DUI Child Endangerment in Ohio

DUI cases in Ohio carry significant and severe consequences, with even harsher outcomes for those convicted. Alongside the potential for extended jail time and substantial fines, charges involving child endangerment further escalate the punishment. If caught driving under the influence while transporting a child, the offender can be charged with child endangerment. As defined by the Ohio Revised Code, child endangerment refers to subjecting a child to situations that induce psychological, emotional, and physical trauma or abuse. Consequently, driving under the influence not only endangers the driver but also exposes the child to potential harm on multiple levels, regardless of physical evidence. If you or your loved one has been charged with this offense, seeking immediate legal counsel from a St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer is paramount.

At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, we possess extensive experience in handling cases of similar nature, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Thus, wasting no time upon facing such charges is crucial. Reach out to our St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer now for prompt assistance.

Child Endangerment Charges

Child endangerment charges can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. Initial occurrences typically result in first-degree misdemeanors, while repeated offenses incur higher felony charges. In this regard, relying on the guidance and support of a reputable St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer becomes imperative. With their assistance, effectively navigating both DUI charges and those related to child endangerment becomes more manageable.

The Penalties

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

• For a first-degree misdemeanor, you could be sentenced to up to 180 days of imprisonment.
• For a second-degree felony, the punishment could be up to 8 years of imprisonment.

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the police will charge you accordingly:

• DUI charges for driving under the influence.
• Charges for exceeding the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if you are under the influence.
• DUI charges vary based on the number of previous offenses committed.
• Additional charges of child endangerment if a minor is present in your vehicle or if you are transporting one.

We recommend consulting with a trusted St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer for guidance and assistance in dealing with your case.

Is Child Endangerment a Sentence Enhancer?

During the sentencing phase of your hearing, the judge takes sentence enhancers into consideration. Sentence enhancement can be either mandatory or discretionary. In Ohio, sentence enhancement is mandatory for child endangerment and DUI/OVI cases, and it must be served alongside your penalties.

Ohio law is not lenient towards individuals found driving under the influence with minors in the car. Hence, the possibility of sentence enhancement is high. At St. Clairsville OVI Lawyer, we will build a strong defense on your behalf, including:

• Challenging the legality of the arrest and questioning the presence of probable cause.
• Suppressing evidence improperly handled by the police.
• Contesting the validity of breath tests or field sobriety tests.
• Providing evidence that other factors such as mouthwash usage, low-carb diets, or medical conditions like diabetes could have affected the test results.

Connect With St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer

At St. Clairsville Criminal Law Group, we have successfully handled numerous similar cases. Our experienced St. Clairsville Criminal Lawyer will ensure the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.