If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), seek legal help right away. An Upper Arlington DUI lawyer can review your charge with you. They can discuss your legal options and explain things you could do to avoid jail time and other severe penalties.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is Ohio’s premier criminal defense law firm. For over 30 years, we have helped those accused of driving under the influence contest the charges against them. Schedule a free case evaluation with an Upper Arlington criminal defense lawyer from our team.
Consequences of a DUI Charge in Ohio
If you consume drugs or alcohol and are found to be operating a vehicle, you could be charged with driving under the influence. A DUI charge will not disappear on its own. By choosing not to give your charge the attention it deserves, you could get a conviction that affects you for the rest of your life.
A DUI conviction can come with a jail sentence, fines, and suspension of your driving privileges. Along with these things, your conviction can hurt your chances of buying a home, landing a job, and living your life the way you want. It can also damage your relationships with family members and friends.
At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we understand the immediate and long-term ramifications of a driving under the influence conviction. An Upper Arlington DUI attorney from our team can help you contest a prosecutor’s case against you. To get help with your case, download our DUI e-book and request a free case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Upper Arlington, call 614-884-1100
Legal Penalties Associated with an Upper Arlington DUI Conviction
A DUI lawyer in Upper Arlington can teach you about Ohio impaired driving law types of offenses. The punishment you receive in your driving under the influence case can vary based on the severity of your crime. Here are common penalties levied against those who are convicted of a DUI:
First Offense
You could receive a jail sentence that extends anywhere from three days to six months. The court could require you to pay a fine of up to $1,075. In addition, your driver’s license could be suspended for a maximum of three years.
Second Offense
Certain penalties can escalate based on the number of times you are convicted. The second time you receive a conviction, you may be sentenced to jail time of up to six months, which is the same maximum as that of a first offense. Alternatively, you could be fined up to $1,625 and have your driver’s license suspended for up to seven years based on a second conviction.
Third Offense
With a third conviction, you may be sentenced to up to one year in jail. Also, the court may fine you up to $2,750 and suspend your driver’s license for a maximum of 12 years. If you face the possibility of being convicted of driving under the influence for the third time, consult with a DUI attorney in Upper Arlington, as they can argue your case against the prosecution.
Your lawyer can explain if you will go to jail for a DUI in Ohio and answer any legal questions you have. The odds may feel like they are stacked against you in your driving under the influence case. Regardless, your attorney prioritizes your best interests and works diligently to craft an argument that will resonate with the court.
Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
When a DUI Is Treated as a Felony
Generally, driving under the influence is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. However, a DUI can be charged as a felony if you have previously been convicted. This applies if you have received a conviction for DUI or operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) at least four times in the past 10 years or six times in the past 20 years.
There are times when a first-time DUI can be charged as a felony. For example, police claim you were driving recklessly in a school zone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may be considered reckless endangerment, which can be charged as a felony.
Your lawyer can explain the differences between felony vs. misdemeanor OVI and DUI charges. Depending on your charge, your lawyer may negotiate a felony to a misdemeanor. If your attorney succeeds, you may be able to get a plea deal that meets your expectations.
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Legal Defenses You Can Use to Contest a DUI Charge
Your lawyer wants you to achieve the optimal case results. As part of their efforts, they may consider many different legal defenses. Common legal strategies used to contest driving under the influence charges include:
Inaccurate Breath Test Results
Just because you receive a breath test at the time of your arrest does not mean these results are 100% accurate. Your lawyer may find a forensic toxicology expert who can testify in your case. This expert may explain why your test results are faulty, which could lead the court to rule in your favor.
Lack of Reasonable Suspicion
Police officers must have reasonable suspicion before they can pull you over while you are driving your car and arrest you for driving under the influence. Your attorney may raise doubts about why the police stopped you in the first place. Meanwhile, the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to prove that your traffic stop was warranted.
Duress
Someone may have forced you to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this situation, your lawyer may be able to argue that you were driving under duress. They can provide evidence that may show the court that had you not driven,you may have faced serious injury or death.
Your lawyer can gather a wide range of evidence to help you prepare your legal defense. They can also provide you with myriad legal resources. With your lawyer’s help, you may be well-equipped to build an argument that makes it difficult for the prosecution to get a conviction.
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Partner with an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is all about representing people who have a story to tell. Our goal is to help you in any way we can with your driving under the influence case. Contact us today for more information.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form