A driving under the influence (DUI) charge in New Albany can carry serious consequences, even if it is your first offense. Ohio’s drunk driving laws are strict, and the process moves quickly once charges are filed. Your New Albany DUI lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt understands how these cases work.
Your New Albany criminal defense lawyer has more than 30 years of trial experience, and since 1993, we have been the firm other lawyers call. If you need help figuring out what to do next, we are here for you when you are ready.
What DUI Charges Mean for Drivers in New Albany
DUI cases in Ohio are not just traffic violations. Even a first offense is treated as a criminal charge and can lead to serious consequences. If you are facing this for the first time, it helps to understand how the law breaks down different types of charges and where your case might fall.
Ohio’s Legal Definition of OVI and BAC Limits
In Ohio, DUI charges are officially called OVI, which stands for Operating a Vehicle Impaired. You can be charged with OVI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above the legal limit, which is 0.08% for most drivers.
You can also face charges if officers believe you are impaired by drugs, including prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, even if no chemical test was taken.
What Drivers Commonly Misunderstand About Field Sobriety Testing
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are not as simple as they sound. Officers are trained to look for specific clues during these tests, but the results are often based on interpretation. If you are tired, nervous, or confused about the instructions, that alone can lead to what looks like a failed test. These tests are not perfect, and the law allows us to challenge how they were given and whether they were fair.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving New Albany, call (614) 884-1100
What to Expect From the DUI Process in New Albany
The legal process can feel overwhelming when you are not sure what comes next. Things tend to move quickly, and it is easy to miss something important if you are trying to figure it out alone. Below is a general outline of the steps most DUI cases in New Albany follow:
- Arrest and transport to a local police department
- Initial chemical or breath testing
- Release on bond or after a holding period
- Court summons and arraignment hearing
- Administrative license suspension
- Case assignment to a municipal or county court
- Pretrial negotiation or evidence exchange
- Trial preparation and motion hearings
- Resolution by plea or trial
A lot of people ask whether you will go to jail for a DUI in Ohio, and the answer depends on several details. If you are curious about how much a DUI lawyer costs, keep in mind that avoiding long-term expenses like license suspension, court fines, or insurance rate increases often saves far more in the long run.
New Albany DUI Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
How Our Firm Defends DUI Charges in Franklin County
Not every DUI charge leads to a conviction. The facts behind the stop, the testing process, and the way the case is filed all play a role. Our team focuses on the details that others overlook, and we build every defense around what the evidence actually shows.
Suppressing Evidence From Illegal Stops or Improper Searches
Search and seizure rules apply to DUI cases just like any other criminal charge. If you were stopped without a clear reason or the officer went beyond what the situation allowed, we may be able to keep that evidence out of court.
A warrantless search during a traffic stop is one of the most common problems we see in vehicle-based arrests. Your New Albany DUI attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will look at how the stop happened and whether it met legal standards.
Reviewing BAC Data and Officer Conduct During Testing
Breath and blood test results are not always as reliable as they seem. If the machine was not calibrated properly, the chain of custody was broken, or the officer failed to follow testing protocol, the results may not hold up. We review every step, from the moment the test was offered to the point the sample was logged, to see if anything was missed.
We also look at whether implied consent warnings were given correctly. Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.191, officers must follow strict procedures when asking for a sample, and the state has to prove that the testing conditions were valid. If something was rushed or done incorrectly, that can change the outcome of the case.
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Contact a DUI Lawyer in New Albany for Help Today
Your DUI attorney in New Albany with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has the experience to act fast when timing matters and the case feels uncertain. We are available every day to review your charges, explain what happens next, and help you protect your record.
You can contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and get local support across New Albany and the surrounding court systems. We bring calm to chaos.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form