Columbus First-Offense OVI/DUI Lawyer
Most OVI arrests in Ohio involve people with no priors. But make no mistake about it; even if you don’t have a OVI/DUI on your record, OVI/DUI is a serious charge that puts significant penalties on the table.
At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt, our award-winning Columbus OVI/DUI lawyers represent clients across Columbus and Central Ohio after they’ve been charged with OVI/DUI-related crimes. We know how police and the government operate, and we have the insight to fully protect your rights.
For a free legal consultation with a first time dui lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
Why Clients Choose KBN:
- Tier 1 for OVI/DUI Defense in U.S. News “Best Law Firms” rankings.
- Brad Koffel has been voted to The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008.
- We’ve successfully represented over 15,000 clients.
- We prioritize personal attention and are always on call.
Columbus First Time DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Penalties for a First-Offense OVI/DUI in Ohio
OVI/DUI is defined by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4511.19) as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
In Ohio, you’re considered a first-time offender if you have no OVI/DUI convictions within the past 10 years, or within the past 20 years if the case involved a chemical test refusal. Except for DUI causing injury or death, a first OVI is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio.
Penalties for a first OVI in Ohio generally fall into three camps: a “Low Tier” first offense, a “High Tier” first offense, and a first offense refusal. These terms relate to the BAC of your blood, breath, or urine, or your refusal to take a test. A breath or blood test of .170 or greater is considered a “High Tier” OVI.
Potential penalties may include:
- First Offense “Low Test”
- Minimum 3 days to maximum 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Potential license suspension 1-3 years
- First Offense “High Test”
- Minimum 6 days to maximum 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Potential license suspension 1-3 years
- Mandatory yellow plates
- First Offense Refusal
- Minimum 3 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075 plus fees
- Automatic Administrative License Suspension 1 year
- Court license suspension 1-3 years
First-time offenders may have the option to participate in a driver intervention/alcohol education program in which they can be awarded unlimited driving privileges, a suspended sentence, and favorable terms provided they install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and comply with other court orders. Our team can advise you of this program and other options.
Court-imposed penalties aren’t the only consequences faced by individuals convicted of OVI/DUI. Other repercussions can include:
- Job loss and employment / professional licensing issues
- Academic sanctions
- Loss of commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Points on your driver’s license
- Higher insurance premiums
- Reputational damage
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How a Columbus First-Offense OVI/DUI Lawyer from KBN Can Help
Working with a OVI/DUI lawyer can help you navigate the court system and take steps to produce the best possible outcome. This includes working to:
- Challenge the traffic stop, reasonable suspicion, and probable cause
- Challenge performance of field sobriety tests
- Challenge BAC obtained through breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests
- Address actual physical control, intoxication, warrants, and other key issues
- Negotiate a lesser charge and minimal penalties
- Requesting BMV hearings to contest license suspension
At KBN, our defense lawyers leverage decades of experience to investigate the circumstances surrounding our clients’ arrests, the charges against them, and the strategies to challenge charges and avoid or mitigate penalties. Because every case is unique, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer from our team to explore the potential options available in your matter.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
A History of Successful Results for OVI/DUI Defendants
KBN has secured positive outcomes for thousands of clients facing first OVI/DUI charges in Franklin County and other counties of Ohio. We represent clients in both criminal proceedings and hearings before the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which are separate matters that concern only one’s driving privileges.
Some examples of the results we have secured for clients charged with OVI/DUI:
- Case dismissal / no conviction
- Conviction avoided in high test/test refusal cases
- Charges dropped in OVI/DUI drugs/marijuana cases
- Charges reduced to reckless operation of a vehicle
- Reduced charges for non-moving, no-points violations
- Privacy retained / case never publicized
- No license suspension or yellow plates
- Reduced fines and participation in alcohol education program
- No jail time / non-reporting probation in lieu of jail
You Have Rights. Call a Columbus First-Offense OVI/DUI Lawyer Today
Being arrested and charged with a crime is a serious matter that puts significant penalties and potential jail time on the table. However, it is the government’s responsibility to prove their case against you, and you have the right to challenge those allegations with the help of an experienced attorney.
At KBN, we’ve staked our reputation on representing defendants in all types of OVI/DUI and criminal cases. We know the local courts, judges, prosecutors, and police – many of whom refer their own friends and family to our firm – and we know how to win these cases.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
