Sometimes Connecticut residents travel to other states, like Ohio for business or pleasure and have the unfortunate luck to be charged with a DUI. If this happens to you, you should first find a qualified DUI lawyer in Ohio, but you should also be aware of how Connecticut’s DMV will treat you upon your return.
Ohio DUI Penalties
If you have been convicted of a DUI in Ohio, you would be convicted of violating section 4511.119 of the Ohio statutes.
In Ohio, the penalties for DUI can range depending on the number of prior DUI offenses you have.
First offense: A first offense DUI in the state of Ohio will result in a jail sentence between three days and six months, a fine between $250-$1,000, six points against your license, and a license suspension that will last between 180 days and three years.
Second offense: This conviction will result in a jail sentence of no less than thirty days and no more than one year, a $350-$1,500 fine, six points against your license, and a license suspension of two to 10 years.
Third offense: If you receive a third DUI conviction, you must serve a jail term of no less than 30 days and no more than one year, pay a fine of $800-$10,000, and your vehicle can be confiscated. In addition, you will have six points against your license.
Subsequent offense/prior felony: This is considered a felony and will result in a jail term ranging from 60 days to one year or a prison term ranging from 60 days to 30 months. You must also complete alcohol/drug treatment and pay a fine of $800-$10,000. In addition, your license will be suspended for three years to life, your vehicle can be confiscated, and you will lose six points from your license.
If you are a Connecticut resident who has been charged with or convicted of DUI in Ohio, you should be aware that there are repercussions on your Connecticut license in your home state in addition to any license impact in Ohio as set forth above.
After hiring a Ohio DUI lawyer to help you fight your DUI, you should consider contacting a Connecticut DUI lawyer like our firm with experience in interstate DMV consequences or asking us to assist you in retaining one for your home state consequences.