Ohio OVI Penalties & Sentencing
Understand the penalties you're facing for a OVI conviction in Ohio, including jail time, fines, and license suspension for each offense level.
These Penalties Can Be Reduced or Avoided
An experienced OVI attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even case dismissal. The penalties listed below are maximums—not guarantees. Early legal intervention is critical.
Ohio OVI Penalty Matrix
| Offense Level | Jail Time | Fines | License |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Offense Misdemeanor | 3 days to 6 months jail | $375-$1,075 | 1-year license suspension |
2nd Offense Within 10 years | 10 days to 6 months jail | $525-$1,625 | 1-year license suspension |
3rd+ Offense Third offense within 10 years | 2 - 10 years prison | Up to $10,000 | 2 years - permanent |
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual penalties vary based on BAC level, prior record, aggravating factors, and whether you caused an accident or injury. A judge has discretion within these ranges.
Aggravating Factors = Enhanced Penalties
High BAC (0.17+)
BAC at or above 0.17% results in enhanced penalties:
- •Longer mandatory minimum jail time
- •Higher fines
- •Mandatory ignition interlock installation
- •Extended probation period
Child Passenger
OVI with a child (under 15-18 depending on state law) in the vehicle:
- •Separate criminal charge (child endangerment)
- •Felony charges possible even on first offense
- •CPS/DCFS investigation likely
- •Additional jail time and fines
Accident with Injury
OVI causing bodily injury or death:
- •Automatic felony charge (injury OVI)
- •2-20 years prison for serious injury
- •Vehicular manslaughter if death occurs
- •Civil lawsuits for damages
Refusal to Test
Refusing chemical testing under implied consent law:
- •Automatic license suspension (often 1 year+)
- •Can be used as evidence of guilt
- •May not qualify for restricted license
- •Enhanced penalties if convicted
Hidden Costs & Collateral Consequences
Beyond jail, fines, and license suspension, a OVI conviction can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and affect your life for years:
Financial Impact
- • SR-22/FR-44 high-risk insurance ($3,000-5,000/year)
- • Ignition interlock device ($1,200-2,500/year)
- • License reinstatement fees ($200-500)
- • Alcohol education/treatment programs ($500-2,000)
- • Court costs and probation fees ($1,000+)
- • Towing and impound fees ($200-1,000)
- • Attorney fees (if you hire one)
Total Cost: $10,000 - $25,000+ over 3-5 years
Life Impact
- • Employment: Background checks, job loss, CDL revocation
- • Professional licenses: Nurses, teachers, pilots at risk
- • Housing: Rental applications often deny felonies
- • Education: Scholarship loss, federal aid restrictions
- • Immigration: Deportation risk for non-citizens
- • Military: Discharge or security clearance loss
- • Travel: Canada and other countries may deny entry
- • Custody: Family court considers OVI convictions
Fight to Reduce or Avoid These Penalties
The penalties listed above are not mandatory. An experienced OVI attorney can often negotiate plea bargains, alternative sentencing, reduced charges, or even case dismissal.