First DUI Lawyer in Columbus
OVI / DUI First Offense in Ohio
Most OVI arrests in Ohio involve people with no priors. But make no mistake about it; even if you don’t have a DUI on your record, DUI / OVI is a serious charge that puts significant penalties on the table.
At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt, our award-winning DUI defense team represents clients across Columbus and Central Ohio after they’ve been charged with DUI-related crimes. We know how police and the government operate, and we have the insight to fully protect your rights.
Why Clients Choose KBN:
- Tier 1 for DUI / OVI Defense in U.S. News “Best Law Firms” rankings.
- Brad Koffel has been voted to The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008.
- We’ve successfully represented over 15,000 clients.
- We prioritize personal attention and are always on call.
KBN is one of Ohio’s oldest, largest, and most reputable DUI firms. We offer reasonable retainers, flat fee billing, and interest-free payment plans. Call (614) 675-4845 or contact us online for a consultation.
Penalties for a First DUI in Ohio
OVI / DUI is defined by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4511.19) as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
In Ohio, you’re considered a first-time offender if you have no DUI / OVI convictions within the past 10 years, or within the past 20 years if the case involved a chemical test refusal. Except for DUI causing injury or death, a first OVI is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio.
Penalties for a first OVI in Ohio generally fall into three camps: a “Low Tier” first offense, a “High Tier” first offense, and a first offense refusal. These terms relate to the BAC of your blood, breath, or urine, or your refusal to take a test. A breath or blood test of .170 or greater is considered a “High Tier” OVI.
Potential penalties may include:
-
First Offense “Low Test”
- Minimum 3 days to maximum 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Potential license suspension 1-3 years
-
First Offense “High Test”
- Minimum 6 days to maximum 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Potential license suspension 1-3 years
- Mandatory yellow plates
-
First Offense Refusal
- Minimum 3 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Automatic Administrative License Suspension 1 year
- Court license suspension 1-3 years
First-time offenders may have the option to participate in a driver intervention/alcohol education program in which they can be awarded unlimited driving privileges, a suspended sentence, and favorable terms provided they install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and comply with other court orders. Our team can advise you of this program and other options.
Court-imposed penalties aren’t the only consequences faced by individuals convicted of DUI. Other repercussions can include:
- Job loss and employment / professional licensing issues
- Academic sanctions
- Loss of commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Points on your driver’s license
- Higher insurance premiums
- Reputational damage
How KBN Can Help
Working with a DUI lawyer can help you navigate the court system and take steps to produce the best possible outcome. This includes working to:
- Challenge the traffic stop, reasonable suspicion, and probable cause
- Challenge performance of field sobriety tests
- Challenge BAC obtained through breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests
- Address actual physical control, intoxication, warrants, and other key issues
- Negotiate a lesser charge and minimal penalties
- Requesting BMV hearings to contest license suspension
At KBN, our defense lawyers leverage decades of experience to investigate the circumstances surrounding our clients’ arrests, the charges against them, and the strategies to challenge charges and avoid or mitigate penalties. Because every case is unique, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer from our team to explore the potential options available in your matter.
A History of Successful Results for DUI Defendants
KBN has secured positive outcomes for thousands of clients facing first DUI charges in Franklin County and other counties of Ohio. We represent clients in both criminal proceedings and hearings before the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which are separate matters that concern only one’s driving privileges.
Some examples of the results we have secured for clients charged with DUI:
- Case dismissal / no conviction
- Conviction avoided in high test/test refusal cases
- Charges dropped in DUI drugs/marijuana cases
- Charges reduced to reckless operation of a vehicle
- Reduced charges for non-moving, no-points violations
- Privacy retained / case never publicized
- No license suspension or yellow plates
- Reduced fines and participation in alcohol education program
- No jail time / non-reporting probation in lieu of jail
Take the first step to protecting your future by contacting KBN law firm today!