Youngstown Criminal & OVI Defense Firm
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OVI Attorney in Carrollton, Ohio
Driving while impaired is a serious offense that goes by several different terms depending on the situation. The most accurate term is Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). If you’re in Ohio, you may have also heard other terms used to describe OVI, such as:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Driving with Unlawful BAC Level (DUBAL)
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired (OMVI)
When the driver involved in an incident is under the legal drinking age of 21, the offense is referred to as Operating a Vehicle After Underage Consumption (OVUAC).
No matter the term, OVI and OVUAC are serious offenses with significant consequences. Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, and sometimes the installation of an ignition interlock device. If you’ve been charged with OVI in the region, hiring the legal expertise of a Carrollton OVI lawyer from Youngstown Criminal Law Group is a step toward building a strong defense. Our lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case and develop an effective strategy to defend you. We are a trusted name for those seeking a lawyer.
Penalties for DWI in Ohio
Ohio uses three main factors to determine the severity of charges for a DWI offense:
- Previous offenses the driver may have committed
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest
- Refusal to undergo a test
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, those convicted of a DWI without proper legal representation may face severe penalties, including:
First-time DUI Offense
- BAC between 0.08 and 0.17: A first-degree misdemeanor involving:
- Minimum 3 days of imprisonment
- Enrollment in the Driver Intervention Program (DIP)
- Up to 6 months in jail
- License suspension for up to 3 years
- Fines up to $1,075.
- BAC 0.17 or Higher or Test Refusal: A first-degree misdemeanor resulting in:
- Minimum 6 days in jail (3 days can be replaced with DIP)
- Up to 6 months incarceration
- Suspension of license up to 3 years
- Fines as high as $1,075
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Compulsory “Yellow Restricted License Plates.”
First OVUAC in 1 Year
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor consisting of:
- Imprisonment up to 30 days
- Fine up to $250
- License suspension for 2 years.
Second OVUAC in 1 Year
- Third-degree misdemeanor comprising:
- Up to 60 days of imprisonment
- Fine up to $500
- License suspension for 5 years.
Second DUI in Six Years
- Refusal of Breath Test or BAC 0.17 or Higher: First-degree misdemeanor including:
- Minimum 20 days in jail or 10 days with 36 days house arrest.
- Suspension of license up to 5 years
- $1,625 in fines
- Mandatory Yellow Restricted License Plates
- Ignition interlock installation required for alcohol-related cases.
Third DWI in Six Years
- BAC Between 0.08 and 0.17: Unclassified misdemeanor requiring:
- Minimum imprisonment of 30 days or 15 days with 55 days house arrest.
- Up to one year of jail time
- Suspension of license up to 10 years
- Compulsory yellow license plates
- Ignition interlock device
- $2,750 in fines.
- BAC 0.17 or Higher or Refusal: Minimum 60 days in jail or 30 days followed by 110 days house arrest. Additional penalties include:
- License suspension for up to 10 years
- Ignition interlock installation
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Up to $2,750 in fines.
Fourth or Fifth DUI in Six Years
- BAC Between 0.08 and 0.17: Fourth-degree felony punishable with:
- 60 days to 1 year imprisonment or additional 6-30 months.
- $10,500 in fines
- Lifetime license suspension possible
- Ignition interlock device.
Felony DWI (Second Felony)
- BAC 0.08 or Higher: Third-degree felony involving:
- 60 days to 5 years in prison
- Potential lifetime license suspension
- $10,500 in fines
- Ignition interlock device.
Building a Defense with a Carrollton Criminal Lawyer
By engaging a Carrollton criminal lawyer, you can increase your chances of reducing or dismissing charges based on:
- Illegal stop of your vehicle without cause
- Failure to administer Miranda Warnings
- Improperly conducted sobriety tests
- Errors in chemical or breath tests
- Police misconduct and procedural mistakes
Experienced lawyers at Youngstown Criminal Law Group look for these factors to strengthen your defense.
OVI Offenses Handled by Youngstown Criminal Law Group
Attorney Sean Logue and Youngstown Criminal Law Group specialize in defending many OVI charges, such as:
Common OVI Offenses
- First OVI Offense: Representing drivers who face their first OVI or the first in 10 years.
- Second OVI Offense: Challenges for second charges in a decade come with greater penalties.
- Physical Control of a Vehicle: Laws prohibit physically controlling a vehicle while impaired.
Severe & Complex Cases
- OVUAC: For those underage with BAC levels over 0.02%.
- Felony OVI and DUI: Including the possession of illicit substances.
- Aggravated Vehicular Assault or Homicide.
Unique Scenarios
- Out-of-State OVI Defenses
- Intoxicated Boating
Why Choose Carrollton Criminal Law Group?
Being charged with OVI in Carroll County can be life-altering. With Carrollton OVI lawyer Sean Logue leading a skilled team, Youngstown Criminal Law Group offers 24/7 support to fight for your rights and ease the legal process. Contact us at (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation.