Youngstown Criminal & OVI Defense Firm
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Motion to Suppress in Carrollton
When a police officer stops you in Ohio, the stop must be legally justified. Otherwise, your attorney can use this as an opportunity to seek the dismissal of charges against you. Often, a Carrollton criminal lawyer scrutinizes whether the police had the legal authority to make a stop, which is frequently a focus in OVI cases across Ohio, including Carroll County. If the stop occurred due to a traffic violation, it may qualify as a seizure under the 4th and 14th Amendments based on Ohio case law. Therefore, law enforcement officers must adhere to established legal standards while conducting a traffic stop.
Unlawful stops can lead to significant legal benefits for individuals facing charges. Many cases have resulted in the complete dismissal of charges due to an invalid stop. If you have been charged with an OVI in Ohio stemming from an unlawful stop, our Carrollton OVI lawyer is ready to assist. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we specialize in providing the legal expertise you need to challenge these charges.
Why Are Vehicles Stopped?
When a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle, they must be able to articulate reasonable suspicion of unlawful activity to justify the stop. This standard is evaluated by the court, which takes into account all accompanying circumstantial evidence.
It’s important to understand that a traffic stop is generally deemed justified only if a traffic violation or criminal suspicion is present. If no such evidence exists, stopping your vehicle could be considered illegal under Ohio law.
Examples of Justified Traffic Stops
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding over the legal limit
- Suspicion of impaired driving based on erratic behavior
- Not using turn signals properly
However, without observable violations or credible suspicion, any resulting stop could be challenged as unlawful.
Connection to Ohio OVI Cases
If you’ve been stopped for an OVI in Ohio, a detailed legal assessment is critical in determining the legitimacy of that stop. A Carrollton OVI lawyer will carefully analyze whether the stop was warranted and if proper procedures were followed. If inconsistencies or violations are uncovered, your attorney may file a “Motion to Suppress,” which questions the legality of the stop.
Evaluating Field Sobriety Tests
Our attorneys will also assess the field sobriety tests conducted during your stop. The validity of these tests depends on strict adherence to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. If even minor deviations from standard protocols occurred, such evidence may be inadmissible.
Challenging Chemical Tests
Additionally, a Carrollton criminal lawyer can challenge chemical tests, whether they involve breath, blood, or urine samples, if they were not administered in full compliance with Ohio Department of Health Guidelines or Ohio Administrative Code Guidelines. This evaluation is essential in building a strong defense.
Steps Our Lawyers Take
- Analyze the circumstances leading to the traffic stop.
- Determine whether the officer acted based on reasonable suspicion or merely a hunch.
- Investigate whether field sobriety and chemical tests complied with state-mandated protocols.
- Present evidence to the court showcasing any procedural violations or unlawful grounds for the stop.
Protect Your Rights with Youngstown Criminal Law Group
Dealing with OVI charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our Carrollton OVI lawyer is dedicated to providing you with skilled representation. We will examine every detail surrounding your charges and leverage each opportunity to either have them dismissed or secure the least possible penalties.
From questioning the legality of the stop to addressing procedural issues, our team is committed to aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf. For personalized legal assistance, consult our experienced Carrollton criminal lawyer today and take advantage of a free consultation.
Get in Touch
If you’re grappling with an OVI case or any other criminal charge in Carroll County, reach out to Youngstown Criminal Law Group now. Contact us (330) 992-3036 for your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and future.