If you wake up in jail after a DUI in Cincinnati, the decisions that you make next can have a drastic effect on the outcome of your case. Even if you are released soon after being charged, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or OVI as it is called in Ohio, is serious. But this doesn’t mean that you should resign yourself to the penalties.
Acting fast and hiring an experienced attorney who knows how to improve your circumstances can mean all the difference in avoiding the harsh penalties of a DUI conviction. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Mistakes and violations happen frequently in DUI cases, and this could result in a dismissal or a drastic reduction. For this reason, it is essential that you consult an OVI lawyer before pleading guilty.
To learn more about what to do after a DUI in Cincinnati, call (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation.
Steps to Take the Morning After a DUI in Cincinnati
- Stay calm and avoid speaking to police
- Contact an experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer
- Post bail if applicable
- Challenge your driver’s license suspension
- Prepare for your court date and next legal steps
At your arraignment, you’ll be asked to enter a plea. Pleading not guilty doesn’t mean you’re denying everything—it simply gives you and your attorney time to review the evidence, challenge any weak points, and protect your rights before any decisions are made.
Once you are arrested and in custody of an OVI, no amount of talking or arguing can improve your situation. In fact, making any statements to the police will only make matters worse.
Don’t Panic If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI
Whether you woke up in a jail cell or were released the same night, it’s understandable to feel confused or scared. It’s important to remember that panicking won’t help—and speaking to police can only hurt your case.
Once you’ve been arrested, you should invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not try to explain yourself or negotiate with law enforcement officers. Every word you say can be used against you in court.
Call an OVI Lawyer as Soon as Possible
There’s a reason why the Constitution guarantees the right to counsel to every criminal suspect: it’s the single best way to achieve a good outcome. By failing to exercise your right, you are giving up on your best chance of beating your charges.
Requesting a DUI lawyer also has the benefit of ensuring that the police will stop questioning you. OVI law is complex and involves specific defenses, so your best bet is to find an attorney with significant experience in this area of the law. A DUI lawyer can help you review the police report, decide how to plead at your arraignment, and work toward reducing or avoiding the most serious penalties—including jail time and party plates.
Post Bail to Get Out of Jail
The officer who arrests you has discretion to release you or to book you in jail. Their decision will depend on the circumstances of your arrest and your criminal history.
If you get booked in jail, you can generally post bail immediately and regain your freedom. But if you can’t afford the bail amount, you will need to borrow money from friends or family, or obtain a bond from a bail bondsman.
Unless your case involves aggravating circumstances, regaining your freedom while you await your trial for a first OVI is a straightforward and relatively inexpensive process.
Challenge the Administrative Suspension of Your License
After your arrest, the police will have you blow into a breathalyzer machine, or take you to a medical facility to obtain a blood or urine sample. These tests will be used to establish your blood alcohol content, or BAC.
If you refuse this test, or if your recorded BAC exceeds the legal limit of .08, your license will automatically get suspended. This administrative license suspension (ALS) is separate from the license suspension period that the judge may sentence you to after your conviction.
If you want to keep driving while you await trial, you will need to apply for a temporary driving license or request an administrative hearing to challenge the temporary license suspension. To obtain temporary driving privileges, you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your car, or place so-called DUI plates on your car.
To succeed at the ALS hearing and regain your driving privileges, your lawyer will need to demonstrate that there was no reasonable basis for your OWI charges.
Know the Costs You May Face
Being charged with OVI in Ohio comes with more than legal consequences—it can also hit you hard financially. Some of the most common expenses include:
- Court fines (typically between $375 and $1,075)
- Court costs and administrative fees
- Attorney’s fees (though well worth it for experienced representation)
- Rehabilitation or alcohol education programs (if ordered)
- DMV reinstatement fees for your driver’s license
- Increased car insurance premiums and SR-22 requirements
The total cost of a first-time DUI can easily exceed $10,000 when everything is factored in. This makes early intervention and legal guidance even more essential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cincinnati DUI Arrests
What happens the morning after a DUI arrest in Cincinnati?
You may still be in custody or released on bond. You should contact a DUI attorney, avoid speaking to police, and begin preparing to challenge your charges.
Is DUI the same as OVI in Ohio?
Yes. In Ohio, DUI is legally referred to as Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). It includes alcohol, prescription drugs, and controlled substances.
Will my license be suspended right away?
If you failed or refused a chemical test, your license is automatically suspended through an ALS. You have 30 days to request a hearing to fight this suspension.
Can I drive after a DUI arrest in Ohio?
Possibly. You may qualify for limited driving privileges if you file the proper paperwork with the court and comply with conditions like ignition interlock installation.
Can a DUI charge be dismissed in Cincinnati?
Yes. DUI charges may be dismissed due to lack of probable cause, procedural errors, BAC testing issues, or constitutional violations. An experienced attorney can assess your options.
Local Insight: Hamilton County DUI/OVI Cases
OVI cases in Cincinnati are typically heard in the Hamilton County Municipal Court or Common Pleas Court. These courts follow strict procedures, and prosecutors have limited discretion to negotiate. Having a lawyer who knows the local courts and judges can give you a strategic edge.
Take Control of Your DUI Case. In Cincinnati, Call LHA
Success in the administrative and criminal proceedings following an Ohio OVI requires fast and decisive action. You cannot assume that the system will work in your favor and that you will be able to retain your driving privileges and avoid jail time. The best outcome can only be obtained by fighting at every stage of the process. Bradley J. Groene is a Cincinnati-based criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience representing clients in DUI/OVI cases throughout Hamilton County. Known for his aggressive defense strategies and client-focused advocacy, Bradley has helped hundreds of individuals fight DUI charges and protect their records.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for OVI, call Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (513) 338-1890 for your free case consultation.
