DUI / OVI Yellow License Plates

When you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI), you probably have countless questions about how this situation will impact your life even if you have gotten a DUI / OVI before. In the state of Ohio, the penalties assessed for a DUI / OVI conviction increase in severity for each subsequent occurrence within a ten-year period. Cleveland DUI lawyer A. Dale Naticchia is available to serve individuals being charged with driving under the influence throughout Akron and other areas of Cuyahoga County. Although you may believe that speaking with the authorities and making a defense for yourself is the best way to reduce the charges or have them dropped, this approach can often backfire. Having experienced legal counsel on your side is one of the best ways to protect your rights during this process.

In Ohio, the offense of driving while intoxicated is referred to as operating a vehicle while intoxicated. When you are convicted of a DUI / OVI, there are different penalties that the judge may order against you, including monetary fines and jail time. Ohio law also enables the judges to choose from a variety of different penalties for situations involving repeat or egregious offenders. One of these tools is requiring the defendant to affix yellow license plates with red lettering to his or her vehicle. These plates have nicknames like “scarlet letter plates” or “party plates.” The intent behind requiring the driver to have a different, brightly colored license plate is to make it easier for law enforcement officers to identify the individual when or she resumes his or her driving privileges. As you can imagine, having one of these plates on your vehicle makes you an easy target for law enforcement. Even if you are abiding by the law and acting respectfully, you may find yourself being pulled over more frequently.

The judge can require you to obtain DUI / OVI yellow license plates if you have limited driving privileges granted during the pendency of your case. Since 2004, the plates have been a mandatory penalty for anyone who obtains a second DUI / OVI charge within a 10-year period, or for first-time offenders who have a high blood alcohol content. If you do not receive limited driving privileges and your family continues to use your vehicle, you will not be required to obtain the plates. It is important to note, however, that you are required to affix the plates to any vehicle that you plan to drive during the restricted driving privileges period. The only exception is a work vehicle or vehicle that your employer owns as long as your employer knows that you are currently driving under limited privileges and the reason for those limitations. You must provide proof that your employer is aware of these circumstances.

Although a DUI / OVI charge or conviction may seem like it will completely ruin your life, you have the opportunity to present a defense. A seasoned DUI attorney can review your case and ensure that the police abided by appropriate procedures when detaining and arresting you. If they did not, then any evidence obtained during the unlawful stop should be suppressed. Also, there are certain rules that apply when law enforcement requires a driver to undergo a field sobriety test that must be followed in order for the results of that testing to be valid.

Having to suffer the consequences of a drunk driving conviction that are harsher than you deserve can be devastating, especially if it involves DUI / OVI yellow license plates that broadcast your situation to the world. Attorney Naticchia understands what is at stake for you during this stressful time, and can ensure that you receive the responsive and compassionate legal counsel that you deserve. He is available to serve clients throughout Cleveland, Parma, Bedford, Berea, Rocky River, Garfield Heights, Stow, and Barberton. To set up your free consultation call today at 216-520-5297 or contact him online to get started.