Drivers who face charges related to a violation of Ohio alcohol or drug laws could face serious penalties. One of these penalties includes the loss of driving privileges. The duration of any license suspension depends on the nature of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.
If you find yourself facing a lengthy license suspension for an alcohol or drug-related crime, you do not have to face it alone. You may challenge the case against you, and with the right help, it may be possible to mitigate some of the penalties that you currently face. These can include jail time and expensive fines, as well as temporary or permanent loss of your driver’s license.
What could lead to a license suspension?
In Ohio, even first-time offenders could face penalties if caught drinking and driving. However, that is not the only way to lose your driving privileges in the state. The following are some of the criminal charges that may result in losing your right to drive:
- First-time operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI)
- Subsequent OVI arrests
- Administrative license suspension
- Having physical control of a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol
- Operating a vehicle after underage consumption of alcohol
- Habitual OVI offenses
- Violating state liquor license laws
- In-state drug suspension
- Out-of-state drug or alcohol suspension
The length of your suspension will depend on the individual details of your case and the nature of the charges against you. At the end of the suspension period, you may have to pay a reinstatement fee to secure your driving privileges again.
Is there anything I can do to get my license back early?
In some cases, it may be possible to secure limited driving privileges after losing your license due to alcohol or drug-related criminal charges. Most of the time, you must prove that you have to drive for work or school. You have the right to explore this option and learn about potential defense options by seeking the help of an experienced attorney.
Defending against OVI and other charges
If you lost your license, you may be wondering how you can get back and forth to work or take your children where they need to go. In this type of situation, protecting your interests begins with securing the help of a defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. A strong defense may be able to help you secure lesser penalties, which may also include your license suspension. You have the right to know your options, which you can learn by seeking a complete case evaluation with a legal ally.