"The Joslyn Law Firm is highly experienced and nationally recognized for their Criminal and DUI Defense. Brian Joslyn is an Award-Winning Criminal and DUI Defense attorney who, along with his team, has handled hundreds of cases and has helped their clients obtain the best results possible."

Consequences of a DUI / OVI

A conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI) in Ohio can impact a person’s social, professional, and financial well-being. In certain cases, such as a felony conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), an alleged offender may even lose the right to vote, collect government assistance, or even run for office.

Although felonies are much more severe criminal charges, even a misdemeanor OVI will show up on a person’s criminal record and have a potentially devastating impact on professional licenses, employment, and education. The best way to avoid the disastrous long-term effects of a DUI conviction is to have experienced legal counsel who can fight to have the initial OVI charges reduced or completely dismissed.

Cincinnati Lawyer Helps Clients Avoid OVI Consequences

Were you recently arrested for alleged drunk driving in Central Ohio? Do not assume that a conviction is automatic.

Brian Joslyn of Joslyn Law Firm is an experienced Cincinnati DUI attorney who helps clients in communities throughout Hamilton County, Greene County, Butler County, Franklin County, Clinton County, and Clermont County obtain the best possible outcomes in OVI cases. You can have him provide a thorough evaluation of your case by calling (513) 399-6289 right now to set up a free consultation.

Overview of DUI Consequences in Hamilton County

• Will I have to go to prison if I’m convicted of drunk driving?
• Do I have to tell potential employers about my OVI conviction?
• Where can I learn more about DUI penalties in Ohio?

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Criminal Penalties for OVI in Ohio

The possible criminal penalties for DUI offenses depend on a number of factors. In addition to previous convictions, an alleged offender’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or refusal to submit to testing may trigger enhanced penalties.

The general maximum sentences for each offense classification in Ohio are as follows:

• Misdemeanor of the First Degree – Up to six months in jail and / or a maximum fine of $1,000;

• Felony of the Fifth Degree – Up to one year in prison and / or a maximum fine of $2,500;                       

• Felony of the Fourth Degree – Up to eighteen months in prison and / or a maximum fine of $2,500;

• Felony of the Third Degree – Up to five years in prison and / or a maximum fine of $5,000;

• Felony of the Second Degree – Up to eight years in prison and / or a maximum fine of $10,000; and

• Felony of the First Degree – Up to ten years in prison and / or a maximum fine of $20,000.

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Employment and Educational Consequences of DUI in Cincinnati

One of the more devastating effects of an OVI conviction is that the crime is forever reflected on the criminal record of the alleged offender. This can lead to tremendous hardship in areas concerning professional licenses, employment, and education.
It is not uncommon for many professional agencies or institutions of higher learning to inquire about criminal convictions during any application process. Existing members or students can also be required to report any DUI arrests.

Failure to disclose or report these violations can trigger penalties that are even more severe than the possible consequences of disclosing the arrest or conviction. Ohio state law prohibits OVI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged, which makes it critical for any person arrested for alleged drunk driving to have legal representation fully capable of having the criminal charges possibly dismissed.

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Ohio Resources for OVI Consequences

OVI Interdiction Handbook | Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) — The ODPS is an administrative department of the state government which includes such divisions as the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This handbook provides a general overview of the state’s drunk driving laws, including sentencing, vehicle immobilization and criminal forfeiture, and other miscellaneous issues. You can also learn more judicial license suspensions, post-trial driving privileges, and reinstatement requirements.

Ohio Impaired Driving Law Chart — You can view all of the criminal penalties for a DUI conviction in Ohio in this chart. Penalties are sorted by offense number and aggravating factors such as high BAC or test refusal. The chart covers not only possible fines and imprisonment, but also treatment, license suspension, and restricted license plates.

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Find a Lawyer to Avoid DUI Consequences in Cincinnati, Ohio

If you were arrested for alleged DUI in Central Ohio, you have probably envisioned many worst-case scenarios. The truth is that drunk driving cases are much more complicated in real life, and there may be any one of a number of OVI defenses that could result in your charges being reduced or maybe even completely dismissed.

Cincinnati DUI defense attorney Brian Joslyn represents clients all over Hamilton County, including Middletown, Norwood, Lebanon, Hamilton, and many more. You can receive a complete review of your case when you call (513) 399-6289 or send an online message today for a free, confidential consultation.

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