How an OVI Affects You in Ohio: Job, License, Custody & More

Ohio treats OVI as a very serious offense. It declared “WAR” on drunk driving in 1994 and has been increasing penalties and enforcement since that time. The social stigma surrounding an OVI is isolating and may exacerbate underlying family, addiction, or mental health issues. You will also face a plethora of expenses from the court, the Ohio BMV, obtaining good counsel, etc. The penalties for a first, second, third, and subsequent offense are serious, but also keep in mind these problems that may arise as a result of an OVI conviction.

Your Job and Your CDL

If you drive for a living, an OVI charge (not just a conviction) can cause significant problems. Most problems stem from the imposition of an Administrative License Suspension with “hard time” restrictions. This means that you are not going to be able to drive for a specific period of time. If you hold a CDL, an OVI charge and/or administrative suspension can create serious CDL consequences; speak with counsel immediately. CDL cases are complicated as they involve the interplay of state, federal and administrative law.

On a personal note – My father had a commercial driver’s license. Without it, and his hard work, I may not be an attorney right now. I know how important your CDL is, and I will work hard to protect it.

Professional Licenses

In some professions, an OVI can be grounds for the denial of a professional license. Some professional organizations will expel or deny membership to anyone convicted of an OVI. If you are a pilot, doctor, nurse, teacher, active duty service member, or rely on driving as a part of your job, we are here to help.

Insurance Rates

If you are convicted of an OVI, expect to pay higher premiums for your automobile insurance. If you have a company car, or have to be self-insured to comply with your company’s driving requirements, this may be a significant and costly issue.

Educational Opportunity

Your education may be at risk if you are convicted of an OVI. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to enter a field of study with an OVI conviction. You may also face penalties that include loss of scholarship, restrictions on campus driving, suspension or dismissal from the institution. Some landlords specifically refuse to rent to anyone with an OVI conviction, meaning that your choice of housing off campus is also affected. With a simple criminal background check, a landlord can discover your criminal record and deny your application.

Child Custody

Under current Ohio law, an OVI conviction is not sealable or expungeable. It can be used against you in a child custody hearing. Particularly, it can be used to limit your ability to participate in exchanges where you are required to drive to the location, or transport your children. In extreme cases, it can be used to show you are an unfit parent.

Your Right to Bear Arms (2nd Amendment)

If you have multiple OVI convictions, or if you have an OVI resulting in bodily injury or death, you can face the loss of your 2nd Amendment rights. Under certain facts, a “typical” OVI turned into a felony level offense if you are in possession of a firearm at the time of your arrest. These are fact-dependent, complicated issues that you should discuss in detail with your attorney.

Immigration Issues

The impact of an OVI conviction can be devastating to a person hoping to become a citizen, seeking an education, or working in the United States. I am not an immigration attorney. If this is something that may impact you please seek the assistance of an immigration attorney. SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY!

Consequences of an OVI in Divorce Proceedings

OVI divorce issues are common. If you are involved in a custody dispute, or have a vindictive spouse who would like to start one, an OVI conviction can be used against you in domestic relations court. In addition, automatic license suspensions may make it difficult to exercise visitation with your children. You may also find a court who will refuse to let you transport the children due to a OVI conviction. This increases the cost or difficulty in seeing your kids. If you are seeking an adoption, an OVI conviction may be used against you by an investigating agency charged with deciding if you are approved.

MADD Is Busy Creating OVI Divorce Issues

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has long advocated putting a provision in every divorce decree. They call for immediate suspension of parental rights if the parent is found to be driving while intoxicated. Make sure that you review your divorce decree to see if any such language is included and decide whether or not you will engage in negotiations to remove this language.

Given all the above, many times the most difficult aspect of an OVI arrest is telling those people you love you have been charged. The National Highway Transportation Administration, MADD, The Century Council, schools and colleges all spend millions of dollars on educational programs and television commercials stigmatizing the act of drunk driving. OVI clients are perceived as guilty without a presumption of innocence afforded to most defendants. Furthermore, it causes stress and financial concerns in families that can cause minor fissures to become major cracks. If you find yourself charged with an OVI please contact a competent criminal defense attorney. They protect you from this many-tentacled beast.

As you can see, it is important to hire a good OVI attorney. I will help you avoid any potential issues that may affect you in the future. I dedicate my practice to defending the accused drunk driver. In addition, I have been an attorney since 1995 and have been doing exclusively drunk driving defense since 2006. I invite you to visit me for a free consultation.

Why Trust Dayton OVI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II

Charles M. Rowland II has established himself as a top OVI attorney in Ohio and the Dayton area and beyond. He lives by the motto, “Work hard, play by the rules, and never quit!” Preparation, dedication and perseverance are his touchstones. He will vigorously fight for you and will genuinely care about the outcome of your case. He wants to make an impact on the system and on every client he represents. He wants to get the most favorable outcome including acquittals, dismissed charges, or advantageous reduced charges.

He has been recognized by his clients and his peers as a top OVI attorney. He has been a “Super Lawyer” since 2013, a Fellow to the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Nations Top 1%, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for Criminal Defense, a Dayton Bar Association Foundation Fellow, and has appeared in Time and Car & Driver Magazine for OVI defense. He is a lecturer on OVI defense to police agencies, attorneys, judges, and students. He frequently appears as an expert in local media. He taught OVI trial practice at the Greene County Peace Officer Training Academy for over fifteen years and has been an adjunct professor at Wright State University in the Honors Department. In 2026, he will teach criminal law in Eastern Europe for the Center for International Legal Studies at the prestigious University of National and World Economy.

Charlie is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Foundation (2022 Foundation Fellow), the Greene County Bar Association (past President), the Clark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Foundation (2005 Foundation Fellow), the American Bar Association, the American Bar Foundation, and a member of Dayton Lodge No. 147 and Beavercreek Lodge No. 788, under the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

“All I ever wanted to do was to be a good attorney. I have been blessed that my hard work has allowed me to achieve everything I have, and I will continue to work hard for my clients and for my profession” – Charles M. Rowland II

Learn More About Ohio OVI Charges & Penalties

How an OVI Affects a CDL Driver · How an OVI Affects a Nursing License · How an OVI Affects a Pilot’s License · How an OVI Affects a Teacher · How an OVI Affects Active-Duty Military · OVI and Guns · Ohio OVI Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions