The legal system is harsh when you’ve been arrested for the same crime multiple times.
According to Ohio’s laws on Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI), punishments increase for a second drunk driving conviction, a third, and so forth.
You can fight the charges to get a favorable outcome in your case.
To do so, you’ll need an Ohio DUI defense attorney to represent you and fight for your rights.
You should also review some critical information about the proceedings.
Summary of Multiple Offenses Under Ohio DUI Laws
Regardless of how many previous convictions are in your criminal history, the standards for OVI are the same.
You can be arrested under two different circumstances:
- Police pulled you over and asked you to take a chemical test, in which you registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more; or,
- Officers stopped you and had reasonable suspicion that you were impaired by alcohol.
There is a statute about high BAC amounts, which could affect your sentence in a drunk driving case.
Any BAC amount of .17% or higher may implicate more penalties.
Penalties Increase for a Third DUI Conviction
If you’re convicted for a third drunk driving offense for impairment or a BAC over .08 through a chemical test, the criminal punishment is severe.
For purposes of the law, keep in mind that the look-back period is ten years.
Mandatory sentencing applies for a conviction:
- A judge may sentence you to 30 days to one year in jail. Upon release, the court may impose at least three months of electronic home monitoring.
- You’ll receive a mandatory fine of at least $850.
- Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least 24 months and up to 10 years.
Other consequences may also apply in your case.
Though you may have limited driving privileges to get to and from school, your job, and other essentials, you’re not eligible for at least 180 days after your arrest.
You’ll need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle during this time, and you must attend a substance abuse program.
Retain an Ohio OVI/DUI Lawyer Who Will Defend Your Interests
There are severe consequences for a third DUI offense, including higher fines, longer terms of incarceration, and other penalties.
Don’t put your rights at risk by trying to represent yourself in such a case.
Trust one of our attorneys at Gounaris Abboud, LPA to advocate on your behalf.
Please contact us to set up a consultation, where we can review your circumstances and determine how to proceed with your defense.
Nicholas Gounaris
Nick Gounaris attended Miami University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree and then went on to attend
University of Dayton School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate. In 2011, Mr. Gounaris was awarded a 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo, which is an attorney rating website recognized around the nation. He provides clients of the firm with competent legal representation and focuses his law practice in the areas of DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law Issues, Federal Criminal Law and Personal Injury cases.
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