February 9, 2021 | DUI

Driving Under the Influence or DUI continues to be a common criminal offense. You can be charged with DUI in Ohio if you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even though the penalties for a DUI can be severe, many people still choose to drive while impaired. 

Government agencies and organizations work tirelessly to educate drivers about the dangers of drunk driving. A drunk driver is a danger to themselves and all others on the road. Thousands of people are killed or injured in drunk driving accidents each year. 

If you have been charged with DUI, you may have several defenses against the drunk driving charges. However, if the evidence against you is overwhelming, you might want to discuss ways you could mitigate the consequences of a conviction with your DUI lawyer, such as taking DUI classes.

Parents may want to take advantage of early intervention classes and prevention programs aimed to help teen drivers and young people avoid DUI charges as adults.

Alcohol and Drug Classes for Youth

Ohio has a Prevention Program for children and teens in grades five through 12. The school-based Project SUCCESS Program aims to modify a child or teenager’s behavior who is deemed at risk for abusing alcohol or drugs. Children and teens are referred by counselors, parents, teachers, administrators, and others who identify the young person as being at risk of becoming a substance abuser.

Another program available in Ohio is an early intervention program for young people ages 12 through 18 years. The four-week program addresses alcohol and drug issues. The program provides education and information that can be useful for teen drivers. Parents or guardians are required to attend all four sessions with the minor.

DUI Classes for Adult Drivers

The Access Ohio Driver Intervention Program helps individuals understand the role that alcohol or drugs could play when operating a motor vehicle. The class is offered to individuals who have been convicted of a DUI offense. 

Classes are held at hotels. Attendees stay at the hotels and must complete 72 hours of instruction. If an attendee leaves a session early, that time must be made up at a different session. 

Things that you should know about the DUI class before enrolling:

  • Luggage is searched upon your arrival to ensure you do not have any drugs or alcohol. 
  • If you take prescription medications, you must bring proof that the medication was prescribed to you. Prescription medications are collected and held by staff members who distribute the medications according to the prescription.
  • Classes typically begin at 9:15 in the morning. Attendees are provided a wake-up call and breakfast each morning. 
  • Attendees arrive at the hotel on Thursday, and the program ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. 
  • The program includes traffic safety lessons, small group discussions, alcohol and drug abuse education, and individual time with a staff member.

There are strict rules that all attendees must follow. For example, no visitors are allowed during the program. You cannot visit other attendees in their rooms. Attendees cannot use hotel amenities or leave the premises during the 72-hour program.

If you break any of the rules, the court could order you to attend another session. The judge could also impose harsher penalties for your DUI conviction. 

Before signing up for a DUI class, talk to your lawyer about the pros and cons of enrolling in the class. Your lawyer can provide additional information that could help you decide whether the DUI program is a good option for you.

Do I Need a DUI Lawyer in Cincinnati?

If you are charged with driving under the influence, you could face severe penalties. The penalties for a DUI first offense can include:

  • A minimum of three consecutive days in jail or a 3-day driver intervention program
  • A fine between $375 and $1,075
  • Up to five years of probation
  • License suspension
  • Court-ordered ignition interlock device
  • An additional three days in jail and restricted license plates for a high tier BAC result (.170 or above)

Some of the above DUI penalties are mandatory. You cannot avoid mandatory penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence. The penalties for subsequent DUI convictions and felony DUI convictions increase.

You could face other consequences for a DUI conviction. You could lose your job if you cannot drive. In some cases, a DUI could impact custody cases in family court.

Because a DUI conviction can impact many areas of your life for several years, consulting a DUI defense lawyer before accepting a plea deal may be in your best interest. A lawyer makes sure that you understand your legal rights, your options for fighting the DUI charges, and whether you have one or more defenses to DUI charges. 

Contact the Cincinnati DUI Lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, contact the DUI lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati Law Office.

Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States