If you are arrested for a DUI, you should know the laws in Ohio are extremely strict for offenders. Is there a difference in your legal consequences if you get a DUI while driving an exotic car? It all depends on whether the car is your own or a rental vehicle.
Renting an exotic car allows you the opportunity to drive a high-caliber vehicle without the exorbitant costs of owning and maintaining one. Many people will rent one of these vehicles for a special occasion or to simply have the experience of driving a high-end sports car.
Whether you’re driving a Ferrari or a Camry from the 1990s, it is important that you understand what you’ll face if you are pulled over for a DUI.
DUI Laws in Ohio
In Ohio, drivers are considered to be under the influence when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or they exceed the permitted amount of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, or marijuana in their blood or urine. If you are found to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of these substances, you can still be charged even if the level in your body is below the allowable limits.
What Are the Legal Penalties for Drivers Charged with DUI in Ohio?
The penalties you may face if you are convicted of DUI charges in Ohio will depend on certain factors. If it is your first offense, you may be required to serve 3 days and up to 6 months behind bars in jail or you may have to enroll in a Driver Intervention Program. Probation may be imposed for up to 5 years, your license will be suspended for 1 to 3 years, and you’ll pay fines between $375 and $1,075.
If you’re facing a second conviction, you may spend 10 days to up to 6 months in jail, though there are potential options for house arrest. Fines increase from $525 to $1,625, and you may have a suspended license for 1 to 7 years.
Third or subsequent arrests for DUI could lead to 30 days minimum in jail with a maximum of 1 year, fines of $850 to $2,750, and 2 to 12 years of driver’s license suspension.
It’s important to note that these penalties are for being over the legal limit of 0.08%. The penalties increase if you are convicted of a DUI with a BAC of 0.17% or higher, known as a Super DUI.
What Happens If You Get a DUI While Driving an Exotic Rental Car?
Whether you’re renting an exotic car for a night on the town or you own one, you should understand that these vehicles never go unnoticed since they look fast even when they’re parked. With this understanding, you should be mindful of driving exotic vehicles with extra caution. Putting the pedal to the metal gives law enforcement officers a reason to pull you over if they see you speeding.
If the vehicle is an exotic rental, you will have your driving record checked before you are permitted to drive it off the lot. Any previous DUI/OVI would likely prevent you from renting this type of vehicle. However, if you’ve never been in trouble with the law before and find yourself facing conviction for DUI while in an exotic vehicle, you may not know what to do.
Ultimately, the consequences are much the same but you may face aggravating factors such as reckless driving for speeding or causing injury in an accident, which can make the penalties more severe upon conviction. If the exotic car is one you’ve rented and not one that you own, you may face the following additional consequences:
Impounded Exotic Vehicle
It is likely that the vehicle will be impounded after you are arrested. This will mean you incur extra daily charges from the exotic rental company. You may have purchased collision insurance and if your DUI involved a crash, this coverage may not cover the cost of the repairs or the time spent in the shop for repairs.
Difficulty Returning the Exotic Car to the Rental Agency
When you are arrested for a DUI in Ohio, your license will automatically be suspended. This presents an issue with returning your exotic rental on time. If you do not have your license, how can you return the car?
It is possible to get a temporary license but that may be difficult without the help of a felony DUI lawyer in Cincinnati, OH. Without an attorney, the police may then contact the exotic rental company and have someone come to pick it up.
Is It Possible to Have DUI Charges Dropped in Ohio?
Ohio prosecutors are tough on those who are facing DUI convictions. They will use everything they can against you. If you were driving an exotic car, they can try to argue that you were being reckless behind the wheel while driving under the influence.
However, the type of car you’re driving shouldn’t matter. Besides, you can only be convicted if the prosecution can prove that you were guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, it may be possible to get your DUI charges dropped if there isn’t sufficient evidence in the case.
Police have to collect evidence and if all they can prove is that you were speeding in an exotic car, that’s not enough to charge you with DUI. Additionally, if the officers violated your rights, any evidence they collect due to that violation is inadmissible in court. This is generally not something you will be able to do on your own so it is highly advisable to hire an attorney who can help uphold your legal rights.
With an attorney, you may find your case gets dropped due to a lack of evidence or there is a chance to take a plea deal for lesser charges. The car you’re driving shouldn’t matter for DUI laws in Ohio but it could be a sticking point for prosecutors. Make sure you discuss your legal situation with a DUI attorney to understand your options.