of limits, low and high, for alcohol testing. High-tier test results mean harsher punishments. For instance, high-tier alcohol test results include:
- A result of 0.17 or higher for a breath or blood test.
- A result of 0.238 or higher for a urine test.
- A result of 0.204 or higher for a blood plasma or serum test.
Limits Are Lower For Underaged Drivers
The law concerning DUI testing can seem pretty confusing because there are a number of different test limits for alcohol and drug concentrations in the body. Furthermore, Ohio has a high tier of legal limits when it comes to alcohol testing, and if a driver produces a high-tier test result, they will face steeper punishment under the law.
The legal limits for alcohol tests drop significantly for drivers who are under the age of 21 years old. For these drivers, the legal limits include:
- A result of 0.02 for a breath or blood test.
- A result of 0.03 for a blood plasma or blood serum test.
- A result of 0.028 for a urine test.
Why Choose The VanNoy Firm for Your OVI Defense?
What sets our firm apart is not just experience. It’s our commitment to treating each client’s case with the attention it deserves. We review every detail of the stop, the testing process, and the police conduct involved. OVI law is layered, with low-tier and high-tier BAC thresholds, separate rules for drivers under 21, and distinct consequences for test refusals. We know this law thoroughly and use that knowledge to protect our clients.
Our approach includes:
- Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop or checkpoint
- Challenging breath, blood, or urine test procedures and results
- Petitioning for limited driving privileges during a suspension
- Pursuing the best possible outcome, whether that means a reduced charge, dismissal, or trial
Contact An Experienced Driver’s License Reinstatement Attorney
Your best chance for beating your DUI/OVI criminal charges is to work closely with an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney. The DUI criminal defense attorneys at The VanNoy Firm will know how to handle your DUI case.
How Can We Help You?
Our premier Dayton attorneys work diligently to defend our clients’ rights with aggressive and individualized legal representation.
Why Do People Choose Us?
Because We Win!
The VanNoy Firm was professional, respectful and always addressed my concerns. We worked together toward a great outcome. They took a real load off my mind during a stressful time. I would highly recommend.
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My son was violently assaulted by a so-called "friend" after a night of partying and tried to leave. The dude assaulted him again and my son defended himself with a pocket knife in a life or death situation. Unfortunately, the attacker died but my son was arrested and in jail for 3 months on 4 indictments. Mr. VanNoy successfully defended my son in this self-defense case. This part of the nightmare is over. We thank the team for all their efforts!
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Life Changing Attorney!!! Words cannot fully express the gratitude I have for Attorney Anthony VanNoy. He went above and beyond in every possible way and truly changed the course of my life. I had two court cases that felt overwhelming and uncertain, but thanks to his dedication, patience, and genuine care, both resulted in amazing outcomes. From the moment we hired him, everything changed. He immediately stepped in, got me a court date the very next day, and had me released from jail that same day. My previous attorney had told me I’d be waiting a month just to be…
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I thank God for the VanNoy firm & every associate that we've dealt with over the years. My family & a couple friends of mine are all pleased with the professionalism, patience, experience, & love shown from top to bottom. Anthony is a true man of Faith & the fact he takes every case he has before God shows how much he cares for his fellow man. Thank you every time for everything. God bless you.
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