Ohio has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the United States. Called “OVI,” Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence (Code 4511.19),you could be charged with drunk driving under the following circumstances:
· You may be charged with OVI if you are operating any vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08or higher.
· You may be charged with OVI if you are operating any vehicle and have above the allowable amount of amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, LSD, or marijuana in your urine or blood.
It is vital to note that you may be arrested and charged with OVI by law enforcement if you fail a Field Sobriety Test. Refusing a chemical sobriety test (breathalyzer, blood, or urine) automatically revokes your driver's license under Ohio’s implied consent law.
Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer Matt Chapel knows the law and how to defend his clients against drunk driving charges in Ohio. If you are charged with a crime – or even if you think you might be charged – the attorney you choose can be your most crucial decision. Contact him today at (260) 387-6236 and ask for a FREE consultation about your next steps.
Ohio Drunk Driving (OVI) Penalties
Ohio has severe penalties if you are convicted of OVI – drunk driving. You could face the following:
1. First Offense: Up to $1,075 in fines, up to six months in jail, up to five years on probation, and a license suspension of one to three years.
2. Second Offense: Up to $1,625 in fines, up to six months in jail, up to five years on probation, and a license suspension of one to seven years.
3. Third Offense: Up to $2,750 in fines, up to one year in jail, up to five years on probation, and a license suspension of between two to twelve years.
You may also have to serve a minimum number of days in jail, attend a Driver Intervention Program (DIP), undergo house arrest with monitoring for a period of time, and other penalties. Court costs and fees can be double the amount of your fines. Fourth and subsequent offenses are automatically considered felonies and can carry stiffer penalties.
Aggressive Ohio OVI Defense Attorney
If you’re facing OVI charges in Ohio, you need a relentless OVI defense attorney defending your case. You could see your charges reduced or even thrown out with the right defense.
Trial Lawyer Matthew Chapel has completed the DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Course conducted by the National College for DUI Defense and Anthony D. Palacios of Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC. This Continuing Legal Education course is identical to law enforcement officers' training for conducting Field Sobriety Tests. It is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.
This signature training gives Matt an insider’s insight into how these tests are carried out and their weak points before a court of law. This enables him to effectively refute or even discredit any field sobriety tests or other actions by law enforcement.
What Should I Do When Facing Drunk Driving Charges in Ohio?
There are actions you can take immediately if you are arrested for drunk driving OVI in Ohio:
1. Do not argue with or resist state or local law enforcement officers.
2. Do not admit to any wrong doing or describe the events leading up to your arrest.
3. Do not refuse a chemical sobriety test (breathalyzer, urine, or blood).
4. Call Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer Matt Chapel at (260) 387-6236 or contact him online at your first opportunity.
5. Work with Matt to prepare for an administrative hearing to contest your suspended license and possibly get them back.
If you are charged with drunk driving in Ohio – or even if you think you might be charged – the attorney you choose can be your most crucial decision. Contact Matt Chapel today at (260) 387-6236and ask for a FREE consultation about your next steps.
