Driving under the influence in Ohio is a severe offense. However, not having a license when you get a DUI creates even stiffer penalties. It may be that you never had a license, your license expired, or you may have been driving on a suspended license.
Regardless of which license scenario applies, fighting the charges without the representation of a DUI lawyer in Columbus experienced in license suspension can result in damaging long-term outcomes. Multiple laws will apply to your case, and understanding your options while striving for the most favorable outcome is always the goal of Koffel Brininger Nesbitt. Let our team fight for you to achieve the best results possible.
A Driver May Face Multiple Charges and Convictions
Getting a DUI comes with specific penalties defined by Ohio law. The penalties for conviction will depend on whether the DUI is a first offense or multiple DUI convictions have occurred. If multiple DUIs have occurred, the time between the offenses and convictions will influence the penalties. Having a high blood alcohol concentration may also impact the outcome of a sentence, with the courts considering these and other factors to determine the penalties, such as:
- The number of DUI convictions within the past ten years
- A blood alcohol concentration of 0.17% or greater
- Previous convictions of felony DUI
Depending on your specific case, a Columbus criminal defense lawyer will look at the current DUI arrest while considering other contributing factors to determine sentencing. Options for contesting a license suspension may be available. Educational opportunities and options for community service may apply and result in a reduction of charges when you work with a lawyer looking out for your best interests.
For a free legal consultation, call 614-884-1100
Driving Under a License Suspension
Having an Ohio license suspended may happen for many reasons. Common reasons for license suspension include traffic violations, a lack of proof of vehicle insurance, failing to appear in court, or failing to pay child support. In addition to DUI charges, a driver may face first-degree misdemeanor charges or unclassified misdemeanor charges depending on the reason for the suspension, with penalties such as:
- Jail sentencing
- Fines up to $1,000
- Extended license suspension
- Community service
The courts have broad discretion to determine fines, penalties, and even jail sentencing. How a defense is presented to the court matters. A DUI attorney in Ohio will review the reason for your license suspension to determine what outcomes may result from driving without a license in Ohio.
Driving Under a DUI Suspension
When a driver’s license is suspended for a previous DUI or OVI offense, getting stopped while driving with a suspended license and simultaneously driving under the influence can lead to harsher penalties and outcomes. First, DUI sentences differ from county to county. In addition to charges for DUI, a driver may face first-degree misdemeanor charges, and committing two or more equivalent offenses §4510.14(3), and penalties may lead to:
- Jail time of 30 days to one year
- Fines of $500 to $2500
- License suspension
- Use of an immobilization device
- Vehicle impoundment
Ohio laws seek harsher punishment for repeat DUI offenders and drivers who continue to operate a motor vehicle with a DUI/OVI suspended license. Multiple charges and convictions of driving under suspension and being charged with an additional DUI will likely impact your ability to function normally in life, limiting your ability to drive to work, maintain other daily responsibilities, or receive continuing education. Working with an Ohio DUI lawyer is recommended.
Click to contact our dui lawyers today
Getting a DUI in Ohio While Never Possessing a Valid License
Driving while never having possessed a valid Ohio driver’s license is a severe safety offense. Ohio lawmakers strive to ensure highway safety through licensing. When an unlicensed driver injures no one, and this is the only offense, a driver may be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor with penalties (§4510.12(C)(1)), such as:
- Community service up to 500 hours
- Fines up to $1000
Having more than one driving offense without a valid license in Ohio can result in harsher sentencing. These charges may be called no-ops charges and should be taken seriously. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will walk you through the potential ramifications when these charges are filed in addition to DUI charges.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Getting a DUI While Driving on an Expired License or Forgetting a License in Ohio
Letting a license expire may happen intentionally, or you may have just forgotten it was time to renew it. Proving that you once had a valid license, as opposed to never having a valid license, is a less severe offense. A driver may face DUI charges in addition to minor misdemeanor fees, punishable by:
- A fine of not more than $150
Fines may be dismissed if a driver forgets to grab their license before driving. Proof of a valid license will be required. However, a judge may be less lenient when driving without a license if a driver is also charged with DUI.
Ohio Alternative Sentencing Options
Alternative options may be available depending on the number of charges and convictions a driver has experienced in Ohio. Avoiding jail time may be possible while also receiving the help needed to overcome addictions contributing to risky behaviors. Alternative sentencing may include:
- Community control sanctions
- Intervention in lieu of conviction
- Pretrial diversions
There are no cookie-cutter answers to what happens when you get a DUI without a license in Ohio. Serious offenses and the more offenses a driver incurs, the more likely they will indefinitely deal with the outcomes of their conviction. Discover all the alternatives to sentencing in Ohio to create a better result.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Ohio
A driver will likely face multiple charges for driving without a license while driving under the influence in Ohio. The choices you make in the moments and days following these actions may result in long-term impacts on your life. Let Koffel Brininger Nesbitt provide a free case evaluation and help you explore the options and seek the best outcomes for your future.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form