When is a Repeat OVI a Felony in Ohio?

 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Getting charged with an OVI is always a serious matter. Ohio is one of only a few states requiring jail time for a first OVI conviction, although the mandatory jail time is normally only three days for a first offense. Felony OVIs can carry years of prison time. Repeat offenders can be charged with a felony if they have had three or more OVIs in the last ten-year period. You may also be charged with a felony OVI if you have even one prior felony OVI conviction. Ohio courts tend to punish repeat OVI offenders harshly because of the danger to the public habitual drunk drivers present. If you are facing felony drunk driving charges, you need an experienced Brunswick, OH OVI attorney to fight for you.

Repeat OVIs Can Lead to Felony Charges 

In Ohio, a person’s first three OVIs are typically misdemeanors. When a person gets arrested for a fourth OVI, he is very likely going to face felony charges unless his prior convictions were long in the past. If someone has had three prior OVI convictions in the last ten years or five in the last 20 years, he can be charged with felony OVI upon his next arrest. Anyone with a prior felony OVI conviction will also be charged with felony OVI again if he is re-arrested.

What Are the Penalties for a Felony OVI in Ohio?

Habitual impaired drivers can face very harsh sentencing in Ohio. You can expect to serve some jail time if you are convicted of a felony OVI, as there is a minimum sentence of 60 days in jail. Serving even a relatively short jail sentence can disrupt your life, and you may face difficulties in things like finding good housing when you are released. The maximum sentence for a felony OVI in Ohio is five years, although sentencing this harsh is normally reserved for people with numerous prior offenses.

You will also have your driver’s license suspended for at least three years. If you have relied on temporary restricted licenses and ignition interlock devices to continue driving during previous OVIs, you may not be able to this time. The court may be very hesitant to allow you any driving privileges after multiple OVIs.

While a first OVI can cause a lot of problems for you, repeat OVI charges can jeopardize your future. If you are facing repeat DUI charges, you need to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight back on your behalf.

Contact a Brunswick, OH Felony OVI Attorney

The Law Office of Whitney K.S. Miller, LLC is dedicated to helping people who are facing repeated OVI charges. Our experienced Summit County, OH felony OVI lawyers will work to present the strongest defense possible for you. Contact us at 330-725-4114 for a complimentary consultation.