DUI Child Endangerment in Ohio
DUI cases in Ohio have serious and harsher consequences. If someone has been convicted with DUI charges, then it is obvious that they are going to face harsher outcomes like prolonged jail time and a hefty amount of fines. But if the case involves the charges of child endangerment, then the punishment will be harsher. If you are driving a car under influence and transporting a child, you can be charged with child endangerment. According to the Ohio Revised Code, child endangerment is an act in which the child gets exposed to a situation that can cause psychological and emotional trauma and physical abuse. This means that if there is a child in the vehicle, the offender, by driving under influence, is exposing both of them to potential risks of physical and emotional harm. In many cases, even when there is no evidence of physical harm, the offender can be charged with child endangerment due to the potential risks. If you or your loved ones have been charged for the crime, then you need to talk to a Youngstown OVI Lawyer right away.
At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have dealt with many similar cases and have helped our clients get the most favorable outcomes. And that is why the moment you or your loved one is charged with a similar offense, don’t waste your time. Come to our Youngstown Criminal Lawyer now.
Child Endangerment Charges
Child endangerment charges can range from a first misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. If this incident has happened for the first time, then it is more likely that you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. But if you are a repeated offender for the same offense, then you will have to deal with the felony charges. In that case, only a reputed Youngstown Criminal Lawyer can offer you the right guidance and help so that you can easily deal with the DUI charges as well as the charges of child endangerment.
The Penalties
In Ohio, if you are charged with child endangerment, then you will get the following penalties,
- For a first degree demeanor, you will get 180 days of imprisonment
- For a second degree felony, it is punishable with up to 8 years of imprisonment
So, if you are driving under the influence of any alcohol or drug, then the police will charge you in the following ways,
- DUI charges for driving under the influence
- Charges for crossing the legit limit of BAC if you are under the influence
- DUI charges depending on the number of previous charges
- Additionally, the charges of child endangerment if a minor is in your vehicle or you are transporting one.
Consult a Youngstown OVI Lawyer to deal with the case.
Is Child Endangerment a Sentence Enhancer?
A sentence enhancer is a factor that is considered by the judge when you are in the sentencing phase of the hearing. The sentence enhancement can be mandatory and discretionary. And in Ohio, one must serve the sentence enhancement with your penalties of child endangerment and DUI/OVI cases.
Ohio law is not known to be sympathetic towards the offenders who are found with minors in the car when they are driving under influence. Hence, this sentence enhancement can be a likely event. Our Youngstown OVI Lawyer will create the following defense arguments,
- Challenging the arrest to be unlawful and without any probable cause
- Suppressing evidence that has been poorly handled by the police
- Challenging the result of your breath test or field sobriety test
- Proving that other factors like mouthwash, low carb diet, or diabetes, have caused the test results
Connect With Youngstown Criminal Lawyer
At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have dealt with many similar cases successfully. Our Youngstown Criminal Lawyer will assure you of the best possible outcome. Get a free consultation with us today.