A repeat or felony DUI/OVI can affect your job, your family, your reputation, and even your freedom. Ohio has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country, and if this isn’t your first offense, prosecutors are not going to go easy on you.
We know that people make mistakes, and we also know that not every arrest is straightforward. Law enforcement officers don’t always follow the rules; breathalyzer tests aren’t always reliable; and good people can find themselves in bad situations. That’s why we take an aggressive, strategic approach to defending repeat and felony DUI/OVI charges.
A second, third, or fourth DUI/OVI charge can lead to longer jail time, higher fines, and strict license suspensions. If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI, the penalties become even more severe, potentially including years in prison and permanent loss of driving privileges.
Our team has handled countless DUI/OVI cases, and we know how to challenge evidence, question police procedures, and negotiate with prosecutors. Whether we’re pushing to reduce your penalties or fighting to get your charges dropped altogether, we will fight to protect your rights.
If you’re facing a repeat or felony DUI/OVI, contact our DUI/OVI defense lawyers at 513-549-0611 to request a consultation.
What Happens When You Face a Repeat or Felony DUI/OVI?
Ohio takes DUI/OVI offenses seriously. If this isn’t your first charge, the penalties increase significantly. Here’s what you could be facing:
Second DUI/OVI Offense in Ohio
If you are convicted of a second DUI/OVI offense in Ohio within ten years, you will face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of ten consecutive days. This sentence doubles if you refuse a test or have a high test result. The maximum possible jail time is six months.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year and up to seven years; after the first 45 days you may request limited driving privileges. Additional penalties include mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, an ignition interlock device, and a 90-day immobilization of your vehicle.
Third DUI/OVI Offense in Ohio
If you are convicted of a third DUI/OVI offense within ten years, the penalties become more severe. The minimum mandatory jail sentence is 30 consecutive days, which doubles if you refuse a test or have a high test result. The maximum jail sentence is one year.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of two years and up to 12 years; after 180 days you may request limited driving privileges. Additional penalties include mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, an ignition interlock device, and the forfeiture of your vehicle.
Felony DUI/OVI Offenses in Ohio
A DUI/OVI offense becomes a felony if it is your fourth conviction within ten years or your sixth conviction within 20 years. For a first felony DUI/OVI conviction, the minimum mandatory jail or prison sentence is 60 days. This doubles if you refuse a test or have a high test result. The maximum sentence is 30 months in prison.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least three years, and it could be suspended for life. Limited driving privileges may be requested after three years. Other penalties include mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, an ignition interlock device, and the forfeiture of your vehicle.
If you are convicted of a second felony DUI/OVI in Ohio, the punishment increases. The minimum prison sentence is 120 days, which doubles with a high test or refusal. The maximum sentence is five years in prison.
Your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of three years and could be suspended for life. Limited driving privileges may be requested after three years. Additional penalties include mandatory treatment, yellow license plates, an ignition interlock device, and the forfeiture of your vehicle.
How Our Repeat and Felony DUI/OVI Defense Lawyers Can Help You
When you’re facing repeat or felony DUI/OVI charges, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. The penalties are tougher, the prosecution is more aggressive, and the consequences could follow you for the rest of your life, but you are not out of options. Here is how we can help with your case.
1. Analyzing Every Detail of Your Arrest
Police officers and prosecutors make mistakes. We look closely at every part of your arrest to find weaknesses in the case against you. Some of the most common issues include improper traffic stops, faulty field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer and blood test errors. We’ll dig into the science behind your test results to make sure they hold up.
2. Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence
Prosecutors will try to make your case seem open and shut. We examine the evidence they plan to use against you and challenge anything that doesn’t add up. If there are weaknesses, we’ll use them to negotiate for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or even a case dismissal.
3. Fighting for Alternatives to Jail Time
We know that jail time can have serious consequences for your job, your family, and your future. When possible, we’ll push for alternatives, like house arrest or electronic monitoring, alcohol treatment programs instead of jail time, probation instead of incarceration, and reduced charges to keep your record as clean as possible
4. Protecting Your Driving Privileges
Losing your license can make handling everyday tasks harder. We fight to minimize or avoid license suspensions whenever possible. In some cases, we can help you get limited driving privileges so you can still work and take care of essential needs.
Contact an Experienced DUI/OVI Attorney Today
If you are facing DUI/OVI charges with prior convictions, you are not required to plead guilty and accept the penalties. An experienced DUI / OVI attorney can help improve the outcome of your case. A lawyer will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence to identify any weaknesses that could work in your favor and guide you every step of the way.
So, know this: your case is not hopeless, and we will help you as much as possible.
Call us at 513-549-0611 to request a confidential consultation with our repeat or felony DUI/OVI lawyers.
ATTORNEY KELLY FARRISH
Kelly Farrish always knew he wanted to be an attorney, but he the path he took to get there isn’t like most. He served five years in the United States Air Force and did two voluntary years in South Vietnam. When he returned to Cincinnati, he worked the midnight shift as a technician at Cincinnati Bell, all the while attending college full time year round for three years. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
"His years of experience and knowledge were clearly evident and un-refutable. From the moment we met him we had absolutely no doubt that we had complete professionalism at our service and we could not have chosen a more qualified attorney."
"I had a number of charges and ended up getting acquitted of all of them. I truly believe his knowledge and persistence is what got me through this case. I am very grateful and highly recommend him for his services."
"I highly recommend Mr. Farrish. He is very thorough and is well liked by all of the courts. A genuine attorney and you couldn't find a better in the area."
"The absolute best DUI lawyer in the tri state. Just short of a miracle worker"
Did you know there’s no real difference between the terms DUI, DWI, OMVI, and OVI? Ohio’s used all of these acronyms at one point or another in our history. Check out the timeline below and what they stand for here! Call our DUI and criminal defense attorneys in Cincinnati today if you have questions, we can help.[...]
