OVI / DUI Felony Offenses In Ohio

Under certain circumstances, DUI / OVI in Ohio is classified as a felony offense. If you are convicted of four DUI / OVI offenses within ten years, or if you are convicted of six DUI / OVI charges in 20 years, the offense is classified as a felony. Once you have been found guilty of a felony DUI / OVI, any conviction for DUI / OVI after that is classified as a felony. If you are charged with a felony DUI / OVI offense in Central Ohio, a good Columbus Ohio DUI / OVI attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

The sentence for a first felony DUI / OVI conviction includes incarceration, a license suspension, and other penalties. The minimum jail sentence is 60 days in jail or prison (the minimum doubles if there is a high test or refusal), and the maximum period of incarceration is 30 months in prison. The minimum license suspension is three years, and the maximum license suspension is a suspension for life. For a felony DUI / OVI license suspension, no driving privileges can be granted for the first three years of the suspension. In addition to the incarceration and license suspension, the sentence involves vehicle forfeiture, an ignition interlock, yellow license plates, and drug/alcohol treatment.

The sentence for a second felony DUI / OVI conviction is similar to the sentence for a first felony DUI / OVI conviction, but the period of incarceration is longer. The minimum is 120 days in prison (a high test or refusal doubles the minimum), and the maximum is five years in prison. The driver’s license suspension is the same as a first felony: three years to life with no driving privileges for three years. Like a first felony, a second felony DUI / OVI conviction also carries mandatory vehicle forfeiture, ignition interlock, yellow license plates, and drug/alcohol treatment.

The strategies for a felony DUI / OVI charge are essentially the same as those for a misdemeanor DUI / OVI offense, but the stakes are higher. We enter a plea of not guilty and obtain all the evidence the prosecution intends to introduce. That evidence will include police reports, alcohol influence forms, witness statements, prior conviction records, field sobriety test reports, chemical test results, cruiser videos, and police station videos. We file motions to suppress evidence if there is a search and seizure issue, errors in the administration of the field sobriety tests, problems with the breath test, blood test, or urine test, or any other issues warranting suppression of evidence. We present circumstances to negate intoxication and mitigate the sentence, and we negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to reach a resolution that is fair. If we don’t reach an agreement, we have a jury trial.

Our practice is focused on DUI / OVI defense, we have experience representing clients with felony DUI / OVI charges, and our firm has defended clients in many jury trials. For more information about us, please see our profile, and for details about our practice, please see the firm overview. You can also see what clients say and review our past case results. We limit the number of cases I accept so we can provide personal service for our clients. If you would like to discuss how we can help with your felony DUI / OVI, EMAIL US or call The Dominy Law Firm at 614-717-1177 to arrange a free consultation.