Under Ohio law, OVIs range from first-degree misdemeanors (the most serious misdemeanor) to third-degree felony offenses. The most serious misdemeanor-level OVI is followed by a mandatory sixty days in jail, and the most serious felony OVI is followed by up to five years of prison.
These penalties are not as straight forward as they may sound, however – in certain circumstances, the penalty can increase by an additional four months in prison for certain felony OVIs. And the mandatory sixty days of jail time for an unclassified misdemeanor OVI can be decreased to thirty days in exchange for 110 days of “alcohol monitoring” – typically an ankle bracelet that constantly monitors your blood alcohol content.
The severity of an OVI charge can depend on a variety of factors – blood alcohol content level, the number of prior equivalent convictions, and refusal to test, among others. But even the lowest level OVI – a first-degree misdemeanor – is a serious offense with serious consequences. A first-in-ten OVI conviction is followed by between three days and six months in jail, and a mandatory license suspension of between one and three years – we can explain options that mitigate these penalties, such as attending a Driver’s Intervention Program in lieu of serving jail time, and obtaining limited driving privileges for the duration of your suspension.
The Milano law firm is considered among the best in Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding counties. We represent clients in various municipal courts in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, among others.
Whether you are faced with an OVI charge for the first time or the fourth– whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony OVI – we can help. We will assess your situation, explain your options, develop a plan, and work through it together. If you need help, Contact us.