How Much Does an OVI Cost in Ohio? 2025

If you are facing charges in the Buckeye State, it’s natural to wonder, “How much does an OVI cost in Ohio?” As we advance through 2025, the financial implications have only grown more daunting. 

Between court fines, administration fees, mandatory ignition interlock installation, and insurance premiums, the total cost of an Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) charge can easily climb into the thousands. It’s important to understand these different elements to see what costs might be at play in your OVI case.

Experienced OVI Defense Lawyer in Kent, Ohio

At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, we bring more than two decades of proven results to the table. Since our founding in 2003, we have built a strong reputation in the community that combines innovative legal strategies with our deep understanding of Ohio criminal law. Whether you are dealing with your first OVI charge or a repeat allegation, our OVI lawyers in Kent will take the time to listen to your needs, understand your concerns, and build a strong defense that will make a difference.

What Factors Influence the Cost of an OVI in Ohio?

The total cost of an OVI in Ohio will differ by case. Despite popular belief, it’s not just the court fines you need to factor into your legal expenses. An OVI often comes with a combination of other financial consequences. 

Some of the most common include:

• Court-imposed penalties, such as fines, probation, or mandatory programs
• Driver’s license suspension and fees to reinstate driving privileges
• Substance abuse education or treatment programs ordered by the court
• Ignition interlock device installation and monitoring fees
• Towing and impoundment costs if your vehicle was confiscated
• Higher car insurance premiums

These financial consequences can be compounded if your case also involves aggravating circumstances, like having a high blood count or prior offenses related to this incident. With more than 87,000 OVI arrests made by the Ohio State Highway Patrol since 2020, you need to take these charges seriously with a defense lawyer to avoid unnecessary consequences.

The Real-Life Impact of an OVI Charge in Ohio

While not every allegation of an OVI will result in a conviction, those that do can impose significant consequences on one’s life. In contrast, many people are focused on the immediate consequences, like a fine or license suspension, but the long-term effects can be just as damaging. With 1,275 drivers involved in fatal crashes in Ohio in 2022, law enforcement treats these cases seriously.

Here is how a conviction could affect you beyond the immediate aftermath:

• Employment consequences. Many employers conduct routine background checks. When you have an OVI on your record, it can raise a red flag. This is especially true if you want a job that involves driving or operating machinery.
  
• Loss of driving privileges. Even a first-time OVI offense could result in losing your license for a significant period. This can make it significantly more difficult to get to work, school, and meet other family obligations.
  
• A permanent criminal record. An OVI conviction becomes part of your criminal history, which can limit other life milestones you may have for yourself, such as getting into a specific college or securing a loan to buy a new home.
  
• Travel limitation. Some countries deny entry to individuals with an OVI conviction. This could make it more difficult for you to go on a trip to a foreign country or apply for a visa, even if it’s for business or family reasons.
  
• Insurance challenges. Convicted drivers are often faced with dramatically increased car insurance rates due to the perceived increased risk of still covering them. Individuals are also at risk of being dropped entirely from their plan. 

Even if your case seems like it won’t impact the quality of your life too much, the ripple effects of an OVI charge can follow you long after the case is closed. Hiring a quality defense team in Kent, Ohio, like those at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, who have decades of experience in this space, can help to minimize these impacts and negotiate for alternative outcomes that minimize the impact on your life.

FAQs

Q: Will I Go to Jail For my First OVI in Ohio?

A: While jail time is possible for a first-time OVI offense in Ohio, it’s not inevitable. Whether or not you will be required to serve time will depend on many different factors, such as your blood alcohol content, whether you were cooperative with law enforcement, and whether there were any other aggravating factors observed. Many first-time OVI offenders are eligible for alternative sentencing options, like probation or treatment programs.

Q: How Long Does an OVI Stay On Your Insurance in Ohio?

A: OVI can impact your insurance level for many years. This is because many insurance companies view OVI convictions as a high-risk factor, meaning they believe there is a great risk in covering you because you have proven in the past to make poor driving decisions. These impacts on your premiums could be long-term, sometimes lasting longer than your other penalties. Be sure to talk to your provider to align on expectations moving forward.

Q: How Does Ohio’s Focus on Traffic Safety Affect OVI Cases?

A: With 445 traffic fatalities already reported in 2025, Ohio continues to ramp up its efforts to improve safety on the road. This increased focus directly affects how OVI cases are handled, which often leads to stricter enforcement and fewer plea bargains. Having this in mind, it’s critical to combat these intense efforts with a solid criminal defense strategy. The heightened scrutiny calls for an equally strategic defense to challenge any weak evidence.

Q: Can I Get My License Back After an OVI in Ohio?

A: Yes, you can get your license back after an OVI in Ohio. However, this does not happen automatically. You will first need to likely spend a suspension period and complete several steps afterward to make this happen. This could include paying reinstatement fees, completing a treatment program, and installing an ignition interlock device to ensure you don’t get behind the wheel under the influence again.

Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder Today

If you have recently been charged with an OVI in Ohio, contact our firm today. We have helped countless clients in this exact predicament in the past and have decades of lessons that can be applied to help you today.