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DUI in Sandusky, Ohio

Once you have been cited for violating the Ohio DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, but separate, legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you. The administrative action is brought against your Ohio driver's license by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Ohio, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Being charged with DUI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a DUI charge in Ohio understand what challenges they will encounter. Seeking the legal advice of a competent and experienced DUI defense attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Ohio DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Ohio law, an individual has 30 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio. If you fail to request a hearing within 30 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is important that you submit your request to the Bureau Motor Vehicles within thirty (30) days.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Sandusky, Ohio, fines for a first time DUI are $200.
• Ohio Driving Privileges and DUI - In Sandusky, Ohio, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for six months to three years.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 1 year.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI - DWI offender faces 72 consecutive hours time in jail .

Ohio DUI Vehicle Forfeiture

Permanent loss of vehicle shall be ordered by the court for any of the following:

• A) First offense of driving a vehicle during the immobilized period as stated in Ohio Revised Code(ORC) Section 4503.236;
• B) Third offense of OVI within six years or one prior felony OVI offense in a lifetime;
• C) Third offense or more of Driving Under FRA Suspension within six years as stated in Ohio RevisedCode (ORC) Section 4510.14;
• D) Third offense of the owner knowingly permitting a person who is under suspension to drivetheir vehicle as stated in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4511.203.

Ohio ALS (Administrative License Suspension)

• The administrative suspension is independent of any jail term, fine or other criminal penalty imposed in court for a OVI offense.
• Depending on previous offenses or refusals, you can have your license automatically suspended for a period of 90 days to five years.
• If you are stopped for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and you refuse to take the sobriety test, or if your test results exceed the legal limit of BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level, the officer can take your Ohio driver's license on the spot, and the suspension begins immediately.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Ohio, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a competent and skilled attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact an Ohio DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) for a fast, free consultation.

Appeal Process for an Ohio ALS (Administrative License Suspension

The court must hold the administrative license suspension hearing within five (5) days of arrest. The appeal is heard at this initial appearance if requested. The scope of appeal is confined to four issues.

1. Was the violator made aware of the consequences if he/she refused or failed the test?
2. Did the person refuse or fail the test?
3. Was the arrest based on reasonable grounds?
4. Did the officer request the person to take a test?