DUI / DWI Defense in Ohio

Ohio refers to drunk driving as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) rather than DUI. A first OVI conviction carries mandatory minimum penalties including three days in jail (or a 72-hour Driver Intervention Program at $250-$500), fines of $375-$1,075, and a 1-3 year license suspension. Attorney fees range from $2,000-$4,500 for a first offense. Ohio has a "look-back" period of 10 years — any prior OVI within that window enhances penalties. A second OVI within 10 years is still a misdemeanor but carries 10-90 days in jail, making competent legal defense critical. Third and subsequent offenses are felonies with defense costs of $7,000-$14,000. Ohio also has a "per se" refusal penalty: refusing a breath test results in automatic one-year suspension. Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearings must be requested within 30 days of arrest, an early opportunity for attorney intervention. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland each have dedicated OVI courts with specialized docket procedures.