If you operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that is known as driving under the influence. In the Buckeye State, these offenses are known as operating a vehicle under the influence, or OVI. Any conviction can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. Plus, you will have a criminal record. But how long does a DUI last on your record in Ohio? Here is the answer for you.
Ohio DUI Laws
All states have strict laws regarding driving or operating a vehicle under the influence, and Ohio is no different. While most of these offenses are based on the person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest, you can still be charged if you are unable to drive a vehicle due to intoxication.
Along with that, the state also takes a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21 who are convicted of a DUI/OUI charge. Now that you understand the basics, what does that mean for your record if you have been convicted?
Ohio’s Look-Back Period
Before we explore DUI convictions on your permanent record, there is also something that you will want to know. Ohio has a look-back period. What does that mean? A previous offense could affect future convictions if you have a DUI conviction on your record.
Before 2017, that period was only six years. If you had a subsequent DUI offense within six years, you could expect harsher consequences, such as higher fines, jail times, and a longer license suspicion.
However, that period expanded with the passage of Annie’s Law, which extended the look-back period to 10 years. Now, if you already had an initial DUI offense on your record, a subsequent offense would increase your jail time from three days to 10 days.
Does a Conviction Stay on Your Permanent Record?
Some crimes are eligible to be expunged from your criminal record. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction is not eligible since it is considered a traffic offense. Once you are convicted of this offense, it will remain on your permanent record forever. Yes, the points may drop off after two years, but any conviction will remain.
Along with that, if you refuse to take a breath test when pulled over, the look-back period for your driving record could be extended up to 20 years. After a while, the crime might no longer impact your points or driving privileges, but it will still be visible on your record for a very long time.
DUI Convictions Have Lifelong Consequences
How long does a DUI last on your record in Ohio? Forever. As you can tell, the consequences of a DUI conviction in Ohio can be long-lasting. If you want to avoid all those issues, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
When you take a few proactive steps and get legal assistance for your situation, you can possibly mitigate any adverse impacts of a conviction. With the possibility of having a conviction remaining on your permanent record, you need experienced help. At Hunt Law LLC, we can help advise you on the next steps to take with your case. If you want to arrange a free consultation, please contact us at 330-469-9836.