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!

Real Reviews

  • I sincerely appreciate all you did for my son.

  • With so much at stake, I would not even consider another attorney.

  • You have treated us with kindness and dignity when others would not.

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Real Results

See All Of Our Results

  • Charges Dropped

    Client, a veteran DUI police officer, has his charges dropped due to insufficient evidence.

  • 2nd Offense DUI/OVI Acquitted

    Client acquitted of 2nd offense DUI / OVI. Represented by Attorney Steve Fox

  • OSU Student Pleads Minor Misdemeanor

    OSU Student, charged with OVI, pleads to a minor misdemeanor and pays only a $75 fine.

  • Charges Dismissed

    Client, a 25 year-old contractor, has OVI dismissed and license suspension was terminated.

  • Client Pleads to Reduced Charge

    Client pleads to reduced charge of physical control, a non-moving violation.

  • OVI Amended/License Suspension was Terminated

    Client was charged with OVI, OVI was amended to a Physical Control, a no point, non-moving violation and license suspension was terminated.

  • OVI Judgment Reversed

    Client's judgment of consecutive prison terms for aggravated vehicular assault and vehicular assault reversed because trial court erred in sentencing.

  • Case Dismissed

    Client pulled over for crossing over the center line on his way home from a bar, our client was able to get driving privileges so he could continue working. After three months of representation, our ...

  • Charges Dismissed

    Client pulled over for a marked lanes violation, attorney Tod Brininger was able to get the OVI case dismissed and the license suspension terminated.

  • Charge Reduced

    Client charged with OVI, our client pled to reckless operation of a motor vehicle, a minor misdemeanor.

  • Charges Dropped

    Out of State Entrepreneur escapes OVI conviction--our client, a 45 year old business owner was charged with Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI. This is the 1st Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge for our client. He submitted to ...

  • Avoided Mandatory Jail Time

    Our client, a 33 year old sales representative, was charged with Ohio OVI / Ohio DUI after being stopped for swerving and speeding. This was the 2 nd Ohio OVI / Ohio DUI charge for our client. He was ...

  • Charge Dismissed

    One Ohio DUI client entered a plea to DUI in exchange for a dismissal of his marijuana possession case.

  • Charge Reduced

    Our client, 28 year old man, charged with his 3rd Ohio DUI. Sentenced to 3 days in jail, 3 day alcohol program, and a 1 year license suspension.

  • All Charges Dropped

    College Student Athlete Pleas to a Non-Moving, No Points Violation--our client, a 19 year old collegiate athlete, was charged with Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI after a mark lane violation. This is the 1st Ohio ...

  • Avoids Jail Time & Yellow Plates

    Our client is a 34 year old father of two who works as a self employed contractor. Our client had 2 previous OVI convictions within 6 years when he was arrested for this offense. Our client was ...

  • Avoids Conviction

    Our client is a 31 year old IT specialist with Nationwide. He was pulled over for speeding and charged with Ohio DUI/Ohio OVI. Because our client had previously refused a breath test he was subject to ...

  • Avoids Conviction

    Our client, a 24 year old OSU student and assistant scientist was pulled over by the Grandview Heights PD for slow speed and for not having a functioning license plate light. Our client refused to ...

  • Not Guilty Verdict

    Our client was charged with his 2nd DUI / OVI in as many years. The case proceeded to trial after the client rejected a plea bargain. The client was acquitted in 45 minutes.

  • Charges Dropped

    Student, Pleas Reckless Operation,--our client, a 19 year old student, was charged with Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI after being stopped for driving through a stop sign. This is the 1st Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge ...

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You Have Rights. Call For a Consultation: (614) 675-4845

Being arrested and charged with a crime is a serious matter that puts significant penalties and potential jail time on the table. However, it is the government’s responsibility to prove their case against you, and you have the right to challenge those allegations with the help of an experienced attorney.

At KBN, we’ve staked our reputation on representing defendants in all types of DUI and criminal cases. We know the local courts, judges, prosecutors, and police – many of whom refer their own friends and family to our firm – and we know how to win these cases.

To discuss your options and how our attorneys can help, contact us to request a consultation.