
Dan Sabol
Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.

Chase Mallory
Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Meet the lawyers who make up the legal team at Sabol Mallory LLC. Read their individual bios and get to know more about their education, experience and accolades.
Learn more about our teamTypes of License Suspensions in Ohio
In Ohio, there are different types of license suspensions, each with specific rules and reasons behind them. Some suspensions come from criminal charges, while others are a result of accumulating points from traffic violations. Each suspension has its own set of conditions that may include fines, courses, or waiting periods before a license can be reinstated. An Administrative License Suspension, or ALS, occurs when a driver is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the driver either refuses to take a chemical test or fails it, the license is immediately taken away on the spot. This suspension can range from 90 days to five years, depending on the circumstances and past offenses. A court suspension can also happen when a judge orders a suspension based on a criminal conviction. These suspensions are often related to serious offenses, like driving without insurance, leaving an accident scene, or being involved in certain criminal activities while operating a vehicle. Ohio also has a system of point-based suspensions, which means that drivers receive points on their driving record for specific violations. If a driver accumulates 12 points or more within a two-year period, their license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies but often lasts six months. After serving this time, the driver may need to pay a reinstatement fee and possibly take a remedial driving course to regain their driving privileges.Common Reasons for License Suspensions in Ohio
Many situations can lead to a suspended license in Ohio, and understanding these reasons can help drivers make informed decisions on the road. The most frequent causes of license suspensions include DUI/OVI offenses, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points on a driving record, and failing to pay fines or child support. Each of these causes comes with its own penalties and requirements. DUI or OVI offenses are among the top reasons licenses are suspended in Ohio. If a driver is found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even for the first time, they face both an immediate suspension and additional penalties. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when suspected of OVI will also lead to an automatic license suspension, known as an Administrative License Suspension. The period of suspension often depends on factors like prior offenses and whether the driver cooperates with the test. Failing to maintain insurance coverage is another reason drivers lose their licenses in Ohio. The state requires all drivers to carry insurance, and proof of insurance must be shown during traffic stops or after accidents. If a driver is caught without insurance, they may face fines and an automatic license suspension. Reinstating the license may require proving that insurance coverage is now in place, paying a fee, and sometimes filing an SR-22 form with the state, which verifies that you hold continuous insurance coverage. Drivers can also have their licenses suspended for failing to pay fines, traffic tickets, or court-ordered child support. Ohio courts take unpaid fines seriously, and when a driver repeatedly ignores these financial responsibilities, the state may enforce a suspension to encourage compliance. Addressing these fines promptly can prevent license issues, as clearing up any unpaid fees is often required to reinstate a suspended license.How Ohio’s Points System Leads to License Suspension
Ohio uses a points system to track driving violations and determine when a driver may be at risk of losing their license. Points are assigned based on the severity of the offense, with more dangerous behaviors earning higher points. For instance, reckless driving or speeding 30 miles per hour over the limit results in four points, while more minor offenses like speeding just above the limit earn two points. If a driver receives 12 points within two years, they face an automatic six-month suspension of their driving privileges. Once the suspension period ends, the driver must go through a reinstatement process, which can include taking a remedial driving course, paying a reinstatement fee, and sometimes taking a driving exam. The points system acts as a way to encourage safer driving by penalizing repeat offenders who show a pattern of risky driving behavior. To avoid reaching the 12-point mark, Ohio drivers can attend approved remedial driving classes, which may reduce the points on their records. These courses are available through certain driving schools and can offer a reduction of up to two points once completed. This option is especially useful for drivers who are close to the 12-point limit and want to take proactive steps to avoid suspension.Penalties and Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License in Ohio
If your license is already suspended, choosing to drive despite the suspension can lead to more severe consequences. Driving with a suspended license is considered a serious offense in Ohio and is usually punished with fines, extended suspension time, and even jail time in some cases. The exact penalties depend on why the license was initially suspended and whether the driver has previous violations. In Ohio, driving with a suspended license can result in an additional license suspension period, making it even longer before the driver can legally return to the road. The driver may also face higher fines and court costs, and in some cases, their vehicle may be impounded. Repeat offenders who are caught driving with a suspended license are likely to face even harsher consequences, including mandatory jail sentences. It is important for those with suspended licenses to understand that they may also lose any limited privileges they were granted by the court. Limited driving privileges may be available for certain individuals who need to drive for work, school, or medical appointments. But if a driver with these privileges is caught driving outside the approved terms, they will likely face an extended suspension and may lose any chance of further limited privileges.Client
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