The Montgomery County Municipal Court, Eastern Division, hears cases originating in Riverside and Huber Heights, and Judge William C. Cox presides over the court.
For a free consultation to learn how we can help you, please call (937) 222-1515 or send us an online message today.
Ohio Drunk Driving Laws
Ohio refers to driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) as operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). The terms are often interchangeably used because they prohibit the same behavior.
Under Ohio law, a motorist is prohibited from operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.08%. It also prohibits driving while under the influence of drugs.
While every person is unique, it often takes little alcohol to reach a BAC of 0.08%. Even just one too many glasses of wine at dinner or one too many beers at the game can lead you to trouble. You will need a skilled Riverside DUI defense lawyer if you face a DUI.
Ohio DUI First-Offense Penalties
The penalties in Ohio vary widely depending on whether you have any prior DUI convictions and your registered BAC at the time of your arrest. An OVI lawyer can help you determine the possible penalties you face.
If you are charged and convicted of a first-offense OVI with a BAC above 0.08%, but below 0.17%, you face the following possible penalties:
- A minimum of three days in jail up to a maximum of six months
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Enrollment in a driver’s intervention program
- Driver’s license suspension for up to three years
You may be sentenced to a combination of the above penalties. As Riverside DUI defense attorneys, we work to get you the most lenient sentence possible.
Repeat Offender Penalties
The penalties for a second or subsequent DUI increase significantly from a first offense. Ohio punishes second and subsequent DUIs harshly, mainly because 30% of Ohio OVI arrests are repeat offenders.
If you are charged and convicted of a second OVI within six years of the first and your BAC is above 0.08%, but below 0.17%, you face the following possible penalties:
- A minimum of 10 days in jail up to a maximum of six months
- A fine of up to $1,600
- Driver’s license suspension for up to five years
- The installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory yellow restricted license plates
If you are convicted of a third DUI within six years of a prior DUI and your BAC is above 0.08%, but below 0.17%, it is punishable by:
- A minimum of 30 days but up to one year in jail
- A fine of up to $2,700
- Up to a 10-year driver’s license suspension
- The installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory yellow restricted license plates
Upon initial consultation, our Riverside DUI law firm will assess your case and discuss possible outcomes.
Enhanced Penalties
Certain Ohio DUI violations trigger enhanced penalties, including refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test and high BAC levels. For those enhancements, you could face increased jail time, higher fines, and longer driver’s license suspension periods, among other consequences. Our DUI attorney in Riverside can help you combat these penalties.
Ancillary Consequences to OVI Charges
Unfortunately, DUIs can negatively affect many aspects of your life. It can damage your relationships and reputation among friends, family, and co-workers. There may also be immigration repercussions, employment consequences, and limits on your ability to obtain a loan or enroll in educational programs.
Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney in Riverside, Ohio
Look no further if you are charged with driving while intoxicated and need a DUI lawyer in Riverside. At Gounaris Abboud, LPA, our clients are never just a number; we provide a hands-on personal approach to each case. Let us begin your DUI defense.
Contact us online or over the phone at (937) 222-1515 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced Riverside DUI lawyers today.