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Third DUI Offense Lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio

If you're charged with a third DUI offense, let us defend you. Free consults available. Call LHA: (513) 338-1890.

Facing Your 3rd OVI in Cincinnati? Call LHA & Get Help from an Experienced DUI Lawyer

Facing a third OVI charge in Ohio within six years is a life-altering situation. A conviction can lead to serious jail time, steep fines, mandatory alcohol treatment, and the permanent loss of driving privileges. Beyond the legal penalties, you risk losing your job, damaging your professional reputation, and carrying the stigma of being labeled a repeat offender. With the high stakes, it’s critical not to accept your fate or plead guilty without first exploring your defense options.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, Cincinnati DUI attorney Brad Groene has a proven track record of helping people fight back against serious OVI charges throughout Hamilton County. Whether it’s identifying flaws in the evidence, negotiating for reduced penalties, or pursuing a case dismissal, Brad uses his extensive experience and aggressive defense strategies to secure the best possible outcome.

If you’re facing a third DUI in Cincinnati, don’t wait – Call (513) 338-1890 for a free & confidential DUI case evaluation. We are available 24/7 and here to help.

Third OVI Charges in Cincinnati, Ohio

An OVI is also known as operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Ohio. OVIs are defined under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4511.19) as anyone who operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08 %.

Unfortunately, many people convicted of an OVI in the past wind up being charged again. While your first offense or second DUI is serious, a third conviction exposes you to considerable harm. Specifically, Ohio considers it your third OVI offense if it occurs within 6 years of two previous convictions

Penalties for Third DUI in Ohio

BAC was .08% – .17%
first degree misdemeanor with at least 30 days in jail, at least $850 in fines, 2yr driver’s license suspension
BAC was .17% or higher
first degree misdemeanor with at least 60 days in jail, at least $850 in fines, and 2 yr driver’s license suspension

A third OVI conviction in Ohio carries severe penalties and will be a lot more serious than your previous two convictions. There will also be less leeway from judges and prosecutors, who may view you as a habitual drunk driver.

Third DUI with a Low BAC

If you are facing your third OVI within six years and you had a low BAC (.08 – .17%), you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This means a minimum of 30 days in jail and up to a maximum of one year, or 15 days in jail plus a minimum of 55 days of electronically monitored house arrest and up to a maximum of one year.

You will be responsible for paying a minimum of $850 and up to a maximum of $2,750 in fines, attending a mandatory alcohol treatment program that you will also be responsible paying for, a driver’s license suspension for a minimum of two years and up to a maximum of 10, no driving privileges for 180 from the date the charge occurred, restricted yellow license plates, installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, up to 5 years on probation, and either immobilizing your vehicle for at least 90 days or forfeiting it.

Third DUI with a High BAC

If it is your third OVI within six years, and you had a high BAC (.17% or greater), you will still be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. However, the sentences increase to a minimum of 60 days in jail and up to a maximum of one year, or 15 days in jail plus a minimum of 55 days of electronically monitored house arrest and up to a maximum of one year.

Third DUI & Refused a Test

If you are faced with a third OVI within six years and you refused a chemical test, then a conviction means a minimum of 60 days in jail and up to a maximum of one year, or 15 days in jail plus a minimum of 55 days of electronically monitored house arrest and up to a maximum of one year.

Other Consequences of Third DUI

Not surprisingly, there are additional repercussions for a third OVI other than jail time and expensive fines.

A third OVI / DUI conviction will be permanently on your driving and criminal record. Your car insurance rates will rise significantly, and it may be hard to find or keep a job. There will likely be consequences at work if you have a professional license, complications with any custody arrangements, and obvious limitations in your ability to get around and live your life without a driver’s license. You may also face some stigma as a repeat OVI offender or someone with an alcohol or substance abuse addiction.

Immobilizing Your Vehicle

If you are convicted of a third OVI offense in Ohio, you are required to immobilize and relocate your vehicle if it is titled to you for at least a 90 day period. Essentially this entails having your vehicle towed to another location and then a law enforcement officer will put a boot or club on your car so it is unable to move. The only way you can get your vehicle out of impoundment is by an entry signed by a judge.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

If you are stopped for a third DUI/OVI offense in Ohio and either refuse a chemical test or test over the legal limit, law enforcement can immediately seize your license and impose an administrative license suspension (ALS). This civil penalty takes effect on the spot and, for a third offense, typically results in a three-year license suspension.

Fortunately, you have the right to appeal an ALS at your initial court appearance, usually held within five days of your arrest. Your Cincinnati DUI lawyer can challenge whether the stop was lawful, whether the officer properly advised you of your rights, or whether the chemical test procedures were correctly followed. Even if the ALS stands, you may be eligible to petition for limited driving privileges, allowing restricted travel for work, school, or medical appointments, after 30 days.

If you’re facing an administrative license suspension after a third DUI charge, it’s crucial to act fast. Call third DUI attorney Brad Groene at (513) 338-1890 to fight for your driving rights and future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Third DUI in Cincinnati

What Happens If You Get a Third DUI in Ohio?

If you are convicted of a third DUI (OVI) within six years in Ohio, you face mandatory jail time (at least 30 to 60 days depending on your BAC level), fines between $850 and $2,750, a driver’s license suspension of two to ten years, restricted yellow plates, ignition interlock installation, and a permanent criminal record. You may also lose your vehicle through immobilization or forfeiture.

Can a Third DUI Be Reduced in Ohio?

It is possible in some cases to negotiate a third DUI charge down to a lesser offense, such as a reckless operation or physical control violation, depending on the evidence. An experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or chemical tests to argue for dismissal, reduction, or entry into an intervention program.

Will a Third OVI Stay on Your Record Forever?

Yes, an OVI/DUI conviction in Ohio remains on both your criminal and driving records permanently. Ohio law currently does not allow DUI offenses to be expunged or sealed, meaning a third DUI will have lasting consequences on employment, insurance rates, and your overall reputation.

Can You Get Limited Driving Privileges After a Third OVI in Ohio?

Yes, but you must serve a hard suspension period of 180 days before you can request limited driving privileges. Once eligible, you can petition the court to drive for essential purposes like work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment programs, often with restrictions like ignition interlock devices.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Third OVI

It may be tempting to accept your fate if you’re pulled over for a third DUI in Cincinnati, but you still have rights and options to consider. These cases can be defended against, and an experienced lawyer can help you do it. Therefore, do not accept any deal or make any statement about what happened until you’ve consulted a third-offense DUI lawyer.

A third OVI / DUI charge can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone.

Although every case differs, your DUI lawyer will fight vigorously for your rights and best interests. The police may have lacked a reason to stop you in the first place, or the court may be miscalculating the lookback period for your charge. Mistakes are also familiar with how BAC tests are conducted, and substance abuse treatment may spare you from some of the harshest penalties. An experienced third offense OVI lawyer can also help you get your license back administratively.

So, no matter the details of a third OVI, it’s always best to speak with a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney. At LHA, we have successfully defended countless individuals charged with their third OVI in situations similar to yours. Our experience, skill, and compassion helped them get their charges reduced, dismissed, or found not guilty in court. Let us help you, too.

Facing Your Third DUI? Contact LHA.

If you have been pulled over for an OVI, whether it’s your first or subsequent time, you’re likely stressed, angry, and worried. We get it, but the best thing to do is to call an experienced lawyer with a solid background defending against third-time OVI charges like those with Luftman, Heck & Associates. In Cincinnati, 3rd OVI attorney Brad Groene can walk you through your options and build a defense to get you past it.

Don’t hesitate to contact us 24/7 for a free consultation at (513) 338-1890 or email us at advice@cincinnaticriminalattorney.com.