Out of State Drivers and DUI

DUI in Ohio with an Out-of-State License

Visitors to Ohio are subject to the laws of Ohio. When it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this means that anyone found operating a motor vehicle with one of the following blood alcohol concentrations will be arrested and charged immediately:

• .08 BAC for anyone older than 21 and driving a personal vehicle
• .04 BAC for anyone driving a commercial vehicle
• .02 BAC for anyone younger than 21

Ohio police and Highway Patrol officers also specifically test suspected intoxicated drivers for the following drugs:

• Amphetamines and methamphetamine, including those used to control attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms
• Cocaine
• Heroin and opiate-like prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin
• LSD
• Marijuana,
• PCP
• Salvia

Taking sleep medications, muscle relaxants, and mood stabilizers can also put users at risk for drugged driving charges. The side effects of these prescription drugs mirror intoxication.

Testing positive is not required for getting charged with DUI. Law enforcement officers also rely on a suspect’s performance of field sobriety tests and a suspect’s overall physical and mental state. Testing positive, however, does result in an automatic administrative license suspension that applies to the suspect’s own license and any commercial driving licenses he or she holds.

Charges for the offense that Ohio statutes call operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) are prosecuted in Ohio. The case is heard in criminal court, and the defendant must appear in person for an arraignment even if he or she does not contest the charge.

Hiring a Columbus out of state OVI lawyer can help a suspect avoid the standard penalties for a first-time DUI/OVI conviction in Ohio, which include

• Three days in jail or completion of a 72 hour in-person Driver Intervention Program
• Criminal fines between $375 and $1,075 plus court costs and administrative fees
• License suspension of at least six months and up to three years
• No driving privileges for at least 15 days

Any drunk or drugged driving convictions received in another state within six years of the offense being tried in Ohio will be recognized by the Ohio court. Penalties for multiple DUIs escalate quickly.

A driver’s home state will generally recognize and enforce OVI/DUI penalties issued in Ohio. This applies in particular to license suspensions. No one can regain his or her full driving privileges just by crossing a state border.

If you live somewhere else but find yourself facing driving under the influence charges in Ohio, contact The Maher Law Firm to learn if a Columbus DUI defense attorney for out-of-state drivers can help. We take most DUI/OVI cases for a flat fee, and we always provide free initial phone consultations. You can reach us by phone at (614) 205-2208 or request an appointment online by completing this contact form.