Looking for a lawyer to represent you for a drunk driving charge in Toledo? Our team of criminal defense lawyers has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate Ohio’s OVI law and assist you with your case. Contact a lawyer from our team today using the contact form below or call 419-900-0955 for a free consultation. If you have questions about drunk driving charges in Ohio, here’s some of the most frequently asked questions we receive when assisting Ohio clients.
Will I lose my driver’s license if I am charged with drunk driving in Ohio?
The answer is yes. If you are arrested for an OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence), your driver license can be immediately suspended. This is called an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). The length of the suspension will depend on whether you refused or failed the chemical test. You will be able to get driving privileges after a certain amount of “hard time” is completed. Once convicted, the court can sentence you to a suspension which ranges from six months to three years. You can also request driving privileges.
What are the potential penalties I’m facing for a drunk driving charge in Ohio?
Depending on how many prior OVI convictions you have, you are facing jail time, fines and a driver license suspension. If your first conviction, you are facing a minimum of 3 days up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $375.00 up to $1,075, with a driver license suspension of up to 3 years. If a second conviction, the jail time increases from 10 days up to 6 months, fines of $525 to $1,625 and a driver license suspension of up to seven years. If there are more convictions, the penalties increase.
Do I need a lawyer, and how do I choose the right one?
We always recommend all criminal defendants hire a lawyer as soon as they possibly can. Even if you can’t afford an attorney, if you qualify, you can request that a public defender be appointed to assist you. If you are hiring your own attorney, you should consider the lawyer’s experience handling criminal cases and their cost. Most lawyers will charge a flat fee for a criminal representation. One of the best ways to help choose the right lawyer is to read the firm’s reviews online and if possible, meet the lawyer for a free consultation.
Can I contest or beat the DUI charge?
The hallmark of the legal system in the United States is that all criminally accused defendants are innocent until proven guilty. That being said, in most DUI cases, the police have the results of a breathalyzer test or sobriety test that can be hard to refute. Despite that, anyone is free to contest their charges and fight them at trial. Even if you think you might win at trial, it’s important to consider any plea deals being offered. Most first time OVI offenders are going to have the option to accept a diversion program which can be a much more lenient outcome than a guilty verdict and associated sentencing. In short, yes you can contest an OVI charge and in some cases, you may be found innocent. It is not necessarily the best course of action in every case and its important to discuss all options with your attorney before pushing your case to trial.
Will this affect my criminal record and future employment?
An OVI conviction can not be expunged and is permanently on your record. It will always be available in background checks by law enforcement, employers, landlords and others. As to employment, an OVI conviction can affect your employment. Certain employers will have a policy against hiring someone with a criminal background. An OVI driver license suspension can prevent you from being able to drive for your employment causing you to not be able to perform your duties. Certain professions that require a license often have strict rules regarding criminal convictions which will impede your ability to obtain or continue with such a license.
Dennis P. Sawan
