Driving in Ohio comes with responsibilities, and certain actions behind the wheel can escalate from minor infractions to Ohio driving felonies, carrying severe penalties like jail time, hefty fines, and long-term license loss. These serious offenses, ranging from repeat OVIs to vehicular manslaughter, can upend your life, job, and freedom. At Online Two Point Driving Classes, we’re outlining the key Ohio driving felonies, their legal consequences, and how our Ohio-approved online remedial course can help manage license points from related violations. Let’s dive into what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
What Are Ohio Driving Felonies?
Ohio driving felonies are serious crimes committed while operating a vehicle, classified under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) as felonies due to their severity or impact. Unlike misdemeanors (e.g., speeding, 2-4 credit points), felonies involve significant harm, intent, or repeat offenses, leading to harsher punishments. Common examples include:
- Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: Killing someone while driving recklessly or intoxicated.
- Repeat OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired): Multiple OVI convictions within a set period.
- Driving Under Suspension: Operating a vehicle after a court-ordered license ban.
- Fleeing Police: Evading law enforcement during a pursuit.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports thousands of felony driving arrests annually, with OVIs and vehicular assaults among the top charges.
Major Ohio Driving Felonies and Penalties
1. Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
Killing someone while driving recklessly (e.g., speeding excessively) or under the influence is a first- or second-degree felony. Penalties include:
- Prison: 2-8 years (first-degree) or 1-5 years (second-degree).
- Fines: Up to $15,000.
- License Suspension: Permanent revocation possible.
- Points: 6 credit points, plus mandatory restitution.
If alcohol or drugs are involved, sentences increase, and ignition interlock devices may be required post-release.
2. Repeat OVI
A third OVI within 10 years or sixth in 20 years becomes a fourth-degree felony. Consequences include:
- Jail/Prison: 60 days to 3 years, with mandatory treatment.
- Fines: $1,350-$10,500.
- License Suspension: 3 years to permanent.
- Points: 6 credit points per OVI.
Ohio’s look-back period means prior OVIs haunt you, escalating penalties. A single OVI adds 6 points, pushing toward a 12-point suspension.
3. Aggravated Vehicular Assault
Causing serious injury while driving recklessly or impaired is a third- or fourth-degree felony:
- Prison: 1-5 years (third-degree) or 6-18 months (fourth-degree).
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
- License Suspension: 2-10 years.
- Points: 6 credit points.
Victims’ medical costs often add restitution, and employers may fire drivers with felony records.
4. Driving Under Suspension
Driving after a court-ordered suspension (e.g., from prior OVIs) can be a third-degree felony if tied to serious offenses:
- Prison: 6 months to 3 years.
- Fines: Up to $7,000.
- License Suspension: Extended, often indefinitely.
- Points: 6 credit points.
This often catches repeat offenders, like those ignoring OVI bans, compounding Ohio driving felonies.
5. Fleeing and Eluding Police
Fleeing a police pursuit, especially if it causes harm, is a third-degree felony:
- Prison: 9 months to 3 years.
- Fines: Up to $7,000.
- License Suspension: 3 years to permanent.
- Points: 6 credit points.
High-speed chases risk crashes, making this one of the riskier Ohio driving felonies.
Additional Consequences
Beyond legal penalties, Ohio driving felonies wreak havoc:
- Insurance Costs: Convictions spike premiums 50-100%—$2,000+ yearly for years.
- Job Loss: Trucking, delivery, or professional licenses shun felons.
- Criminal Record: Felonies limit housing, loans, and job prospects.
- Civil Lawsuits: Victims of crashes (e.g., vehicular assault) may sue for damages.
- Emotional Toll: Causing harm or jail time strains families and mental health.
The Ohio BMV suspends licenses at 12 points, and felonies often add 6 points per offense, making suspensions likely. Our $69.95 course at Online Two Point Driving Classes offers a 2-point credit to help manage points from related tickets.
Why They Happen
Ohio driving felonies often stem from:
- Impairment: Alcohol or drugs cloud judgment, leading to OVIs or crashes.
- Recklessness: Speeding 30+ mph over limits or weaving risks homicide or assault charges.
- Repeat Offenses: Ignoring prior tickets or suspensions escalates to felonies.
- Panic: Fleeing police to avoid minor tickets turns into major charges.
Ohio’s highways, like I-75, see heavy enforcement, with state troopers targeting impaired or reckless drivers. Holidays amplify patrols, catching more offenders.
How to Avoid Driving Felonies
Prevent felonies with these steps:
- Drive Sober: Zero alcohol or drugs—use rideshares if impaired.
- Obey Limits: Stick to 65 mph on Ohio highways; 30+ mph over risks 4 points.
- Don’t Flee: Stop for police—evading adds felony charges.
- Fix Suspensions: Clear license bans via BMV before driving.
- Defensive Driving: Keep 3-4 seconds behind cars, signal moves.
Our 8-hour online course at Online Two Point Driving Classes teaches defensive skills, helping you avoid risky behaviors.
What to Do If Facing a Felony Charge
Charged with an Ohio driving felony?
- Hire a Lawyer: Felonies demand legal expertise—public defenders help if funds are tight.
- Don’t Talk: Avoid admitting guilt to police; anything said can be used in court.
- Gather Evidence: Note crash details, witnesses, or sobriety for your defense.
- Attend Court: Missing hearings worsens penalties.
- Consider Our Course: If lesser tickets (e.g., speeding) are involved, our course at Online Two Point Driving Classes offers a 2-point credit.
Felony convictions require mandatory treatment, interlocks, or probation—follow court orders to avoid worse outcomes.
Long-Term Impact
Ohio driving felonies linger. Felony records block jobs, housing, or licenses for years. Points (6 per offense) stick 2 years, hiking insurance. Suspensions disrupt work or school. Victims’ injuries bring guilt or lawsuits. Our course helps manage points from related violations, easing the burden.
Stay Legal—Join Us!
Ohio driving felonies like OVI or vehicular homicide carry life-changing penalties—drive sober, stay calm, obey laws. Sign up for our $69.95 remedial course at Online Two Point Driving Classes—8 hours online for a 2-point credit! Check out our course to learn more or sign up today!
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
