Juvenile DUI Addressed in Ohio Supreme Court

The issue the Ohio Supreme Court addresses in State v. Adkins, 2011-Ohio-3141  is whether a pre-January 1, 1996 juvenile adjudication can be considered one of the five prior similar offenses necessary to enhance an R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) charge for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (“OVI”). Under R.C. 4511.19(G)(1)(d), an OVI is a fourth-degree felony if the defendant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to five OVIs in 20 years.  Effective January 1, 1996, the Ohio legislature passed a new law making a prior juvenile adjudication constitutes a prior conviction for purposes of R.C. 4511.19(G)(1)(d).PROCEDURAL HISTORYOn...