Ohio DUI Lawyers

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will face DUI/OVI charges, which can have serious consequences for your personal life and career. You might lose your driving privileges permanently or experience significant challenges in your professional life.

This is why consulting an experienced Cadiz OVI lawyer is a critical step. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, aiming to reduce penalties or even help get the charges dropped. Trust us to provide the representation you need to handle the situation effectively.  

Ohio DUI Laws 

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Ohio as per Ohio Revised Code(ORC) 4511.19. Several factors are considered when determining a DUI/OVI charge, including:

• Substance usage (alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both).
• A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher during the incident.

Common Scenarios Leading to DUI/OVI Charges:

1. Exceeding BAC Limits:
2. For general drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%.
3. For commercial vehicle drivers, the limit is considerably lower at 0.04%.
4. Driving Impaired Even Below Legal BAC Limits:

  If your BAC is below the legal limit but your judgment and reflexes are impaired due to drugs, over-the-counter substances, or controlled substances, you may still face charges as per ORC 4506.01.

3. Impact of Dangerous Drugs:

  Some legally prescribed medications or over-the-counter drugs can impair your judgment or reflexes. According to ORC 4729.01, dangerous drugs can lead to impairment, rendering you defenseless against a DUI charge even if they were legally obtained.

Given the complexity of DUI laws, it’s crucial to work with a Cadiz criminal lawyer who has extensive experience in these cases.

 Difference Between OVI and DUI

While DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) are similar in nature, Ohio law refers to this offense as OVI. One key distinction in these cases is that prosecutors need to prove the driver was impaired or intoxicated while operating a vehicle.

Fighting these charges often requires the expertise of a knowledgeable Cadiz OVI lawyer.

Types of DUI Offenses We Handle at Youngstown Criminal Law Group

Our skilled team of Cadiz criminal lawyers handles a variety of DUI/OVI cases, including:

First DUI Offense:

• Charged with a DUI for the first time or within 10 years.
• BAC over the legal limit or impaired by medications could result in charges.

Second DUI Offense:

• Occurs within 10 years of the first offense.
• Comes with harsher penalties, including extended jail time and increased fines.

Third DUI Offense:

• Charged for the third time within a 10-year period.
• Penalties include imprisonment, hefty fines, and mandatory use of yellow OVI plates.

Physical Control of a Vehicle:

• Under ORC 4511.194, it is unlawful to have physical control of a vehicle while impaired.
• This is considered a misdemeanor but comes with lighter penalties than a DUI.

Underage DUI (OVUAC):

• If you’re under 21, drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in Ohio.
• Prescribed drug impairment also warrants charges, requiring legal assistance from a Cadiz OVI lawyer.

Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Homicide:

• If a drunk-driving accident leads to injury or death, the charges escalate to felonies with severe penalties.

DUI Laws and Penalties

The penalties for DUI charges vary based on the offense. Here’s a detailed breakdown by offense type:

First DUI (First-Degree Misdemeanor):

• 3 days in jail or 72 hours in a certified driver intervention program.
• Up to 6 months in jail.
• Fines ranging from $375 to $1,075.
• License suspension between 3-6 years.

Second DUI (First-Degree Misdemeanor):

• 10 to 180 days in jail.
• Fines from $525 to $1,625.
• License suspension for 1-5 years.
• Probation, house arrest, and alcohol treatment programs may apply.

Third DUI (First-Degree Misdemeanor):

• 30 to 365 days in jail.
• Fines between $850 and $2,750.
• License suspension for 2-10 years.
• Vehicle forfeiture if you are the vehicle owner.

Felony DUI Offenses:

• First Felony DUI (Fourth-Degree Felony):
• 60 days to 30 months in prison.
• Fines from $1,350 to $10,500.
• Lifetime license suspension (minimum of 3 years).
• Second Felony DUI (Third-Degree Felony):
• 60 days to 5 years in prison.
• Driver’s license suspension up to a lifetime ban.

Why You Need a Cadiz OVI Lawyer

Navigating the complexities of Ohio DUI laws can be overwhelming. Engaging with a Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer from Youngstown Criminal Law Group can ensure your case is handled with care and expertise. From minimizing penalties to fighting for reduced charges, our legal team is here to help.

Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today (330) 992-3036 for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.