Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Defense
If charged with an OVI offense in Ohio, it is paramount to contact our office for an initial consultation. If you were charged in Maumee, Ohio, your case is typically in Maumee Municipal Court. It is important to call a criminal defense lawyer so they can attempt to locate your case and represent you throughout the process. With your attorney, you should discuss the facts and evaluate the case. If hired, we will review the arrest records, the field sobriety tests, and the officer’s conduct.
Misdemeanor Defense
Misdemeanor charges are a category of criminal violations in Ohio. Depending on the specifics of the case, there are several strategies that can be used to defend against a misdemeanor charge. The prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is lack of evidence to get the conviction, the defense attorney can argue that the case should be dismissed. If the defendant was protecting himself, an affirmative defense argument may be raised. If a police officer induced the defendant to commit a crime, the entrapment defense would be available. Coercion or duress may be raised if the defendant was forced to commit a crime under threat of harm. Lack of intent may be raised if that negates the required conduct to commit the crime. All misdemeanors can be negotiated by plea bargain, reducing the crime and penalty. It is paramount that a criminal defense attorney review the specifics of your case.
Traffic Violations
If you’re charged with a speeding ticket or other traffic citation, you will want a criminal defense lawyer to look at the case and properly advise you. At that meeting, the lawyer will review the ticket, the facts surrounding the citation, and interview witnesses if necessary. Once retained, the attorney will enter their appearance on the case and interface with the court and prosecutors throughout the process. If you were charged with a more serious traffic offense such as an OVI, driving under suspension, or other charge, the case may involve extensive discovery and involve a jury trial. Our team has experience representing those charged with traffic offenses and offer free consultations at your convenience.
Other Issues
We also represent those involved in probation violations, bench warrants, or bond reduction hearings. If you were sentenced to probation in a prior case in Maumee, Ohio, there are usually conditions set on probation that if violated, can bring you back to the original sentencing judge. The original judge may set a hearing and it’s important to hire a lawyer to represent you throughout the probation violation process. In certain cases, failing to appear before a judge when required can result in a bench warrant. Bench warrants are warrants issued by the judge for your arrest because you failed to appear at a required hearing. To remove a bench warrant, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
Dennis P. Sawan
