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OVI PENALTIES
Columbus Drunk Driving Penalties (Ohio OVI Penalties)
First Offense OVI – Columbus, Ohio
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Administrative Penalties
90-day Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
$450 reinstatement fee
Criminal Penalties
BAC between .08% and .17%
Mandatory minimum 72 hours in jail or Driving Intervention Program
BAC over .17% (High Test OVI)
Mandatory minimum 6 days in jail
Third Offense OVI – Columbus
Mandatory jail sentence
Extended license suspension
Vehicle immobilization
Substantially increased fines
Repeat offenses may lead to felony-level OVI charges depending on prior history.
Because penalties escalate quickly, experienced representation in the Franklin County courts is critical.
In many Franklin County drunk driving cases, the defense focuses on:
Whether the traffic stop was lawful
Whether field sobriety tests were properly administered
Whether breath testing machines were calibrated
Whether the officer was properly certified
Whether constitutional rights were violated
Challenging improper testing procedures is often the foundation of a strong Columbus OVI defense.
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FIELD SOBRIETY TEST DEFENSE
Columbus Field Sobriety Testing Defense
In most Columbus OVI arrests, officers rely on standardized field sobriety tests approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish probable cause.
Common tests include:
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
Walk and Turn
One-Leg Stand
Breathalyzer testing
These tests must be administered in strict compliance with NHTSA standards. If the officer fails to follow proper procedures, the results may be unreliable and subject to suppression.
HIGH TEST OVI LAWYER
Columbus High Test OVI Lawyer
A High Test OVI in Ohio occurs when:
Breath or blood alcohol concentration exceeds .17%, or
Urine alcohol concentration exceeds .238%
High test OVI charges carry enhanced mandatory penalties and are treated seriously by Columbus courts. If charged with high test OVI in Franklin County, you may:
Face enhanced mandatory jail time
Be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor
Mr. Hoffman has successfully defended hundreds of high test drunk driving cases in Columbus since 1984.
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DEFENSES TO OVI CHARGES
Defenses to Columbus OVI Charges
Every OVI case is fact-specific. A strong defense may include:
Motion to suppress unlawful traffic stop
Improper administration of field sobriety tests
Breath or blood testing errors
Constitutional violations
Chain of custody challenges
Violation of implied consent procedures
Early intervention can dramatically change the direction of an OVI case.
WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Why Experience in Columbus Courts Matters
Since 1984, Mr. Hoffman has practiced daily in the Columbus criminal courts. Few attorneys have the same long-term experience inside the Franklin County Municipal Court system.
Clients often ask:
“How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Ohio?”
“How much does a good criminal lawyer cost?”
“Do I need a lawyer for a first offense OVI?”
The cost of representation depends on the complexity of the case, prior record, testing results, and whether trial is required. We explain strategy and fees during your consultation.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
CONTACT
Get in touch
CONTACT
Get in touch
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