When you are accused of operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), you may face penalties that can result in losing your driving privileges entirely. For those who rely on their license for their livelihood, this can be a devastating experience. Fortunately, you do not have to accept the charges and the penalties that come with them.
Instead, you can seek out the services of a highly skilled Madison County OVI defense lawyer. Our criminal defenders at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt offer legal defenses and representation in the courtroom, which have led many of our clients to successful outcomes. If you want to get your OVI and DUI charges dropped or reduced, contact a dedicated Madison County DUI defense lawyer to learn more about the steps you can take.
Penalties for an OVI
Because these charges can become so severe, avoiding these penalties is crucial, and a Madison County criminal defense lawyer can help you. If you are accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the penalties you may face depend on the details of your charges under Ohio Revised Code §4511.19. For example, someone who has a first-time OVI or DUI may have less harsh penalties than someone who has been arrested for their third or fourth OVI within 10 years of the first.
Because of this, in some cases, an OVI can become a felony rather than a misdemeanor. If this is the first time you have been arrested for an OVI, Ohio’s impaired driving law states that you may face a maximum incarceration of 6 months, probation of up to 5 years, and a fine of up to $1,075. You may also have a license suspension of 1 to 3 years and other optional penalties.
These penalties may increase if there are aggravating factors or you refuse to accept a breath alcohol test at the scene under Ohio Revised Code §4506.17. These penalties become more serious as the number of previous convictions increases, with a third OVI carrying penalties that include a maximum incarceration of up to a year and a license suspension of up to 12 years. After this, you may face felony charges, as well as potential forfeiture of your vehicle and mandatory alcohol or drug addiction program attendance.
For a free legal consultation with a ovi lawyer serving Madison County, call 614-884-1100
Steps to Your OVI Case
As you navigate your OVI case, there are certain steps to the process you need to be aware of. Awareness of these steps can help you prepare for them, gathering evidence and pursuing a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Talk with our criminal defense team about the specifics of each of these steps and how best to handle them for your case.
Arrest and Bail
An OVI case begins when the police complete a traffic stop and arrest you on the grounds of being over the legal limit and operating a vehicle while impaired. Once you are arrested, you will be taken to the police station for booking, where they will create a record of your arrest, set your bail, and create a court date for you.
Arraignment Hearings
Your arraignment is the court date for reading the charges and determining whether there is a case against you. This is also typically when you can plead guilty or not guilty. Depending on how you plead, the next steps of your case will vary.
If you choose to plead guilty, you may then face the penalties of the conviction, as your case will then go to sentencing. In these cases, you may already have a plea bargain or pre-trial diversion prepared under Ohio Revised Code §2935.36, which may take effect. If you plead not guilty, your trial date will be set.
Your Trial Date
If your case goes to trial, you have a chance to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely. We can prepare your defense, starting with crucial evidence from the arrest. The specific evidence and the defense your attorney chooses to pursue your case will depend on the specifics of your arrest and the accusations against you.
Your OVI defense attorney in Madison County will represent you in court, taking the lead throughout the process. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will provide opening and closing remarks, present evidence, and question or cross-examine any witnesses. We can provide experience and resources you may not have access to throughout this process, potentially leading to a not-guilty verdict.
Madison County OVI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
How Your OVI Defense Lawyer in Madison County Can Help
When you are accused of an OVI, you may have considered defending yourself in court or accepting the charges, but an attorney can make a big difference. Our defense team offers high-quality services, including decades of experience, which makes a substantial difference in the courtroom. With our tools and resources on your side, you may have a better chance of getting the results you need.
We begin by gathering evidence to suit your defense. For example, there may be evidence that suggests the police did not have probable cause to stop you, that the test was administered incorrectly, or that you were not driving recklessly and over the legal limit. Once we have gathered this evidence, we can begin building the strongest defense for your specific needs.
We will then present your case in the courtroom. That includes arguing on your behalf, introducing and explaining evidence, and guiding you through any specific steps for plea bargaining. We can guide you through every step of your defense, ensuring that you get the best chance possible to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
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Seek Out a Premier Madison County OVI Defense Lawyer for Help Today
When you are accused of a crime, it is your word against a law enforcement officer’s, which can be difficult to argue against. That is why building a powerful defense for your case is essential. We will do everything possible to pursue evidence that shows you did not commit the crime you are accused of.
Your Madison County OVI defense attorney at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt offers specific legal guidance to those accused of drunk driving. When you reach out to a Madison County OVI defense lawyer with our firm, you can expect the highest quality guidance that can lead to the results you need to get back to your life. To learn more about our services and get started on your case, call or fill out our confidential contact form.
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