Source: https://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com/criminal-defense/traffic-violations/
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 00:44:03+00:00

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Many drivers in Ohio mistakenly believe driving violations are insignificant moving violations that will be resolved upon payment of a fine or completion of a driving safety course. However, many driving-related offenses are more serious, and can lead to severe repercussions, including jail or prison time, license suspension and vehicle forfeiture.
If you have allegedly committed several moving violations, or if you have been found in violation a more serious traffic offense, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony that can incur harsh penalties if you are convicted or found guilty.
The Joslyn Law Firm can help you learn more about your traffic charge and assist you in finding the best possible outcome for your situation in the Columbus, Ohio area. If you do not hire an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may face severe consequences. Call for a free consultation today about your traffic violation in Franklin County and surrounding counties of Ohio.
Call for a free consultation today about your traffic violation in Franklin County and surrounding counties of Ohio.
If any driver receives more than five points, the registrar of the BMV will send a warning letter listing the reported violations, the number of points for each violation, and the possible license suspensions.
If any person receives 12 or more points in a two-year period, the registrar of the BMV will send written notice to the person that their driver license is suspended under a class D suspension. The suspension is effective 20 days after the date of the notice. The driver is permitted to file a petition appealing the suspension in the 20 days before the suspension becomes effective.
Anyone who has between two and 20 points can take a driving instruction course, if it is not court-ordered, for a two-point credit on their driving record. The credit will apply after successful completion of the course. Only one credit is permitted in any three-year period, and a maximum of five credits may be used in a lifetime.
In order to have a license reinstated upon completion of a suspension, the driver is required to complete an approved driving instruction course, show proof of financial responsibility (automobile insurance), and take a driver’s license examination and/or a physical examination conducted by the registrar of the BMV.
Operation in Willful or Wanton Disregard of the Safety of Persons or Property under § 4511.20 of the Ohio Revised Code occurs when a person operating a vehicle on any street or highway of the state does so intentionally or deliberately regardless of the safety of others or property. This offense is punishable as a minor, fourth or third-degree misdemeanor.
Driving Under Suspension or in Violation of License Restriction is defined in § 4510.11 of the Ohio Revised Code as operating a motor vehicle upon the public roads or highways or private property used for public travel while their license is suspended unless they have been granted limited driving privileges. This offense is punishable as misdemeanor of the first degree or as an unclassified misdemeanor, depending on how the license was suspended.
Vehicular Manslaughter is causing the death of another while operating a vehicle in violation of a municipal ordinance or in violation of Title 45 of the Revised Code that is a minor misdemeanor, according to § 2903.06 of the Ohio Revised Code. This offense can be a misdemeanor of the first or second degree.
Vehicular Homicide under § 2903.06 of the Ohio Revised Code is causing the death of another while operating a vehicle negligently. A violation of this statute can be a misdemeanor of the first degree or felony of the fourth degree. Depending on the degree of the offense, a mandatory prison term may be required.
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide according to § 2903.06 of the Ohio Revised Code is causing the death of another while operating a motor vehicle, aircraft or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance or recklessly operating a motor vehicle that causes the death of another. This offense is punishable as a felony of the third, second or first degree. Depending on the degree of the offense, a mandatory prison sentence may be imposed.
Street Racing, as defined in § 4511.251 of the Ohio Revised Code, occurs when two or more vehicles compete to out-distance each other while racing side by side, or the operation of one or more vehicles on a selected course for competitive timing on any public road, street or highway. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of Police Officer, also known as fleeing and eluding, is defined in §2921.331 of the Ohio Revised Code as operating a vehicle to intentionally elude or flee from a police officer after being signaled to stop their vehicle. This offense is punishable as either a misdemeanor of the first degree or felony of the third or fourth degree.
Failure to Stop After an Accident on Public Roads or Highways is a violation due to the requirement for any person operating a motor vehicle on public roads or highways to immediately stop when they had knowledge of the accident or collision. They are also required to stay at the scene until they have given their information to the other driver, any person injured, or the police officer, according to the Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02. Violation of this offense is also known as hit and run or leaving the scene. A violation of this statute can be a misdemeanor of the first degree or a felony of the fifth or third degree.
In addition to the statutory penalties for the degree of the offense, other penalties can include, depending on the number of prior convictions, immobilization of the offender’s vehicle, impoundment of the vehicle’s license plates, driver’s license suspension, and forfeiture of the driver’s vehicle.
Ohio’s laws provide for various classes of license suspension depending on the severity of the traffic offense an alleged offender has committed. A driver’s license suspension is the permanent or temporary withdrawal of a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license (CDL), temporary permit, or probationary license by the court or bureau of motor vehicles. A person is not permitted to drive if their license has been suspended.
Class Seven Suspension – Suspension for up to one year.
Class F Suspension – Suspension until the required conditions are met.
Ohio Department of Public Safety – The ODPS has information about Driver’s License Suspensions, Ohio’s driving point system, information on reinstating your driver’s license, reinstatement of driver’s licenses, how to obtain a commercial driver’s license, and the registry of Habitual OVI offenders in the state.
Ohio Driving Point System – This link is to Ohio’s laws regarding the offenses and number of points that can be assessed for each traffic violation. The laws regarding the driving point system can be found in Title 45 of the Ohio Revised Code, and this particular section is also codified as Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4510.036.
Contact the Joslyn Law Firm today for a consultation about your traffic-related offense in Columbus, Ohio. There may be defenses or other factors applicable in your case to have your charge reduced or even dismissed. By speaking directly to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Columbus, you can ensure that your rights are protected.
Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm is ready to discuss your case with you. Call (614) 444-1900 for a consultation about your traffic offense in Franklin County and surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.

References: § 4511
 § 4510
 § 2903
 § 2903
 § 2903
 § 4511
 §2921
 § 4549
 § 4510