If your child has been charged with DUI, they can still go on to lead a normal and successful life. However, the impact that the arrest will have on your child’s future is entirely dependent on dedicated and early intervention into their case. The sooner you speak with an underage DUI lawyer, the better your child’s chances of avoiding high penalties and costly consequences.
How You Can Help Your Child After a Drunk Driving Arrest
The penalties for drunk driving in Ohio can vary depending on a number of factors, including whether it is a first offense DUI and how much alcohol was in your child’s system. The case is further complicated depending on how old your child was at the time of the incident. If your child is not legally an adult, you may need to choose and hire a lawyer on his or her behalf.
Potential OVI charges and defenses will depend on whether your child is:
- Under 18. As the legal drinking age in Ohio is 21, a minor can be charged with underage drinking as well as DUI. If convicted, the child may be fined, have their drivers license or permit suspended, and most likely have to complete drug and/or alcohol counseling/treatment. Further charges may be brought if the driver doesn’t have a license yet.
- Over 18 but under 21. The intoxication threshold for minors is much lower than that of drivers over the legal drinking age. If a minor operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.02 but less than 0.08, they can be charged with Operating Vehicle after Underage Consumption (OVUAC). If your child’s BAC is above 0.08, he or she can be charged with OVI as an adult, a much more serious offense with greater penalties.
- 21 or older. While your child is legally responsible for their representation, a parent’s advice can go a long way—especially since an OVI conviction will create a criminal record that could impact your child’s ability to find a job, rent an apartment, or get accepted into college.
Are you or someone you know facing DUI / OVI charges?
If you are facing DUI charges, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and is one of U.S. News' Best Law Firms. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.