A DUI conviction is never a good thing, but just how much will it affect your life? This is perhaps the most common concern that we deal with when representing people for a first-time OVI arrest. In fact, many clients for a first DUI share the same ultimate question: Will I have to serve jail time for my DUI? Luckily, you probably won’t be sent to jail for your first OVI with the right defense.
If you’ve been convicted for an OVI in Ohio, the law has a stated minimum requirement of three days in jail. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this sentence could be extended to up to 180 days. There is one exception, though. You can alternately be sent to complete a 72 hour Driver Intervention Program, which is a drug and/or alcohol treatment program that has been approved by the court and is intended to prevent driving under the influence. We always advocate for this option for our clients, especially if they decide to take a plea deal. Because treatment is shown to be more effective in preventing further DUIs, we can make a good argument for you to stay out of jail.
What If It Isn’t My First OVI?
Unfortunately, the options are not quite as nice for second, third, or subsequent OVI. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Ohio before, the minimum sentence is increased to six days in jail. Even after completing a three-day long Driver Intervention Program, you will likely face an additional three days in jail if convicted.
That’s why it’s vital to have a strong defense for your OVI case, especially if this isn’t your first OVI arrest. DUIs are taken very seriously in Ohio, so unless you are willing to give up your time and your life for days or even months in jail, it’s important that you fight the charges aggressively. Only with the help of an experienced Ohio DUI lawyer will you be able to successfully stay out of jail and keep a clean driving record.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Cincinnati, call us at Luftman, Heck, and Associates right away at (513) 338-1890 for a free consultation on your case. Our Cincinnati DUI attorneys will aggressively defend you against all charges, working our hardest to keep you out of jail.
With the right defense, you may be able to beat the charges completely—or at least minimize the consequences and eliminate the required jail time, even if it isn’t your first OVI arrest. With over a decade of experience fighting DUI charges, our Cincinnati OVI lawyers are well equipped to get your case the best outcome possible.
