If you were issued a citation or arrested on a DUI charge in Bexley, securing legal representation can prove critical. Attempting to fight a charge on your own is unlikely to yield favorable results. With an experienced Bexley DUI defense attorney by your side, you will have a much-improved chance of a not-guilty verdict or of negotiating a plea deal that works for you.
At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, our team of Bexley criminal defense lawyers can help you fight a charge and keep you out of jail. Bexley, Ohio, is less than five miles northeast of Columbus. This close proximity to our office makes it convenient for us to represent clients in and near the city of Bexley. Reach out today to schedule a free case review. We bring calm to chaos.
Potential Penalties If Convicted of a DUI in Ohio
If you are convicted of a DUI in Ohio, you could face significant consequences. The severity of the penalties you will face will depend on multiple factors, including if you have any previous DUI convictions and if others were injured in a resulting accident.
First-Offense DUI Penalties
A first-offense DUI is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio. Penalties for a conviction include:
- A mandatory jail term of at least three days up to 180 days or participation in a driver intervention program
- A fine of $375 to $1,075
- Driver’s license suspension of one to three years
- Six points on your driver’s license
On top of these mandatory penalties, you could also face additional punishments including:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle
- Installation of yellow license plates on your vehicle
- Having to wear an ankle bracelet that monitors your alcohol intake, known as secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring (SCRAM)
- Probation
Additional DUI Offenses
For each additional DUI conviction within a ten-year period, the penalties increase. Having multiple DUI convictions on your record can lead to serious incarceration time and other complications for your life.
A DUI that Involves Injuries
If you were involved in an accident that resulted in injuries to another party and charged with a DUI, the potential penalties can be severe. If you are determined to have been responsible for the accident, you will likely face an aggravated vehicular assault charge.
This offense is processed as a third-degree felony and carries a mandatory prison sentence of one to five years.
Whatever charges you face, we are here to help. We’re available seven days a week, 7 am to 10 pm.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Bexley, call 614-884-1100
Common DUI Defenses Your DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Bexley May Use
If charged with a DUI, there are many potential defenses you can use to avoid a conviction. Some of the most common DUI defenses include:
- You weren’t intoxicated
- You weren’t driving
- Violation of your rights
You Weren’t Intoxicated
In order to be guilty of a DUI, you must have been intoxicated. If you didn’t drink or take drugs, you can’t be convicted. Even if you tested positive for alcohol or another substance, your lawyer may choose to pursue this defense. Between faulty equipment and human error, chemical testing has been proven to be unreliable in many cases.
Your attorney can show the faults in the testing system and may even be able to prove that specific errors were made in your case.
You Weren’t Driving
If officers arrive at a scene after an accident, it may be unclear who was behind the wheel. If you can show that you were not driving or at least present reasonable doubt about who was operating the vehicle, you may be able to beat a DUI charge.
Violation of Your Rights
If your rights were violated at any point, it could have a significant impact on your case. In some situations, it could even result in the charges against you being dropped altogether.
There are many different rights violations you could suffer. Some of the most common include:
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Failure to read you your Miranda rights during your arrest
- A break in the chain of custody for evidence being used in your case
Our lawyers will determine the best approach for your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. Reach out to us today. You’re one call away from feeling better.
Bexley DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Plea Bargaining in a DUI Case
While the ideal outcome when facing a DUI charge is to either get the charge dropped or receive a not-guilty verdict, sometimes the evidence against you is too overwhelming. However, that doesn’t mean you are out of options. A DUI defense attorney in Bexley can negotiate a plea deal that minimizes the consequences and gives you the best possible case result.
One of the most common plea bargains involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for the harsher charge being dropped. For a DUI, this could mean pleading guilty to reckless driving, which carries less severe consequences. Alternatively, you could plead guilty to the charge you are facing with an agreement that you will receive the minimum sentence.
Prosecutors are often open to plea deals even if they have a strong case because they can mark it as a win on their record and get it off their plate quickly. With the large caseloads prosecutors often carry, reaching a plea agreement is often the preferred outcome. Our team will work to ensure the best deal for you. Since 1993, we’ve been the firm that other lawyers call.
Click to contact our Bexley Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Cases Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt Handles
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt handles a wide range of DUI cases, both felony and misdemeanor. We are passionate advocates for those who have never been cited for an offense before, as well as those who have been previously convicted. Whether you can’t have a criminal offense on your record or you don’t want a criminal offense on your record, we are here for you.
We believe that the punishment should fit the crime. We believe in fairness and justice. We believe in treating the person, not just handling their case. Come to our firm to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the criminal process. We are the firm other law firms use and recommend. Call or complete our contact form today for a free, confidential case review.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form