Finding An OVI Lawyer in Ohio
Operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) is a serious offense in Ohio. and anyone charged with an OVI offense should seek the assistance of an experienced Ohio OVI lawyer. An Ohio OVI conviction can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of OVI arrests in Ohio over the past few years and how getting an Ohio OVI lawyer can help you beat an OVI charge.
Finding An OVI Lawyer in Ohio
In the State of Ohio, the term OVI has largely replaced the more commonly used DUI. Both terms describe the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but OVI is the official term used in Ohio’s legal code.
An OVI charge in Ohio can be brought against a driver who is operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or under the influence of controlled substances. The term “operating” is critical here, as someone can be charged with OVI even if the vehicle is stationary but the engine is running.
While the term DUI is more universally recognized, in Ohio it essentially refers to what is legally defined as OVI. In legal documents and court proceedings in Ohio, you will typically encounter the term OVI.
OVI Arrest Rates in Ohio
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 57,065 OVI arrests made in Ohio from 2019 to 2021. This is an average of just over 19,216 OVI arrests per year. Between April of 2022 and April 2023, there were 15,473 OVI arrests in Ohio which shows that this is trending down, although the number of OVI arrests in the state is still significant. The majority of OVI arrests in Ohio occur in Franklin, Cuyahoga, and Hamilton counties.
Penalties for OVI in Ohio
The penalties for OVI in Ohio can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for OVI in Ohio:
First OVI in Ohio
- A fine of up to $1,075
- License suspension for six months to three years
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to six months
Second OVI in Ohio
- A fine of up to $1,625
- License suspension for one to seven years
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to one year
Third OVI in Ohio
- A fine of up to $2,750
- License suspension for two to 12 years
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to one year
Ignition Interlock Devices
In addition to the above penalties, Ohio also requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for some OVI offenders. An IID is a device that is installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.
In Ohio, an IID is required for:
- All repeat offenders
- Some first-time offenders, at the discretion of the court
The cost of installing and maintaining an IID can be substantial, and it is important to discuss the potential requirement of an IID with your Ohio OVI lawyer.
How an Ohio OVI Lawyer Can Help You Beat an OVI Charge
One of the main ways that an Ohio OVI lawyer can help you beat an OVI charge is by investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes reviewing the police report, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and any other evidence that may have been gathered by the arresting officer. Your Ohio OVI lawyer may also question the officer’s conduct during the arrest to determine if your rights were violated in any way.
Additionally, an Ohio OVI lawyer may also challenge the legality of the traffic stop that led to your OVI charge. In order for a traffic stop to be legal, the officer must have had reasonable suspicion to believe that you were violating a traffic law or engaging in other criminal activity. If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion, any evidence collected during an improper or illegal traffic stop may be rendered inadmissible and subsequently thrown out.
Top Ohio OVI Lawyers
If you have been charged with an OVI in Ohio, it is essential to seek the legal advice of a top-rated Ohio OVI lawyer. An experienced Ohio OVI lawyer and their criminal defense law firm can provide you with the legal counsel and representation you need to help you beat your OVI charge.
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