Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education
If You Are Arrested
If Denison Security stops a driver for suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, Granville police will be called, and the driver could then be arrested if the situation warrants. All state laws pertaining to drinking and driving apply on campus. While most convictions can be expunged from a record, DUI cannot.
Subsequent Arrests
Fines and other sanctions for second offenses are almost always much stiffer in both Mayor's Court and Municipal Court. If a student has been convicted or has pleaded guilty to an offense, s/he would be wise to talk with someone about making the necessary changes to avoid any future court involvement.
University Sanctions If You Are Arrested Off Campus
In some cases, students are sanctioned on campus for offenses which occur off campus. Offenses such as DUI, Assault, or felonies usually involve disciplinary action by the university.
Getting Answers
Should I refuse the breathalyzer if I am stopped for suspicion of drinking and driving?
Most attorneys advise clients to refuse all tests, but please be aware that refusal results in an immediate and, generally, lengthy license suspension.
Under a new law in Ohio, a driver who registers a .17% BAC will be sentenced to three days in jail if found guilty. This is in addition to the 72 hours a first-time DUI conviction must spend at an Alcohol Education Program.
Can the officer require me to take more than one alcohol test if I am stopped for suspicion of DUI?
Yes. Ohio law states that a driver must take any test or tests requested.
What should I do if I am taken to jail?
If you
are taken to jail, the time for most of your options has passed, but
the best advice is, in this and all other situations involving police BE POLITE AND COOPERATIVE.
Regardless of the reason for the arrest, each person who goes to jail
is processed in the same manner. Upon arrival, each person is padded
down and their property (everything but clothes) including shoes is
taken from them. A lot of paperwork is completed, and mug shots and
fingerprints are taken. The person is then required to shower in view
of a deputy and then is taken to a cell unit. This process normally
lasts an hour or hour and a half but could be quite lengthy depending
on the number of other people waiting to be processed.
Upon arrival, the person is permitted to use the phone; there is
generally no limit to the number of calls, but all calls are collect to
the party answering. (In most cases, your ability to use the phone
depends a great deal on your cooperation and attitude.)
For misdemeanors, a person can usually be bonded out within a few
hours. Each offense has a specific bond amount. If a person cannot post
bond, he/she will have to wait to see a judge, which could be within a
day or a few days if the arrest occurs on the weekend.
All people arrested for a felony must appear before a judge before posting bond.
Can the university take action against me if I am arrested off campus?
Yes. See University Sanctions above.
Can Ohio suspend my driver's license if I am from out of state?
No, but Ohio can suspend your right to drive in Ohio, and in most cases, the home state is notified.