DUI Child Endangerment in Ohio

DUI cases in Ohio carry severe consequences, including extended jail time and substantial fines. If convicted of DUI charges, individuals can expect these harsh outcomes. Moreover, if a DUI case involves child endangerment charges, the penalties become even more severe. When driving under the influence and transporting a child, the offender can be charged with child endangerment. As per the Ohio Revised Code, child endangerment refers to exposing a child to situations that may cause psychological, emotional, or physical harm. This means that both the driver and the child are subjected to potential risks when driving under the influence. In many instances, despite the absence of physical harm, the offender may still be charged with child endangerment due to the potential risks involved. If you or a loved one is facing such charges, it is imperative to seek immediate assistance from a St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer.

At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, we specialize in handling similar cases and have a track record of achieving the most favorable outcomes for our clients. Therefore, when faced with similar charges, wasting time is not an option. Reach out to our St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer without delay.

Child Endangerment Charges

Child endangerment charges can range from first-degree misdemeanors to second-degree felonies. If this is your first offense, you are more likely to be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. However, repeated offenses will result in felony charges. In such cases, only a reputable St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and assistance to navigate the DUI charges as well as child endangerment charges.

The Penalties

In Ohio, if you are charged with child endangerment, you may face severe penalties:

• For a first degree offense, imprisonment for up to 180 days may be imposed.
• For a second degree felony, you could face a maximum sentence of 8 years in prison.

Moreover, if you are found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the police will charge you accordingly:

• DUI charges for driving under the influence.
• Charges for surpassing the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving under the influence.
• DUI charges may vary depending on the number of previous offenses.
• Additionally, if a minor is present in your vehicle or you are transporting one, you may face additional charges of child endangerment.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is recommended to seek the advice of a St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer to guide you through your case and ensure the best possible outcome.

Is Child Endangerment a Sentence Enhancer?

When it comes to the sentencing phase of a hearing, a judge considers various factors, including sentence enhancers. In Ohio, these enhancements can be mandatory or discretionary and must be served alongside penalties for child endangerment and DUI/OVI cases.

Ohio law has a reputation for lack of sympathy towards offenders who are caught driving under the influence with minors in the car. Therefore, it is likely that the sentence enhancement will come into play. Our St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer is experienced in creating defense arguments that include:

• Challenging the lawfulness and probable cause of the arrest.
• Suppressing evidence mishandled by the police.
• Challenging the results of breath tests or field sobriety tests.
• Demonstrating that other factors such as mouthwash, low carb diet, or diabetes may have influenced the test results.

Connect With St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer

At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, we have successfully handled many cases similar to yours. Our St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer is committed to securing the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.