Traffic Offenses in Ohio can be classified and prosecuted in many different ways and lead to significantly different penalties or consequences for those convicted of traffic violations. This often causes even more confusion than the initial traffic stop and accompanying citation.
- How much is this going to cost?
- Are my insurance rates going to rise?
- Am I going to lose my license?
- How can this affect my future?
If you find yourself asking these questions, do not spend hours going through search results looking for the right answers… find the right answers by calling the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Dworken & Bernstein for a free consultation.
What Type of Traffic Offenses Can We Help With?
If you receive a citation for a traffic violation or are arrested for a criminal offense while driving your vehicle, we can help. Below are some of the more common traffic offenses listed in the Ohio Revised Code.
- Minor Traffic Offenses
- Speeding Violations – ORC 4511.21
- Stop Sign Violations – ORC 4511.43
- Traffic Light Violations – ORC 4511.13-15
- Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA) – ORC 4511.21(A)
- Major Traffic Offenses
- DUI / OVI – ORC 4511.19
- OVUAC Operating Vehicle after Underage Consumption – ORC 4511.19B
- Driving Under Suspension (DUS) – ORC 11
- Driving Under DUI / OVI Suspension (DUS) – ORC 14
- Hit Skip – ORC 4549.02 and 4549.021
- Reckless Operation – ORC 4510.15, 4511.20, 4511.201
- Physical Control – ORC 4511.194
- Aggravated Vehicular Assault – ORC 08
Traffic offenses are not the informal violation and fee of the past, but rather, carry overlooked penalties that significantly affect something many of us take for granted or see as a “right” and not the “privilege” that it is: the ability to operate a motor vehicle on the roads of the State of Ohio. It is not until this privilege is taken away that the realities of how hard our day-to-day would be without this privilege are revealed.
The sooner you call, the sooner the attorneys at Dworken & Bernstein can implement the strategy to restore your driving privilege to its full capacity.
Potential Consequences of Minor Traffic Offenses
- Monetary or Financial Sanctions
- Fines
- Court Costs
- Dismissal Costs
- Suspension of License or Limited Privilege to Drive
- Ohio Points System
- 0 – 6 points depending on the violation
- 12 points within 2-year period leads to License Suspension
- 2-point remedial reduction class, may be available to assist a point issue
- Other Consequences
- Rise in Insurance Rates
- Being dropped from your Automotive Insurance Policy
- Loss of Employment
- CDL Suspension or Revocation
The most serious traffic offenses are prosecuted criminally as misdemeanors and felonies. These serious traffic offenses carry with them very significant penalties and are some of the few crimes with minimum as well as enhanceable penalties based on prior convictions.
Potential Consequences of Major Traffic Offenses
- Jail
- Misdemeanor of the 4th degree – 30 days maximum in jail
- Misdemeanor of the 3rd degree – 60 days maximum in jail
- Misdemeanor of the 2nd degree – 90 days maximum in jail
- Misdemeanor of the 1st degree – 180 days maximum in jail
- Felony Criminal Traffic Offenses are punishable by prison
- Monetary or Financial Sanctions
- Fines
- Court Costs
- Dismissal Costs
- Suspension of License or Limited Privilege to Drive
- Ignition Interlock
- “Party Plates”
- Ohio Points System
- 0 – 6 points depending on the violation
- 12 points within 2-year period leads to License Suspension
- 2-point remedial reduction class, may be available to assist a point issue
- Other Potential Consequences
- Loss of Employment
- CDL Suspension, Revocation or Disqualification
- Immigration Concerns/Issues up to Deportation
The devastating effects serious traffic offenses have on your family, your friends and your future, is not worth the risk. Protect your privilege to drive. The Attorneys at Dworken & Bernstein will fight to minimize the potential consequences of Traffic Violation convictions including costly fines, points on your driving record and the loss of liberty to incarceration.
