Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding DUI/OVI law and criminal offenses. Click on a topic below to find out more. If your question isn’t on the list below, call us at 513-929-9333 and we will be happy to help you.
Be sure to read the Do's and Don'ts for DUI/OVI suspects by Steve Adams.
- FAQ for DUI/OVI Suspects
Commonly asked questions regarding DUI/OVI law
Why is my license suspended before I have been convicted of OVI?
Since having a drivers license is a privilege and not a right in Ohio, each person, if requested to do so, must submit to a chemical test to determine his or her Blood Alcohol Concentration if he or she has reasonable grounds to believe you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs of abuse. “Implied Consent” The Administrative License Suspension, which is civil in nature, takes effect at this point in time. This suspension is independent of any court suspension imposed for an OVI or DUI conviction. It is possible to appeal the ALS suspension within a short time frame following an arrest.
How am I supposed to get to work and/or school without a license?
An attorney can ask for driving privileges on your behalf. Although not a guarantee, most Judges agree to some form of privileges. Based on the number of prior convictions, the chemical test result, or a refusal to submit to the test, it may be necessary to install a Guardian Interlock device or restrictive plates on your vehicle prior to obtaining privileges. All offenders must serve the “hard time” suspension prior to any driving privileges. Some Judges have a “policy” not to grant driving privileges to an individual who refuses to submit to a test or tested over a certain level, for example, a .17 BAC.
Do all OVI cases go to trial?
OVI or DUI law is similar to all criminal cases in that many cases are negotiated in a plea bargain prior to a trial date. Each case is different and a plea arrangement hinges on the specific circumstances of your case, the number of prior convictions, the BAC test results, and even the specific Judge.
Do I have to take the Field Sobriety Tests? How about the Breath Test?
The Field Sobriety Tests are absolutely voluntary. Police often times have already made a decision to arrest you prior to the administration of Field Sobriety Tests. The Portable Breath Test, which is administered in the field, is also voluntary. Police Officers tend to omit that information when asking someone to submit to these tests.
The formal Breath Test, usually conducted at the Police Station, can be refused, but you will face a longer suspension period for this refusal.
I highly recommend refusing both of these tests and making the government prove their case with as little evidence as possible. The chemical test is often times the strongest piece of evidence against you. Refusal to submit to a chemical test may result in an additional criminal charge against you. It is easier to refuse and fight the charges in Court than it is to dispute the result of the breath, blood, or urine test. Current Ohio law makes it exceptionally difficult for defense attorneys to challenge a breath, blood, or urine test.
I didn’t take a Breath Test. Does this mean the Police and Prosecutor have no evidence against me?
No. Police Officers document many things, including your appearance, speech, balance, and mannerisms, from the start of the traffic stop. The lack of a breath test results makes it more difficult for the State to prove their case by proof beyond a reasonable doubt and allows the defense attorney to challenge the officer’s subjective “opinion” of the individual being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs of abuse.
I only had one beer or alcoholic beverage. Can I still be found guilty of OVI or DUI?
It depends. Individuals can be charged with OVI or DUI for having a prohibited Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher. One beverage is not likely to cause your BAC to reach this level. Poor Police Department procedure and/or a malfunctioning breath testing device can cause an unreliable false positive result. However, individuals can be charged with OVI or DUI if their ability to operate a vehicle is noticeably impaired. It is theoretically possible, but highly unlikely, that your ability to drive would be appreciably impaired after one drink. It depends on individual tolerance levels. Certain prescription medications have been found to cause drowsiness and impairment issues when mixed with alcoholic beverages. Even if the medications are legally prescribed, it is possible to be charged with OVI or DUI if this happens to you. Do not answer any questions about your prescription medications.
Can an OVI or DUI conviction be expunged from my criminal record?
No. OVI or DUI convictions, like all traffic convictions, leave a permanent mark on your record. Unfortunately, they cannot be expunged.
Do I need an attorney to represent me for an OVI or DUI charge?
OVI or DUI law is constantly changing. It is important to retain an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who understands the complexities of the law. Even if you have no intention of fighting the charge, an attorney can help explain and navigate you through the court process. Additionally, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain arrangement you never thought was possible. Call The Law Office of Steven R. Adams to begin to put this ordeal behind you.
Do’s and don’ts for DUI/OVI suspects.
- FAQ for Criminal Offense Suspects
Commonly asked questions regarding criminal charges
I want this ordeal to end as soon as possible. Do I need an attorney or can I just plead guilty to all charges?
As Abraham Lincoln stated, a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. ALWAYS seek the advice of an attorney. Experienced criminal defense attorneys, including those at The Law Office of Steven R. Adams, understand the law and will advocate for your best interests. Attorneys familiar with the legal system have the best chance of obtaining a not guilty verdict, securing a favorable plea bargain, or managing an outright dismissal of all charges. If convicted, an attorney can effectively mitigate on your behalf in order to secure the best possible sentencing scenario. Due to the numerous rules and intricacies of the Court system, it is wise to hire an attorney in lieu of handling the case on your own. Beware of any attorney who makes promises or guarantees regarding your case. There are very few guarantees when it comes to the criminal justice system!
Can the Police ask questions before placing me under arrest?
The Police are able to ask basic, identifying information questions without violating the Miranda requirement. Do not provide information beyond your name, address, date of birth, and social security number. Be polite and respectfully decline to answer additional questions.
What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
The distinction involves prison time. Felony convictions result in the possibility of six months or longer in prison as opposed to local jail time. A misdemeanor is punishable by less than a year in local jail. Felony charges are attached to more serious offenses, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Misdemeanor charges are typically filed in cases involving theft, criminal damaging, drug possession, OVI or DUI, and domestic violence. Subsequent arrests for certain offenses, including OVI or DUI and domestic violence, leads to felony charges.
What are Miranda warnings? Do they have to be read?
An individual must be informed of his or her Miranda warnings during a custodial interrogation. To put it simply, you must understand your rights if you are asked questions and are no longer free to leave. Although the case will not be dismissed if Miranda warnings are omitted, any statements or evidence obtained from the statement, made while in custody, will be excluded from the case. Voluntary statements or spontaneous statements made prior to Miranda may be admitted in Court.
The following is an inclusive Miranda warning:
“You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Do you understand? Anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand? You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. Do you understand? If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. Do you understand? If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you understand? Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?”
Do I have to answer questions?
Absolutely not. Speaking to the Police Officer or Investigators provides the government evidence to use against you. Scare tactics and vague assurances to help you in Court may be used to encourage you to speak about a specific incident or offense. Politely refuse to answer any questions and invoke your constitutional right to speak with an attorney. While it is okay to answer basic, identifying information questions such as your name, address, date of birth, and social security number, do not answer any questions related to the investigation. Trying to explain your actions will most likely make things worse for you.
The Police lied to me. Can they do that?
Yes. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that Police Officers can lie and manipulate information in order to obtain a confession from you.
The victim no longer wants to press charges in this matter. Does that mean my case is over?
Not necessarily. The victim can voice concerns or opinions, but the State actually is prosecuting the case. Once charges are filed, the State becomes the victim in the case. The State will surely run into difficulty if the victim refuses to show up for Court or changes a story during testimony. This is more often seen in domestic violence cases where the parties have reconciled.
Do all criminal cases go to trial?
In fact, very few cases actually make it to the trial stage. The majority of all criminal cases are resolved through some type of plea bargaining arrangement prior to trial. Each case is unique and a plea bargain or trial setting depends upon the strength of the case, evidence and testimony, and even the Court or specific Judge.
Do I have to let the Police search my vehicle? What about my house?
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Police are held to specific rules and guidelines when it comes to conducting searches. A search warrant for a home must be specific in nature. Officers may only search the place explicitly described in the search warrant. Police can remove items so long as they are described in the warrant. However, if additional contraband is in “plain view” during the search, Police may remove it as well and potentially file criminal charges. Vehicle searches are a different matter. Officers can legally search a vehicle if contraband is in “plain view.” Police can also search a vehicle if they develop probable cause. For example, a strong odor of marijuana coming from a vehicle will likely lead to a search. In all other instances, a search warrant is required unless consent to search is given. DO NOT EVER PROVIDE A WRITTEN OR VERBAL CONSENT TO SEARCH YOUR VEHICLE!!! Police must have probable cause to search. Do not provide them with probable cause!!!
What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?
The prosecution is required to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged offense occurred and the Defendant was responsible for committing the offense. Reasonable doubt, in Ohio, is present when, after you have carefully considered and compared all the evidence, you cannot say you are FIRMLY CONVINCED of the truth of the charge. Reasonable doubt is not mere possible doubt, because everything relating to human affairs is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof of such character that an ordinary person would be willing to rely and act upon it in the most important of his or her own affairs. The Judge or Jury should be left with absolutely no doubt in their minds as to whether or not the Defendant should be held accountable and punished.
What is probable cause?
Probable cause is the standard by which an arrest is made in the United States. Ohio law defines probable cause as “whether at that moment the facts and circumstances within their knowledge and of which they had reasonably trustworthy information were sufficient to warrant a prudent man in believing that the petitioner had committed or was committing an offense. (Beck v. Ohio, 379 U.S. 89 (1964))
What is the difference between Procedural and Substantive Law?
Procedural law pertains to the process by which the criminal justice system operates. Procedural law covers the rules of the court and the manner in which a case proceeds from the arrest to the conclusion of the case. Substantive law refers to the written law itself. Substantive law is summarized as the creation, definition and regulation of the law.
Are there any differences between Adult Court and Juvenile Court?
The terminology used in each Court is entirely different. For example, an adult is found guilty whereas a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent. An adult offender is listed as the defendant; a juvenile offender is referred to as the respondent. A complaint is filed in adult court instead of the petition used for juvenile hearings. The goals of each system are different. The juvenile court system is focused on rehabilitation of the youth. Punishments and fines in the adult court system are used to deter future crimes. In most cases, a juvenile cannot be incarcerated past the age of 21. Adults, however, are subject to much longer sentences. In cases involving serious crimes committed by a juvenile, the prosecution can request the case be moved to the adult court system through a “bind over hearing.”
What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation, known as “community control” in Ohio, is an option available to Judges during sentencing. Probation is often times used in cases involving misdemeanors or first time, non-violent offenders in lieu of sending everyone to jail. The Defendant is subjected to a variety of conditions, including drug testing, restitution payments, fines, court costs, community service, counseling, and substance abuse treatment. The Defendant must refrain from criminal activity as well. Failure to abide by the terms of probation may result in jail time, a longer term of probation, or additional conditions of probation for the Defendant. Once probation is successfully completed, any suspended sentence is dismissed and the case is terminated. Parole, or post release control in Ohio, takes effect once a Defendant is released from prison. During this period of supervision, the Defendant must adhere to conditions similar to those of probation. Failure to follow these conditions may result in a trip back to prison. As with probation, once the terms of post release control are successfully completed, the case is terminated.
What is the difference between a “bench trial” and a jury trial?
During a “bench trial”, a judge hears all of the evidence and makes a decision regarding guilt/innocence and punishment. Bench trials are typically less formal and take less time than a jury trial. Bench trials are favorable under certain conditions. For example, a case involving specific legal issues may not make much sense to a jury whereas a Judge can understand the importance of the legal issues. Cases involving sensitive information and fact scenarios may not be appropriate for a jury. A jury consists of randomly selected “peers” who hear all the evidence and make a ruling regarding guilt or innocence. Juries are comprised of twelve individuals, plus two alternates, in felony cases and eight individuals, plus one alternate, in misdemeanor cases. Depending on the case, a jury may be more sympathetic than a Judge who is overwhelmed with cases. Since all jurors must agree to the decision, it is possible to obtain a not guilty or hung jury verdict so long as one juror is swayed in favor of the Defendant. Jury convictions must be unanimous.
