Driver Intervention Programs

DUI Driver Intervention Programs | Columbus & Central Ohio Lawyer

Driver Intervention Programs

A driver intervention program (DIP) is a 72-hour program that may be imposed as a penalty for an OVI DUI conviction. Most DIPs are held at hotels, and the cost is generally about $450. Participants check in on a Thursday evening and leave on Sunday evening. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, there are presentations made on various topics related to alcohol, drugs and driving. Most programs also include an assessment to determine if participants need further alcohol/drug counseling.

Ohio Law

For a first conviction of an OVI DUI in Ohio that does not involve a “high test”, the law requires a minimum jail sentence of three days, but a judge may order completion of a 72-hour driver intervention program in lieu of three days in jail. For a first conviction of an O.V.I./D.U.I. in Ohio that involves a “high test”, the law requires a minimum jail sentence of six days, and a judge may order completion of a 72-hour driver intervention program in lieu of three of the days in jail. It should be noted that the minimum jail sentence is a minimum, and judges can order up to six months in jail on a first OVI DUI conviction. For repeat offenses within a certain time period, a jail sentence is mandatory and cannot be satisfied with a DIP, but a judge may order completion of a DIP as part of the mandatory alcohol/drug counseling.

Contact a Columbus DUI OVI Arrest Lawyer

If you have been charged with a DUI OVI and have questions regarding driver intervention programs in central Ohio, contact the criminal defense law office of Shawn R. Dominy, Attorney at Law for an initial consultation about your case