Fourth DUI Offense in Columbus

Ohio takes repeat OVI convictions seriously. If you are charged with a fourth OVI in Columbus or anywhere in Franklin County, you may be facing a felony DUI.

You should never take a fourth DUI lightly, but your case is not hopeless. There is a lot an experienced Columbus DUI lawyer can do. There may be problems with the stop, the test, or other weak evidence.

Luftman, Heck & Associates have an impressive record for people accused of multiple OVIs and where to find mistakes that others overlook. For a free and confidential consultation about a fourth OVI, call (614) 500-3836 anytime, 24/7.

What Counts as a 4th OVI?

OVI offenses are counted 10 years from the date of your most recent previous OVI conviction. As you might expect, the initial Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles penalties, as well as the penalties upon conviction, are much harsher than for a first, a second, or a third OVI.

Penalties for a 4th DUI

The mandatory minimum penalties for fourth OVI in Columbus are significant, as they are fourth-degree felony charges.

If convicted, you will be sentenced anywhere between 60 to 120 days in jail, but possibly up to one year. Alternatively, you can be sentenced to 60 to 120 days with an optional six to 30 month addition.

Other penalties include a mandatory $1,350 fine. Your license will be suspended for a minimum of three years – up to life, depending on the circumstances.

You may be granted driving privileges during your mandated driver’s license suspension. However, you will be required to have an interlock breath device installed in your car and restricted license plates as well. These restricted license plates are sometimes called “party plates.”

Lastly, you will be required to get a drug and alcohol assessment and complete any recommended treatment.

Other Consequences for a 4th OVI

In addition to jail, license suspension, and a felony conviction, a fourth OVI often means:

• Your vehicle being towed & impounded
• Forfeiting your vehicle
• Restrictive driving privileges.
• Electronic home monitoring

A Lawyer Can Help After a 4th DUI

When you have been arrested for a fourth DUI, it’s essential to consult a Columbus DUI lawyer right away. You may believe nothing can be done, but a lawyer can investigate and determine how to improve the outcome.

Multiple potential defenses could help you avoid a fourth OVI conviction. Some of the most common include:

• Incorrect administration of chemical tests
• Lack of probable cause
• Mistake of fact
• Coercion
• Mistakes with the chemical test results
• Medical conditions

These are only a few of the more common defenses used when arrested for a fourth OVI in Ohio. Your attorney will closely examine the circumstances of your case and your prior OVI convictions to determine what your best options are moving forward.

Your Options After a 4th OVI in Columbus

By working with an attorney, you may be able to avoid criminal penalties and instead seek alternative options. For habitual OVI offenders, jail time and fines may not be enough. Multiple DUI charges may be a good indication that someone is suffering from alcohol or substance abuse issues.

Here, you may benefit more from enrollment in a drug or alcohol treatment program. In exchange for your completion of a program like this, the state’s prosecutor may agree to drop any criminal charges against you or come to another agreement in which you avoid harsh criminal penalties.

At Luftman, Heck, and Associates, we have extensive experience finding the flaws in DUI cases and getting acquittals when DUI cases need to go to trial.

You Need an Experienced Fourth Offense DUI Attorney. Call LHA

If you have been charged with another OVI/DUI, it’s essential to know what you are up against. If you have any unanswered questions or need help now, the DUI attorneys with LHA are ready.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consult 24/7 when you call (614) 500-3836 or contact us online. Don’t wait or ignore a fourth DUI. Get started on your OVI defense today.