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First Offense DUI/ OVIs in Columbus, Ohio
The first time you get charged with an OVI may be the first time you ever confront the Ohio justice system. You may be overwhelmed and need to make court appearances, build a case defense, and fight hard to obtain a good outcome. Fortunately, an experienced Columbus OVI defense lawyer can help you make sense of the complicated legal procedures and advocate on your behalf.
If you are facing your first OVI / DUI offense in Ohio, contact a local DUI lawyer with considerable experience and success handling first-time OVIs. In and around Columbus, Ohio, that first-time DUI lawyer is at Luftman, Heck, & Associates. Call (614) 500-3836 today for a free OVI case evaluation, where we’ll review the details of your first DUI charge and explain what’s next.
What Can I Expect If I’m Charged with My First OVI?
Getting arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI / OVI) in Columbus is a stressful and uncertain experience, especially if it’s your first time.
If convicted of a first-time OVI, you may face significant penalties, including a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours up to six months, fines ranging from $375 to $1,075, and a driver’s license suspension lasting six months to three years. Administrative penalties can also apply, such as an immediate license suspension (ALS) lasting 90 days to one year. Additional consequences include increased insurance premiums, a criminal record that cannot be expunged, and potential impacts on employment and education opportunities.
Navigating these charges requires understanding your rights and potential defenses. You have the right to remain silent, refuse field sobriety tests, and request an attorney upon arrest. A Columbus DUI lawyer can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of breathalyzer or sobriety tests, and any procedural violations during the arrest. They can also advocate for leniency or negotiate plea deals to reduce charges. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to build a robust defense strategy, protect your rights, and mitigate the long-term impacts of a first offense OVI in Columbus.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help if It’s Your First OVI
First OVI Penalties
If the prosecutor can demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that your blood alcohol content (BAC) was between .08 and .17 at the time you were driving, you will have to spend a minimum of 72 hours in jail, and your whole sentence could be as long as six months. If the evidence shows that your BAC was above .17, you will receive a minimum sentence of six days.
The judge may suspend your driver’s license for up to three years and also order you to pay fines anywhere from $375 to $1,075. Bear in mind that the fines do not include the court fees and the costs of attending a driver’s education course and obtaining a license reinstatement.
Minimum Penalties for Your First DUI
Facing your first DUI charge? Learn what penalties you could be facing. Remember, an experienced Columbus DUI lawyer can help you avoid the worst of these consequences.
Penalties for a First Offense High DUI Test
First OVI License Suspension
When you get arrested for OVI, the police may suspend your license. This Administrative License Suspension (ALS) is separate from the license suspension that you may receive as part of your criminal sentence. Normally, the ALS lasts 90 days unless you refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, in which case the suspension will last one year. Note that there is no penalty for refusing a field sobriety or portable breathalyzer test.
You will need to pay $450 dollars to reinstate your license at the end of the suspension period. You will also have six points added to your license. If you can demonstrate that you have a need to drive during the suspension period, you may qualify for limited driving privileges. In this case, you will need to install an ignition interlock device to your vehicle at your own expense.
First Offense DUI (Under 21)
Ohio has strict penalties for drivers under 21 driving under the influence, who account for more than one out of 10 drunk driving fatalities. You can be charged with Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD) if there is evidence that your BAC was over .02 while you were behind the wheel. If convicted, you will face a maximum jail sentence of 30 days, along with possible fines of up to $250. Your license will be suspended for 90 days, and you will have four points added to it upon its reinstatement.
The Impact of First DUI on Your Future?
When you’re charged with any criminal offense, you should spare no expense in hiring the best legal representation possible. If you get convicted of your first Columbus DUI offense, you’ll face fines and/or jail time, suspended driving privileges, and court costs. Furthermore, your OVI conviction will result in higher insurance premiums, and the blemish on your criminal record could affect your employment and education opportunities.
A Columbus First Offense OVI Lawyer with LHA Can Help
You may be able to avoid the harsh penalties detailed above by arming yourself with an aggressive legal advocate to defend against your first Ohio OVI offense. Every OVI case is different, but your lawyer may be able to use any of the following defense strategies:
Limit the DUI Evidence Against You
The prosecutor is not allowed to use evidence that was obtained in violation of your rights. In many Columbus OVI cases, the police obtain evidence against a suspect illegally. For example, the police may have pulled you over without having a reasonable suspicion that you were committing a crime, which renders any evidence obtained from that traffic stop inadmissible at trial.
Challenge & Refute the DUI Case
The prosecutor must prove every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that if there is any doubt as to whether your BAC was above .08 when you were behind the wheel, you should receive a verdict of not guilty. Oftentimes, the chemical test results are close enough to the legal limit that your lawyer can argue that there is a reasonable possibility that you were not under the influence at the time you were driving.
Advocate for Less Serious First Offense Penalties
When the evidence against you clearly points to your guilt, sometimes it’s best to ask for leniency in your sentence. You may agree to plead guilty in exchange for the assurance of a more lenient sentence. Alternatively, you may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
First Time DUI in Columbus: FAQs
What should I do if I’m pulled over for a suspected DUI in Columbus?
If you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI anywhere in Franklin County, remain calm, provide the requested documents, and know that you have the right to remain silent and refuse field sobriety tests.
Can a first time DUI affect my employment?
A DUI conviction can affect your employment, especially in jobs requiring driving or clean background checks, and can also lead to higher insurance premiums
Can I get driving privileges after an OVI ?
Yes, you may petition the court for limited driving privileges for essential needs, such as commuting to work or school, but you must comply with court conditions.
To Learn More, Read LHA’s Essential Guide to a First Offense DUI in Columbus, Ohio.
Charged with Your First OVI on Columbus? Contact LHA 24/7
If you’ve been charged with Columbus DUI / OVI first offense, you should contact an experienced Columbus DUI lawyer nearby with Luftman, Heck, & Associates by calling (614) 500-3836.
We’re available 24/7 and offer free initial consultations. A strong defense strategy from us may protect your rights and save your future. Learn how an attorney from our law firm can help you with your first offense DUI in Columbus.
