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Are there different penalties for DUI and reckless driving in Ohio?

Police Officer with BreathalyzerReckless Driving & DUI Defense Attorneys

Yes, there are different penalties for the two charges. A DUI charge, in comparison to a reckless driving charge, comes with a very high fine. A person could face up to 5 years in prison for a felony OVI. For a reckless driving charge, the maximum jail sentence is 60 days.

Read more to learn about the different penalties for DUI and reckless driving in Ohio.

Understanding Ohio DUI Penalties

If someone is charged with a DUI, the first three offenses are usually considered misdemeanors in Ohio. The severity of the penalties is largely dependent on the details of the arrest and how many DUIs the convicted person has had previously. The more DUI offenses you have been convicted of, the harsher the penalties will be. The higher your BAC was when you were charged, the higher the penalties may be.

Some of the penalties you could face if convicted of a DUI include:

  • Fines between $375 and $10,500
  • Court costs and fees
  • Jail time ranging from 3 days to 5 years
  • Driver’s intervention program
  • Driver’s license suspension or revocation
  • Yellow OVI plates (in Ohio)
  • Placement of an interlock device on the offender’s vehicle
  • Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture

In some situations, a DUI attorney may be able to help get your charge reduced to reckless driving.

Reckless Driving Penalties

The penalties a person could face for a reckless driving conviction in Ohio vary depending on whether the offender has any prior traffic offenses, but typically the consequences are not as severe as a DUI. These penalties might include:

  • Fines between $150 and $500
  • Jail time up to 60 days
  • Four points added to an individual’s driving record

A reduction in charge may be possible if this is your first DUI conviction, no accident or damage occurred, your BAC was barely over the legal limit, or if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence.

Contact a Cincinnati, OH DUI Attorney Today

The DUI defense attorneys at The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A. may be able to help you reduce your DUI charge to reckless driving. Our experienced Ohio and Kentucky defense lawyers will examine every detail of your case to get you the best outcome. Your interests are our interests. Contact our Cincinnati office today.