OVI With Property Damage in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio
If you are in Ohio, then you are surely familiar with the seriousness of the punitive nature of charges for drunk driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your OVI results in serious damage to property, public or private, the consequences can be extremely serious. If you or a loved one is in a situation like this, then you will have to deal with the criminal charges of OVI along with criminal charges of property damage and a civil case for the same incident.
In a situation like this, it might feel like you are in deep mud. And that is why you need to connect with a professional for getting legal assistance. There might be many other contributory reasons that have caused the accident and the subsequent damage of property. And that is why you need to take help from a Warren OVI lawyer so that he or she can build the right defense for you. And when you are looking for such assistance, come to Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our Warren criminal lawyer will surely help you with the case.
Ohio Laws for Property Damage With a Vehicle
According to Ohio Law, there are two criminal offenses regarding property damage.
The first one is about the willful operation or wanton disregard of the safety of the property or the person involved in the accident. This is defined in Ohio Rev. Code §4511.20 and states that “no person shall operate a vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street or highway in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” It is considered to be a minor misdemeanor. However, if the offender is already adjudicated guilty for breaking another traffic law within one year, then it becomes a fourth-degree misdemeanor. If the offender has committed two or more offenses last year, then it will be considered a third-degree misdemeanor.
The second offense consists of the act of operating highway or off-street in willful or wanton disregard of the well being of any person or property involved in the accident. This violation is defined in ORC § 4511.201. This offense is considered to be a minor misdemeanor. But if there is one prior misdemeanor in one year, then it is considered to be a third-degree misdemeanor.
If you have been involved in an accident that has led to damage to public or private property, then understanding the gravity of the offense can be difficult. That is why you need to hire an experienced Warren criminal lawyer. Only a professional can explain the offenses and the degrees to you. And for consulting a Warren OVI lawyer, come to Youngstown Criminal Law Group.
Civil Consideration for OVI with Property Damage
Along with the charges of OVI, if you have been charged for property damage, you will need to worry about the civil charges that the property owner is going to file against you. He or she can take civil measures in order to obtain financial compensation from you for the damage to the property. This can be public or private property, a car, a house, realty, building; basically anything that the property owners can prove to be theirs.
If you don’t have liability insurance, then it is more likely that you will have to pay for the whole damage. Even if you have liability insurance, the insurance company might decide to exempt an accident that involves driving under influence. Hence, before claiming, you need to review the policies. Hire a Warren OVI lawyer who can help you in a situation like this.
Find the Best Warren OVI Lawyer in Ohio
Youngstown Criminal Law Group is the place where you can find the best and most experienced Warren criminal lawyer. Our Warren criminal lawyer will listen to you and create the right defense for you to minimize penalties. For more details or consultation, contact us today.
OVI With Property Damage in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio
Understanding OVI Charges and Property Damage
If you’re in Ohio, you’re likely aware of the severe consequences associated with operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) of alcohol or drugs. When an OVI incident leads to significant property damage—whether public or private—the repercussions can be extremely serious. If you or someone you care about finds themselves in this situation, it’s essential to understand both the criminal and civil implications.
Why You Need Legal Assistance
Being charged with OVI and property damage can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Various factors might have contributed to the accident and subsequent property damage. That’s why you need a skilled Warren OVI lawyer to build a strong defense for you. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our dedicated Warren criminal lawyers are here to help you through this challenging time.
Ohio Laws for Property Damage Involving a Vehicle
Criminal Offenses Related to Property Damage
1. Willful or Wanton Disregard for Safety
Under Ohio Rev. Code §4511.20, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street or highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This offense is generally classified as a minor misdemeanor. However, if the offender has been previously adjudicated guilty of another traffic violation within a year, it escalates to a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Multiple offenses within a year can lead to a third-degree misdemeanor.
2. Willful or Wanton Disregard on Highways or Off-Street
According to Ohio Rev. Code §4511.201, operating a vehicle on highways or off-street areas in willful or wanton disregard for the well-being of any person or property is also a criminal offense. Like the previous law, this starts as a minor misdemeanor but can escalate to a third-degree misdemeanor with prior offenses within a year.
Understanding the seriousness of these charges can be complex. That’s why consulting with a seasoned Warren criminal lawyer is crucial. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we can help clarify these offenses and their degrees for you.
Civil Considerations for OVI with Property Damage
In addition to criminal charges, you might also face civil actions for the property damage caused by the OVI incident. The property owner can file a civil lawsuit to seek financial compensation for the damages, which can involve anything from public infrastructure to private properties like cars and homes.
If you don’t have liability insurance, you may be responsible for covering the full cost of the damages. Even with liability insurance, your policy may not cover accidents involving DUI offenses. This makes it critical to review your insurance policies thoroughly and consult a Warren OVI lawyer for guidance.
Find the Best Warren OVI Lawyer in Ohio
At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we specialize in providing the best legal representation for OVI and property damage cases. Our experienced Warren criminal lawyers will listen to your situation and formulate a robust defense strategy to minimize penalties. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (330) 992-3036.
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