Ohio OVI Defense
OVI Penalties in Ohio — A Complete Guide to What You're Facing
Ohio OVI penalties escalate sharply with each offense and with higher BAC levels. Understanding exactly what you face — and what defenses are available — is the first step to protecting yourself. This page breaks down penalties at every level, from a first misdemeanor OVI to a felony conviction.
3 days
1st Offense Min. Jail
6 days
High BAC (0.17%+) Min. Jail
60 days
Felony OVI Min. Prison
$10,500
Max Fine (Felony)
Time is critical. Ohio's Administrative License Suspension (ALS) challenge window is only 30 days from your arrest date. Contact Rutan Law immediately to protect your driving privileges.
How Rutan Law Defends Your Case
Every OVI case is different. We identify the strongest defenses available and pursue them aggressively from day one.
Fight for Dismissal or Reduction
The best outcome is no conviction at all. We pursue every available defense to achieve dismissal or reduction to a non-OVI charge.
Minimize Mandatory Minimums
Ohio law allows alternatives to jail — driver intervention programs, house arrest, and electronic monitoring — that satisfy mandatory minimums in many cases.
Challenge the BAC Level
High-test OVI charges (0.17%+) carry doubled mandatory minimums. Challenging the BAC reading can drop you from high-test to standard penalties.
Sentencing Advocacy
If conviction is unavoidable, we present comprehensive mitigation to the court to achieve the minimum possible sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about this charge.
Ready to Fight Your Charge?
Know your options before you decide anything. Call Rutan Law at (614) 307-4343 — free consultation.