Should I Take a Plea Deal for My DUI Case?

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with a DUI, known in Ohio as an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), is extremely overwhelming. Between court dates, fines, and the threat of losing your license, you might be tempted to take a plea deal just to make the case go away. But before you agree to anything, you need to know what a plea deal really means.

In Ohio, prosecutors often offer plea bargains in OVI cases to save time and avoid going to trial. Sometimes a plea can work in your favor. Other times it can result in long-term consequences that are worse than you expect. Talk to a Wooster OVI defense lawyer with The Law Office of Whitney K.S. Miller, LLC before you agree to anything. 

What Is an OVI Plea Deal?

A plea deal (or plea bargain) is an agreement between the defense and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty or "no contest" to a charge. In exchange, the defendant gets a reduced sentence or a lesser offense. In an Ohio OVI case, this might mean pleading guilty to a reckless operation charge or a physical control violation instead of a full OVI conviction. 

However, not all plea deals are equal. Some still come with serious consequences, including a permanent mark on your criminal record, higher insurance rates, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs.

What Are the Penalties for an OVI in Ohio?

Ohio’s OVI laws are strict. You can be convicted if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, or if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

OVI laws were updated in 2025 to provide for stricter sentencing. A first OVI offense in Ohio can now result in:

• At least three days in jail (or an approved driver intervention program)

• A license suspension of one to three years

• Fines of up to $1,075

• Possible installation of an ignition interlock device

A second or third OVI can lead to longer jail time, as can refusing cheek swabs or breath tests. 

When Does a Plea Deal Make Sense?

There are situations where a plea bargain can be beneficial. If the evidence against you is strong, a plea deal might limit the damage. Plea bargains can also help if you have prior convictions. 

Still, plea bargains are not always the right move. If the arresting officer made procedural mistakes, if the breath test was inaccurate, or if there are doubts about probable cause, an experienced OVI defense lawyer may be able to have the charges reduced or even dismissed. 

What Are the Risks of Accepting a Plea Deal?

When you accept a plea deal, you give up your right to a trial and the chance to challenge the evidence against you. Once you plead guilty, the conviction becomes part of your permanent record. This can affect your employment, professional licenses, and insurance rates for years to come.

Some plea agreements still count as alcohol-related convictions. That means if you are arrested again for an OVI, the court can treat it as a second offense, leading to harsher penalties even though you thought you were pleading to a "lesser" charge. Plea deals can also include hidden financial costs. Always make sure you understand every term before agreeing to anything in court.

Call a Wooster, OH OVI Defense Lawyer Today

The Wayne County, Ohio DUI defense attorney at The Law Office of Whitney K.S. Miller, LLC gives clients skilled defense against OVI and other traffic offenses. Contact us at 330-725-4114 today to schedule your consultation and discuss the best defense strategy for your OVI case.