Appealing a OVI Conviction in Ohio

Experienced Steubenville OH OVI lawyers acknowledge that the court system can occasionally reach incorrect conclusions. It’s vital to note that mere accusation of OVI doesn’t automatically imply guilt. Insufficient evidence to establish culpability is often present. In Ohio, there are opportunities to appeal OVI convictions under specific circumstances.

Thankfully, Ohio’s justice system offers remedies to rectify trial errors, including the court of appeals. Filing an appeal allows a different judge or panel of judges to review the case, aiming to identify any mistakes made during the trial and assess their impact. If no errors are found, the conviction stands. However, if mistakes are identified, two outcomes are possible. The case may be sent back to the lower court for reconsideration, or the conviction may be overturned.

Various factors often contribute to mistakes in OVI cases that lead to appeals:

1. Erroneous determination of reasonable suspicion by the judge during the traffic stop.
2. Inadmissible use of breath or blood test results as evidence.
3. Mistaken finding of probable cause by the judge for the arrest.
4. Improper admission of field sobriety test results as evidence.

It’s crucial to understand that an appeal focuses on identifying legal errors in the case against you. The court of appeals only reviews the evidence presented during the original trial and does not consider any new evidence. While filing an appeal may lead to a new trial, it doesn’t equate to a new trial in itself.

Why Consider an Appeal?

An OVI conviction can significantly impact your life. If you’re wrongly convicted, you’ll face consequences for an offense you didn’t commit. These consequences can be long-lasting. Here are some outcomes that may arise from an OVI conviction:

• Loss of employment
• Imprisonment
• Addition of points to your driver’s license
• Suspension of driving privileges
• Costly fines
• Creation of a permanent criminal record
• Vehicle immobilization or confiscation
• Increased auto insurance premiums

A successful appeal can help alleviate many of these issues and restore justice to your life.

As an experienced Steubenville OH OVI lawyer, we understand the importance of a strong defense. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment throughout the legal process.

How Do Appeals Work?

If you’ve decided to appeal your OVI conviction, it’s important to understand the process and seek guidance from a skilled legal professional. Here’s what you can expect:

Your Steubenville OH criminal lawyer will start by filing the necessary papers with the appellate court and acquiring your court transcript for review. Identifying Mistakes: Your attorney will carefully examine your case, documenting any potential errors made during the trial. These will be highlighted in a brief that explains the legal grounds for overturning the conviction. Your lawyer will submit their brief to the appeals court, outlining the mistakes and supporting arguments. The prosecutor will also file their own brief, arguing against the reversal of the conviction. Additional written arguments may be filed by both sides as well.

The judges at the appeals court can schedule a hearing or make a decision solely based on the filed briefs. If a hearing is granted, your attorney and the prosecutor will present arguments and address any concerns raised by the judges. After a thorough review, the judges will draft their decision, which may take time for complex cases.

Why Do I Have to Have a Lawyer Help Me With This?

Handling an appeal requires a deep understanding of the law, especially the complexities of OVI laws. Hiring an experienced legal expert can significantly impact the outcome of your case. 

Appeals focus solely on the law and any legal errors made during the trial. A lawyer specializing in this field possesses the knowledge and skills required to navigate through complex legal procedures. Your initial attorney may assist during the appeals process, but you have the option to choose a different Steubenville OH criminal lawyer. Hiring someone with a proven track record in appealing cases like yours is crucial.

Remember, there’s a limited time frame to file an appeal. Don’t hesitate to contact a Steubenville OH criminal lawyer promptly if you’re considering this route. Reach out to a Steubenville OH OVI lawyer without delay to ensure your rights are protected and to explore the possibilities of appealing your conviction.

Looking for the most skilled Steubenville OH OVI attorneys? Your search ends here with the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Get the legal representation you need by scheduling a free consultation today. Call us at (330) 992-3036 or contact us online.