An OVI conviction indefinitely remains on your criminal record in Ohio 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 in Ohio 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.
What Is The Legal Limit In Ohio?
The laws concerning legal limits are complicated in Ohio. For starters, under Ohio 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 Ohio law, but there are also two tiers of legal limits — low tier and high tier — 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 in Ohio 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.
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.
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