What are the Punishments for a DUI?

Our DUI lawyers at The Meranda Law Firm can explain Ohio laws and penalties for Driving under the influence (DUI), or as it is called in Ohio—Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI).

Columbus DUI first offense

If convicted of an OVI or Columbus DUI first offense, the following punishments may apply:

• Mandatory jail term of three consecutive days (72 consecutive hours)
• Driver's intervention program
• Part or all of the three-day jail term may be suspended under a community control sanction
• Possible alcohol/drug treatment or education program
• Other community control conditions imposed by the court
• Six day jail sentence or longer if the jail offers a driver's intervention program
• A $375-$1075 fine
• Driver's license suspension (six months to three years)
• Possible Yellow DUI plates (yellow plate is used when restricted driving privileges are granted)
• Possible Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) bracelet [ankle bracelet that measures blood alcohol content (BAC) based on perspiration]

Columbus DUI second offense

If convicted of a second OVI or Columbus DUI second offense, the following punishments may apply:

• 2nd DUI offense (conviction within six years of a previous DUI/OVI offense)
• Mandatory minimum 10 days in jail (20 days if BAC is higher than .17
• Or combination of jail and house arrest with electronic monitoring and alcohol monitoring)
• Assessment under a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Minimum fine of $525, maximum $1625
• Driver's license suspension (six months to three years)
• 90 days immobilization of vehicle involved in the offense
• Yellow DUI plates required
• SCRAM bracelet required

Columbus DUI third offense

If convicted of a third OVI or Columbus DUI third offense, the following punishments may apply:

• Minimum 30 days in jail (BAC under .17)
• Minimum 60 days in jai (BAC at .17 or higher)
• Fines $850-$2750
• Driver's license suspension two--ten years
• Yellow DUI plates required
• SCRAM bracelet required

License suspension penalties increase if you refuse to submit to a chemical test:

• Columbus first DUI offense—one year
• Columbus second DUI offense—two years
• Columbus third DUI offense—three years

Get legal help to protect your rights

If you face charges as a Columbus DUI offender, call 740-281-1404 today or contact The Meranda Law Firm online to discuss your legal options.