Marion County DUI Defense Lawyer
After getting arrested and charged with a DUI, securing the services of an experienced lawyer can be vital. Fighting a DUI charge without legal representation will likely result in harsh penalties, including a lengthy jail or prison sentence. Fortunately, a Marion County DUI defense attorney can help argue your case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we can help you win your case or negotiate a plea deal that works for you. Our team of experienced Marion County criminal defense lawyers will work diligently to protect you from the worst of the penalties you face. Reach out to us today to schedule a free case review with a member of our team. Since 1993, we’re the firm other lawyers call.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Marion, call 614-884-1100
Possible Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Ohio
If you are convicted of a DUI charge in Ohio, the penalties can be severe. Multiple factors come into play when it comes to the penalties you will face for a conviction, including any previous DUI convictions on your record, whether others were injured in a resulting accident and the leniency of the judge in your case.
Penalties for a FIrst-Offense DUI
In Ohio, a first-offense DUI is treated as a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties if convicted include:
- A mandatory jail sentence of three days to 180 days or participation in a driver intervention program
- A fine ranging from $375 to $1,075
- Suspension of your driver’s license from one to three years
- Six points being added to your driver’s license
In addition to these mandatory penalties, further punishments could be handed down, including:
- Switching your license plates out for yellow plates
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car
- Being forced to wear a secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring (SCRAM), which is an ankle bracelet that monitors your alcohol intake and must be worn at all times
- Probation
Additional DUI Convictions
If you have any previous DUI charges on your record within the last 10 years, you will face harsher penalties for each additional conviction. This can mean extended incarceration time as well as challenges in other areas of your life.
DUIs Resulting in Injuries
If you were involved in an accident in which another party was injured and you were charged with a DUI, the legal consequences can be quite harsh. If it is determined that you were to blame, you will likely be charged with aggravated vehicular assault.
This offense is a third-degree felony and comes with a mandatory prison term of between one and five years.
No matter the charge you face, our team is ready to fight the charges against you. We are the firm other law firms use and recommend.
Marion DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Your Marion County DUI Defense Lawyer May Be Able to Secure a Favorable Plea Deal
Ideally, when faced with a DUI charge, you will either be able to get the charge dropped or receive a verdict of not guilty. However, in some cases, the evidence against you may be overwhelming, and your best option will be to accept a plea deal. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer can help you negotiate to get the best possible case result.
Many plea bargains involve pleading guilty to a less serious charge in exchange for the more severe charge being dropped. In a DUI case, this will likely mean pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge, which carries lighter penalties. Alternatively, a plea deal could mean pleading guilty to the original charge in exchange for receiving the minimum sentence allowed.
Even if the prosecution’s case is strong, they will likely be open to a plea deal. Prosecutors often carry a heavy caseload, so getting a case off their desk quickly with a conviction gives them the ability to mark up a quick win and lighten their load. We’ll work to get you the best plea deal possible. Operating for 30 years, our team has 300 five-star reviews.
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Common Defenses Against a DUI Charge
When fighting a DUI charge, there are a variety of defenses your DUI defense attorney serving Marion County may choose to employ, depending on the circumstances of your case. Some of the most common arguments include:
- You weren’t driving
- You weren’t intoxicated
- Your rights were violated
You Weren’t Driving
If you were involved in an accident and police officers arrived at the scene after the fact, it is not always clear who was behind the wheel. Your attorney may be able to prove that you weren’t driving or at least cast significant doubt about who was operating the vehicle.
You Weren’t Intoxicated
If you hadn’t been drinking or using drugs before the accident, you aren’t guilty of a DUI. Even a positive chemical test does not necessarily prove that you were under the influence. Chemical testing is notoriously unreliable, as faulty equipment and human error often lead to false positives.
Your lawyer can demonstrate the inaccuracy of these testing methods and may even be able to prove that mistakes were made with your testing.
Violation of Your Rights
If law enforcement violated your rights in any way, it can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Depending on the details of your situation, a rights violation could even mean that the charges against you get dropped.
There are a variety of rights violations that could occur. Some of the most common violations include:
- The arresting officer failing to read you your Miranda rights
- An unlawful search and seizure
- A break in the chain of custody of a piece of evidence in your case
We’ll figure out the best defense to use in your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. We bring calm to chaos.
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Get Help From an Experienced Marion County DUI Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing a DUI charge, securing the services of an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure you get the best possible outcome. At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we have a long history of helping those accused of DUI beat the charges they face so they can move on with their lives.
Get in touch today by giving us a call or filling out our online contact form and scheduling your free case evaluation. You will feel better as soon as you talk to us.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
