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Articles Posted in DUI/OVI sentencing/penalties

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DUI/OVI and Improperly Handling Firearms in Ohio

Muhammad Wilkerson, former defensive end for the New York Jets, was arrested for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded handgun.  Wilkerson’s arrest occurred in New Jersey.  If Wilkerson were arrested for these offenses in Ohio, he would be charged with OVI and Improperly Handling…

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How Does a DUI/OVI in Ohio Affect Employment?

Following his recent arrest for DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio), Bob Huggins resigned from his position as the men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University.  His situation is illustrative of many high-profile individuals who have lost jobs due to a DUI/OVI.  But it is not only high-profile individuals who face…

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Repeat DUI /OVI Offenses in Ohio

According to a story by NBC4i, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that 30% of DUI arrests (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio’) come from repeat offenders.  In Ohio, the mandatory OVI penalties increase with every conviction in ten-years (called the ‘lookback period’).  Those penalties include vehicle sanctions, license suspensions, incarceration, and…

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Yellow License Plates for DUI/OVI in Ohio

The special license plates for DUI offenders are commonly referred to as “party plates” and “family plates”.  The official term in Ohio is “restricted license plates”.  Whatever you call them, nobody wants them.  In Ohio, the plates are yellow with red lettering, and they signal to everybody the driver of…

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Where Does Ohio Rank for Drunk Driving Rates?

Everything gets ranked these days, including sports teams, colleges, students, lawyers, vacations, and products. For products, you can find lists of everything from the best weight-loss pills to the best vacuum cleaners.  Neither of those is recommended as a gift, by the way, even though it is the holiday season. …

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Ohio Supreme Court: Forfeiture of $31,000 Vehicle for DUI/OVI Not Excessive

Back in 1791, when the 8th Constitutional Amendment was ratified, the Framers of the Constitution decided there should be limits on financial sanctions for criminal behavior.  Accordingly, the 8th Amendment prohibits ‘excessive fines’.  Courts have interpreted the Constitutional prohibition of excessive fines to apply to forfeiture of property in criminal…

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Ignition Interlock Devices for Ohio DUI / OVI

From the 2008 Lindsay Lohan stories to the 2022 news reports about Paul Pelosi’s DUI conviction, the past 14 years have shown a dramatic increase in the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for individuals charged with DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio).  A recent report by Coherent Market Insights indicates…

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Effects of Prior Test Refusals and Convictions on Ohio DUI/OVI Sentences

Suppose a person is charged with DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) and that person previously refused an alcohol/drug test when arrested for OVI.  Can that person’s sentence be enhanced for the current OVI based on the prior refusal?  This question was recently addressed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  In Ohio,…

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Driver Intervention Programs for Ohio DUI / OVI

Most people charged with a first-offense DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) are not aware of the possible consequences.  When someone in that situation learns the sentence for a first OVI conviction in Ohio includes a mandatory minimum jail term of three days, it can be frightening.  However, judges are authorized…

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DUI / OVI and Child Endangering in Ohio

The recent arrest of former U.S. Women’s Soccer goalie Hope Solo resulted in significant media coverage.  As articles like this one from CNN reported, Solo was charged in North Carolina with DWI and Child Abuse.  What North Carolina calls ‘DWI’, Ohio calls ‘OVI’.  What North Carolina calls ‘Child Abuse’, Ohio…

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