What Happens if You Get a DUI Under 21 in Ohio?

You’re under 21. You had a drink—maybe one, maybe two. You felt fine. But now you’re pulled over, you’re in the back of a police car, and you’re being charged with DUI in Ohio. What now?

Here’s the reality: Ohio doesn’t cut breaks for drivers under 21 when it comes to drinking and driving. In fact, the laws are tougher. The consequences hit harder. And the impact can follow you well into your adult life.

If you or your child is facing an underage DUI (also called OVI in Ohio), you need to understand what’s at stake—and how to fight back. At Botnick Law Firm LLC in Cleveland, we represent people just like you: scared, unsure, and determined not to let one mistake ruin everything.

Ohio’s Zero Tolerance Law

In Ohio, if you’re under 21, you’re legally drunk at just 0.02% BAC.

That’s not a typo. 0.02%.

That means even a small drink—half a beer, one shot, or a glass of wine—could put you over the limit.

So when an officer pulls over a young driver and detects alcohol, they don’t need to prove you were swerving or slurring your words. Just a breath test over 0.02% is enough for charges.

There are two main paths your case could take:

OVUAC (Operating a Vehicle After Underage Consumption)

If your BAC is between 0.02% and 0.08%, you’ll likely be charged with OVUAC. It’s Ohio’s specific charge for underage drivers caught with alcohol in their system.

OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired)

If your BAC is 0.08% or higher—or if the officer believes your driving was impaired—you’ll face the full DUI/OVI charge, just like an adult over 21. This comes with tougher penalties, and yes, it goes on your record.

You could even be charged with both.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Under 21 in Ohio?

Let’s break it down. Whether you’re 18, 20, or just shy of your 21st birthday, the penalties can be severe.

If You’re Convicted of OVUAC:

• Up to 30 days in jail
• $250 fine
• License suspension for 90 days to 2 years
• Mandatory driver’s license retesting
• Proof of insurance filing (SR-22)
• Alcohol education or treatment
• Possibly yellow license plates

For a second OVUAC conviction:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Fines up to $500
• License suspension up to 5 years

And that’s just for BAC under 0.08%. If your test shows 0.08% or more, you’re in full OVI territory.

If You’re Convicted of an OVI:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines of $1,000 or more
• Minimum 1-year license suspension
• Ignition interlock device installed in your car
• Vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
• Court-ordered alcohol treatment

And the worst part? These charges don’t go away. An underage DUI stays on your criminal and driving record, and in most cases, can’t be sealed or expunged.

What About Administrative Penalties?

Aside from court-imposed penalties, the Ohio BMV hands down Administrative License Suspensions (ALS) if you:

• Fail a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine), or
• Refuse to take the test entirely

For underage drivers, this means:

• 90-day suspension for a first offense
• Up to 5 years for repeat offenses
• No limited driving privileges for at least 60 days

So even before your case is resolved in court, you could be off the road.

For more details, check out the Ohio BMV’s official suspension page.

Juvenile vs. Adult Court: Where Will Your Case Go?

If you’re under 18, you’ll likely go through juvenile court, where the process is more rehabilitative.

If you’re 18 to 20, your case goes to adult court, and the penalties get real, fast.

Even in juvenile court, the consequences can include:

• License suspension
• Alcohol classes or rehab
• Probation
• Detention (in some cases)

Collateral Consequences of an Underage OVI Conviction

This isn’t just about a fine or a few classes.

An underage DUI in Ohio can:

• Spike your insurance premiums for years
• Show up on job applications
• Affect your college or financial aid
• Make you ineligible for some careers (especially in healthcare, transportation, or government)

It might seem like one night of bad judgment. But the ripple effect can last for years.

That’s why your next move matters.

How Botnick Law Firm Can Help

At Botnick Law Firm LLC, we don’t judge. We don’t scold. We defend.

We understand what’s at stake, and we use every tool available to protect your future. That means:

• Challenging the traffic stop and field sobriety tests
• Reviewing the accuracy of your BAC test
• Negotiating for reduced charges or diversion programs
• Working to keep the conviction off your record

Every case is different. But every case deserves a real defense.

You Made a Mistake. Don’t Let It Define You.

If you or your child is facing DUI/OVI charges under age 21, the time to act is now. The penalties are harsh, but they’re not automatic. You have options.

Let us help you explore them.

Call Botnick Law Firm LLC in Cleveland today for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to listen. We’re ready to fight. And we’re ready to help you move forward.

Your future isn’t over. Let’s protect it.