2nd, 3rd & 4th DUI Charges in Ohio
Get the Defense of a Columbus DUI Lawyer
A first drunk driving conviction is a misdemeanor criminal offense with accompanying penalties. The justice system is not sympathetic to those who drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and will send a message to the offender at the time of sentencing. If the driver did not get the message and ends up arrested again for a DUI/OVI, the punishments become more significant with each occurrence.
Keep in mind that repeat offenders can face up to 5 years of mandatory imprisonment. If their repeat offense is also categorized as a felony DUI, then he or she could face an additional, non-mandatory sentence of 9-36 consecutive months upon discretion.
Aside from the harsh sentencing handed down by a judge, a DUI can affect other aspects of life like loss of employment, reputation, loss of child custody rights, increased insurance premiums, and more.
What if You're Arrested for More than One DUI?
In addition to points on a driver's license and payment of license reinstatement fees, the following penalties are for two or more convictions:
- Second offense – 10 days to 6 months in jail, $525-$1,625 fines, 1-5 years driver's license suspension, mandatory yellow DUI plates and ignition interlock device, 90 day forfeiture of vehicle
- Third offense – 30 day to 1 year in jail, $850-$2,750 fines, 2-10 years driver's license suspension, mandatory yellow DUI plates and ignition interlock device, mandatory forfeiture of vehicle
- Fourth offense – within 6 years, 4th degree felony with up to 36 months in jail, fines $1,350-$10,500, license suspension for 3 years to life, mandatory yellow DUI plates, ignition interlock device and vehicle forfeiture, alcohol treatment programs.
Subsequent fifth offense within 20 years can mean up to 5 years in jail and permanent loss of driving privileges, and mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs. Penalties can increase if the driver's alcohol level (BAC) was excessively high or the driver refused to submit to testing conducted by the arresting officer. Leaving the scene of a DUI caused accident is an additional crime.
If charged with both a repeat offense and a felony DUI, you could face sentencing as a repeat offender (up to 5 years of incarceration) as well as sentencing for your felony DUI (9 – 36 months of incarceration).
Fighting OVI Evidence in Ohio
The tests performed to detect the amount of alcohol or drugs present in the driver are often inaccurate or misleading. The suspected impaired driver usually submits to these tests on the side of the road, often in the dark, and in an uncontrolled environment. It is easy to err when dealing with blood or urine tests if the tester does not follow the specific protocol and exact procedures. Mistakes can happen that affect the validity of evidence. OVI/DUI offenses are serious and a conviction can stay on your record for a long time.
When you find yourself facing multiple DUI/OVI charges in Columbus, OH and the prospect of losing driving privileges, you have a serious legal problem. Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD for the help you need. Contact us to schedule a free, initial consultation!
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"As stress free as it can be"A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w
-
"Great Representation"There are three reasons I recommend Zachuary Meranda if you are arrested for DUI. First off, he is a straight shooter. Never did he sugar coat my situation. Second, he handled everything while keeping me informed and walked me through everything as it progressed. Third, he got me the result- NO DUI!!! Thanks Zak!- Shane Dolen
-
"Excellent job!"We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous
-
"I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm"I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.- Payton R
-
"Great work!!"Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!- Pfeifer
-
"Great Job"Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.- Rod
-
"Great Attorney"Zach is a great attorney. He has represented me twice and both times I got positive results. If you need an attorney call The Meranda Law Firm, he's the best.- Frances Benson
-
"An Attorney That Will Give You His All!"Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.- Rylan Burrie
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
-
What should I do if my child was arrested?No parent wants their child to have to go through an ordeal like being arrested. When these situations do occur, it can be difficult to determine what the best course of action would be. The juvenile justice system is different from the adult justice system and so it is important that you have a legal representative who understands the juvenile system and can help you get through this time. Whether your child has been accused of DUI, a drug crime, a misdemeanor, or a felony, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that we are there helping you every step of the way.
-
Can I afford a criminal defense attorney?Another question you will have to consider when deciding which defense lawyer to handle your case is whether or not you can afford it. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we want to be able to provide reasonable rates to our clients so that you can get the help you need. In order to give you an idea of how much it will be, we will meet with you in a free consultation and discuss what kind of fees you could expect.
-
How do I appeal my conviction?What should you do if you have already been convicted of a crime and have received your sentence? If you believe that justice was not served, your first step should be to contact our firm to see if we could help you appeal your case. Not every attorney takes on appeal cases they can be more complex and time-consuming than other cases. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, however, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients, no matter how difficult the case. If you want us to look over your case, please contact our team as soon as possible.
