An arrest for a DUI/OVI can be life-altering, affecting employment, your license, and more. When this happens, you deserve competent legal representation to defend your rights. When you retain a Knox County criminal defense lawyer from KOFFEL BRININGER AND NESBIT, you will retain countless achievements and years of experience in criminal defense.
What Qualifies as an OVI
Ohio defines an operating motor vehicle impaired (OVI) charge with the following considerations. Per the Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules (OLAR) 4511.19, no one may operate a motor vehicle at any time if any of the below are true:
- The person is under the influence of alcohol, abused drugs, or any combination
- The person has a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of .08
- The person’s urine or bloodwork exceeds specified thresholds of alcohol
- The person’s urine shows metabolites of recreational drugs beyond specified thresholds
The above list is not exhaustive. You can direct any specific questions about your arrest or case to your attorney. They may provide clarification and help you determine the details of your charges and what they mean.
If you have not secured an OVI defense attorney, it might benefit you to contact one and discuss your case. Navigating the process alone can be overwhelming and typically does not serve people well. An attorney may be able to affect your outcome in your favor dramatically.
For a free legal consultation with a ovi lawyer serving Knox County, call 614-884-1100
How Can an OVI Defense Lawyer Help You
An OVI case can be complex, and every case has different approaches and needs. You can speak with your Knox County OVI defense lawyer to determine the best path for your case. However, some of the things they may do for you are:
- Gather Evidence
- Navigate the legal process
- Handle plea negotiations
- Challenging the legality of the stop
- Challenging the accuracy of tests
- Identifying potential procedural violations
- Advocating for an alternate solution
While navigating the court process, our defense lawyers may have several opportunities to have evidence suppressed or thrown out, challenge the validity of evidence to be presented in court or negotiate a more favorable plea deal. Without the benefit of a complete legal education and years of experience that our firm can provide, you may miss several opportunities to get charges dropped or mitigate the consequences.
Further, being arrested and facing charges like an OVI can be an incredibly stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. We understand this at Koffel Brininger and Nesbit and can handle your case with diligence and compassion. We can answer questions and help you understand the process and what to expect moving forward while keeping you updated on any changes in your case.
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What to Expect from a Knox County OVI Case
The trial process can be lengthy and complicated, especially if you are attempting to represent yourself. The OLAR website outlines the policies and process of a criminal case. Some of those steps may be as follows:
- Arrest
- Charges/Indictment
- Arraignment
- Discovery
- Pretrial
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeals
It is your right to have legal representation. Quickly retaining our OVI defense lawyer in Knox County will allow them as many chances as possible to intervene on your behalf and protect your rights. Securing representation also means you have a resource to walk you through the process so you know what to expect at each step of the case. Inevitably, you make the decisions for your case, but an experienced attorney can guide you through your options.
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Sentencing for a Knox County OVI Case
If you are convicted of an OVI, your Knox County OVI defense attorney may still be able to do a few things. For example, the judge may consider your criminal history when providing a sentence. If this is your first offense, it may work in your favor.
Minimum sentencing may be substantially higher if this is not your first offense. However, if you have a history, your attorney can continue to work on your behalf to present all relevant facts when you are being sentenced.
Sentencing can take many forms, even for first-time offenders. Some less restrictive and alternate sentences can be driver education classes or treatment programs. These alternative sentences could include these programs, up to 6 months of jail time, a suspended license, and fines. Every case is different. You can speak with your attorney to determine the best action for you and your situation.
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Fines and Jail Time for an OVI in Ohio
The amount of money you pay in fines or the duration of jail time you are required to serve can dramatically vary depending on whether you have offended one, two, three, or more times. The minimum requirements may start at three days of jail time and at least $375 in fines. These numbers are minimums and can be more, even for first-time offenders.
License Suspension in an Ohio OVI
Two types of license suspension may happen in an Ohio OVI:
- Administrative suspension: The officer does this at the scene of the stop. You and your attorney may be able to appeal an administrative suspension.
- Court-imposed suspension: This happens by the judge after a guilty plea or conviction. You and your attorney may be able to appeal this decision after sentencing.
The minimum sentence for an OVI in Ohio typically includes a license suspension of at least a year. However, this can be at the discretion of the judge. You can speak with your attorney to determine if other options are available.
Call to Speak with an OVI Defense Attorney in Knox County Today
An OVI charge can disrupt your entire life. It can result in a license suspension or vehicle impound, potentially affecting your employment or forcing you to change your professional field. Koffel Brininger and Nesbit have three decades of experience and consistent local and national recognition. As a top 10 firm in the country, you would be in good hands with us as your OVI defense attorney in Knox County.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. All inquiries are screened immediately and presented to Brad Koffel. Phone and e-mail inquiries are confidential but do not create an attorney-client relationship.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form