Ohio has strict drunk driving laws that could mean losing your driving privileges even if you are not convicted of the offense. If police suspect you are drinking and driving, they can take your license and issue an administrative suspension before you even face criminal charges.
Of course, the consequences do not end there. If they convict you of “operating a vehicle under the influence” or OVI, you will also face harsh criminal penalties. This could include:
- Additional driver’s license suspensions
- Fines
- Community control (Probation)
- Jail time
If your clean criminal record is important to you and if you need to keep your driver’s license to get back and forth to work or school, it is important that you act quickly to defend your reputation against drunk driving allegations. We can help you fight the administrative and criminal accusations.
A DUI and OVI lawyer in West Chester, OH at the Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC can:
- Fully investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest
- Try to uncover evidence to prove your innocence
- Build a solid defense strategy for a more positive outcome in your case
- Guide you through the criminal justice process
- Protect your rights
- Represent you in front of the prosecution, the judge, and a jury
- Aggressively pursue the best possible outcome in your case
Our attorney will always be candid with you about your situation and the challenges we face in your case, and we will be by your side through the entire process. Call us today at 513-929-9333 for your no-obligation consultation.
Consequences of a West Chester DUI & OVI Charge and Conviction
If the police stop you for DUI and believe you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will face administrative penalties. The arresting officer will take your license during your OVI arrest. However, Ohio law allows you to appeal this suspension.
Some things you need to know about this administrative suspension appeal include:
- Ohio allows you a short period to file an appeal.
- You need to act quickly after your arrest to get an appeals hearing
- Responding requires presenting your defense to an Administrative Law Judge
- We can represent you during this hearing
- We will argue to reinstate your privileges, but this is not always possible
- A first offense calls for a 90-day license suspension
- We may be able to help you apply for limited driving opportunities if they do not lift the suspension
No matter the outcome of your administrative license suspension hearing, you will likely also face criminal OVI charges. Since OVI charges can vary in terms of length of punishment based on previous good behavior, you will want to call us and go over your previous driving history at length so we can accentuate the positive, 573-929-9333.
The consequences of a conviction are much more significant than the administrative suspension and may include:
- Jail time
- Significant fines
- An extended driver’s license suspension
We may be able to argue for probation (community control) instead of jail time in your case. Probation is often possible if it is your first offense. You may, however, need to undergo regular mandatory drug testing and mandatory alcohol counseling as conditions of your probation.
In some cases, there are mandatory minimum jail sentences for some OVI convictions when:
- You have a previous OVI conviction.
- Your blood alcohol concentration was .17 or above.
Either of these conditions calls for a minimum of six days in jail, and that time may increase with subsequent arrests. If this applies in your case, we can discuss your options.
Of course, an OVI conviction also leaves you with a criminal record. While you may not think this is a big deal, it can affect almost every aspect of your life. Potential employers and landlords run background checks before offering you a job or apartment, and it could prevent you from getting some professional licenses.
Building a Defense Strategy for Your West Chester DUI & OVI Case
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for defending against a West Chester DUI or OVI charge. Our team looks at the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the unique details of your case and formulates a personalized strategy that will hopefully achieve a more favorable outcome for you.
Ideally, we would like to:
- Get the prosecution to drop the charges against you.
- Win a not guilty verdict in court.
- Reduce the sentence you receive.
We can explain the challenges associated with your case, and help you understand the ultimate goal of our strategy. Speaking over the phone is a quick way to get the answers you are looking for; call us at 513-929-9333.
Some of the most common approaches we use to fight a West Chester OVI charge include:
- Arguing, with supporting evidence, that you were not drinking or intoxicated before the arrest.
- Suggesting that the court should bar submission of the evidence against you because of faulty blood-alcohol concentration tests, problems with the breath machine, or improper testing procedures.
- Arguing the police violated your rights by performing an illegal traffic stop, entrapment, illegal search, or other unlawful system. Negotiating a plea agreement for a lesser charge with significantly reduced penalties.
- Taking your case to court and presenting substantial evidence that creates reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
- Pleading guilty and asking the judge to give you only minimum penalties that minimize the disruption in your ability to work or attend school.
We know what it takes to get a more positive outcome in your West Chester DUI and OVI case. Let us help you fight the charges against you.
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.