Ross J. Finke, Attorney at Law

05/29/2026

What’s the Difference Between a Revoked License and Suspended License?

Revoked License vs Suspended License
Across the United States, one thing remains the same in every state — a revoked license is the permanent seizure of driving privileges while license suspension is a temporary punishment. What varies across the nation is what qualifies for a suspended vs revoked driver’s license. While each state’s department of motor vehicles controls the issuance of driver’s licenses and the authority is restricted the state of issuance, there are 47 states that participate in the driver license reciprocity contract, which means that drivers license suspension and revocation will be honored in other states. Here, we will discuss a few causes of license suspension and revocation in Ohio.

Revoked License
Having a license revoked is a serious court-ordered punishment, that results in a permanent loss of the right to drive in the state where the license revocation is ordered. Typically, a license will be revoked if a driver violates driving laws again and again, especially as it relates to a DUI/OVI. In Ohio, if an individual is convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, or vehicular manslaughter, the court will issue a permanent revocation of the individuals’ driver’s license. If the driver wishes to have their driving rights reinstated, the individual must file a motion with the courts for termination or moderation of a revoked license.

Suspended License
Having a license suspended is a temporary state pending the driver meeting some requirements and reinstating the driving rights. Licenses can be suspended for a variety of reasons including a medical or physical condition that limits driving abilities, lack of car insurance coverage, court-ordered suspensions, DUI/OVI, or an accumulation of points. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues points for driving violations. If a driver accumulates 12 points in a two-year period, the license will be suspended. Reinstating suspended licenses will be determined by the courts or the BMV and depend on the reason the license was suspended. Reinstatement requirements may involve a time requirement, such as six-month for a 12-point suspension or several years for DUI/OVI; a remedial driving course; and/ or a reinstatement fee.

Drug and Alcohol Suspension
A first-time DUI/OVI offense will result in a 90-day administrative suspension, as well as a court-ordered suspension of between six months and three years. For multiple offenses, the suspension times will increase. For habitual drug or alcohol offenses —three or more convictions within a three-year period— will result in suspension of the driver’s license until a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program is completed, the driver maintains sobriety for at least six months, and the driver must request reinstatement through the BMV.

For an OVI Defense Lawyer in Ohio
If you have been charged with a DUI/OVI, you need an experienced attorney who knows the laws and your options and can fight for your rights. Being charged with a DUI/OVI can damage your driving record and your life, so it is important to have experience and dedication on your side. When you hire Ross Finke, you get skilled legal representation. Contact Finke Law Office for your consultation today!

05/22/2026

In Memory of Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice...Finke Law Office Will be Closed Monday May 25th, 2026.

05/14/2026

“(A Certificate of Qualification for Employment) doesn’t guarantee anyone a job, but what it does do is it gives people a fair shot,” Humphrey said. “It removes automatic barriers and provides employers with legal protection if they choose to hire.”

Under current Ohio law, someone who was incarcerated for a felony must wait one year after finishing all of their sanctions — which Humphrey said can last two to five years — to apply for the certificate.

The Ohio legislature has several bills that would help give Ohioans second chances after serving criminal sentences.

04/26/2026

What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone in Ohio: Laws, Liability, and What to Do Next
Source: Animal of Things

Explore amazing animal stories – visit Animal of Things Now and follow us! Ohio recorded over 15,000 dog bites in a single year, and the legal consequenc

04/18/2026

To obtain a protection order in Ohio, file a petition with the Domestic Relations or Common Pleas Court, detailing the threat to receive an immediate (ex parte) temporary order.

There is no filing fee, and an emergency, same-day hearing often occurs. A full, mandatory court hearing usually follows within 7–10 days, allowing the respondent a chance to appear.

Types of Protection Orders in Ohio

Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (CPO): For family or household members, or partners in a dating relationship.

Civil Stalking & Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSPO): For victims of stalking or sexual offenses.

Criminal Protection Order (CRPO): Issued by a judge as part of a criminal case (e.g., assault) against the accused.

Key Steps in the Protection Process

File the Petition: Complete the petition detailing the abuse or threats. Forms are available at the Clerk of Courts or through Ohio Legal Help.

Ex Parte Hearing: A judge or magistrate reviews the petition immediately (often the same day) to determine if there is "good cause" for an emergency order.

Service of Process: The sheriff serves the respondent (abuser) with the temporary order, which only becomes active once they receive it.

Full Hearing: A formal hearing takes place within 7 to 10 days, where evidence and testimony are presented to grant a final order, which can last up to five years.

Contact me for any questions regarding protection orders in Ohio. (567) 890-7302

01/27/2026

Is Ohio a Stop and I.D. State? Yes.

Section 2921.29 | Failure to disclose personal information.

Section 2921.29 states:

(A) No person who is in a public place shall refuse to disclose the person's name, address, or date of birth, when requested by a law enforcement officer who reasonably suspects either of the following:

(1) The person is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a criminal offense.

(2) The person witnessed any of the following:

(a) An offense of violence that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state;

(b) A felony offense that causes or results in, or creates a substantial risk of, serious physical harm to another person or to property;

(c) Any attempt or conspiracy to commit, or complicity in committing, any offense identified in division (A)(2)(a) or (b) of this section;

(d) Any conduct reasonably indicating that any offense identified in division (A)(2)(a) or (b) of this section or any attempt, conspiracy, or complicity described in division (A)(2)(c) of this section has been, is being, or is about to be committed.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to disclose one's personal information, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(C) Nothing in this section requires a person to answer any questions beyond that person's name, address, or date of birth. Nothing in this section authorizes a law enforcement officer to arrest a person for not providing any information beyond that person's name, address, or date of birth or for refusing to describe the offense observed.

(D) It is not a violation of this section to refuse to answer a question that would reveal a person's age or date of birth if age is an element of the crime that the person is suspected of committing.

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas from Finke Law Office!

12/02/2025

🎁✨ Need your gifts wrapped during Midnight Gladness? Here’s something fun. ✨🎁

This Friday night a small group of volunteers will be doing gift wrapping for donations and everything raised will support The HERD. They’ll be set up at 123 S Main inside the Law Offices of Ross Finke and Molli Schleucher.

Drop off a gift while you shop and let them handle the wrapping. It’s an easy way to support a great cause and keep the holiday spirit rolling.

Want to learn more about The HERD and how you can make a difference? https://www.facebook.com/share/1BidduXzWt/

Holiday cheer and wrapped gifts all in one stop. 🎄✨

11/28/2025

The Thanksgiving holiday can prompt a review of one's will, especially after family gatherings that may highlight changing relationships, the addition of new family members like children, or new special relationships that might warrant adding or changing beneficiaries.

Why someone might change their will: Seeing family members together at Thanksgiving can highlight new relationships or dynamics, which is a common reason to update a will.

What to consider: After the holiday, a person might decide to add beneficiaries for new children or spouses, or change the distribution of assets to reflect different relationships.

Next steps: It is important to ensure the will's wording is precise to match any changes to your wishes.

Feel free to contact me at 567-890-7301.