Akron OVI/DUI Attorney

A DUI charge can have severe consequences, including jail time, license suspension, fines, and loss of driving privileges. In Ohio, there is a three-day minimum of jail time associated with a first-time DUI charge. However, with a criminal defense attorney’s help, you may get these charges dismissed or reduced.

If you are facing a driving under the influence charge in Akron, Ohio, you need someone who understands the local legal system. An Akron OVI/DUI lawyer at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can ensure you understand your legal rights when navigating these charges.

What To Expect When Facing an OVI/DUI Charge in Akron, OH

In Ohio, a OVI/DUI charge is also known as an OVI, which stands for operating a vehicle impaired. What to expect when facing a DUI charge or OVI charge largely depends on whether this is your first offense and how intoxicated you allegedly were when arrested.

In some cases, you can attend a driver intervention program (DIP) instead of serving jail time. This program includes educational courses on traffic laws and alcohol addiction, as well as small group discussions.

Let’s break down the specific laws regarding penalties for OVI/DUI in Ohio.

Understanding OVI/DUI Laws in Akron, OH

For a first OVI/DUI offense, you could face:

Mandatory minimum of at least three and up to 180 days in jail, or a DIP course (if BAC was between .08 and .17 percent).
Mandatory minimum of at least six and up to 180 days in jail, or three days in jail with a DIP course (if BAC was over .17 percent or you refused to take a breathalyzer).
Between $275 and $1,075 in fines
A suspended license from six months to three years
Loss of driving privileges for 15 days (30 days if you refused a breathalyzer test)
Potentially restricted plates and interlock device (restricted plates required if your breathalyzer was over .17 percent)

For a second OVI/DUI offense, you could face:

Mandatory minimum of ten days in jail up to 180 days or five days in jail with 18 on house arrest (if BAC was between .08 and .17 percent)
Mandatory minimum of 20 days in jail up to 180 days or ten days in jail with 36 days of house arrest (if BAC was over .17 percent or you refused to take a breathalyzer)
Between $525 and $1,625 in fines
A suspended license from one to five years
Loss of driving privileges for 45 days
Mandatory restricted plates and interlock device

For a third OVI/DUI offense, you could face:

Mandatory minimum of 30 days up to a year in jail, or 15 days in jail with 55 days of house arrest (BAC between .08 and .17 percent)
Between $850 and $2,750 in fines
A suspended license for between two and ten years
Mandatory alcohol treatment
Loss of driving privileges for 180 days (up to a year for refusing to take a breathalyzer)
Mandatory restricted plates and an interlock device
Forfeiture of vehicle

How Likely is Jail Time for First OVI/DUI in Ohio?

It’s possible. In Ohio, there is a mandatory jail sentence associated with a first OVI conviction. However, a DUI attorney can help you avoid jail time for a DUI charge. They can do this by arguing to have your case suppressed, reduced, or dismissed.

Our Akron DUI lawyer will look for holes in the prosecutor’s case and potential wrongdoing in how the arrest occurred or how they gathered evidence. For example, if the police officers didn’t proceed correctly when drawing blood or taking a breathalyzer, this evidence can be thrown out.

If this is a first offense, we can point to your lack of prior record and good standing in the community as reasons to have a charge reduced or dismissed.

Talk to Our Akron OVI/DUI Lawyers Today

To learn more about what to do in the wake of a DUI or OVI charge in Dayton, Ohio, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. A DUI defense attorney in Akron can explain the process and fight for your best future.