There are plenty of people who have had a drink at dinner before getting behind the wheel when they probably shouldn’t have. But getting pulled over and charged with Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated (OVI) or a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) makes this much more serious.
When you’re facing one of these charges in Ohio, there’s a lot that happens, and it can all happen so fast that you might not be ready to make the best decisions or prepare the ideal defense.
With that in mind, the defense attorneys at Hiltner Trial Lawyers are seasoned legal professionals who have a clear understanding of how much an OVI or DUI charge can impact your life. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at what exactly OVI/DUI charges are, and what types of consequences you may be facing if you’re convicted of these charges.
What Is An OVI / DUI Charge?
In Ohio, OVI, or Operating a Vehicle Impaired, is equivalent to what’s commonly known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in other states.
It implies driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, thereby impairing your ability to drive safely.
To prove an OVI, the officer will typically use a breath, urine, or blood test to determine the level of intoxication. Physical control testing may also be used to see if someone intoxicated was controlling the vehicle.
Consequences of an OVI / DUI Charge in Ohio
OVI/DUI charges in Ohio carry significant consequences that range from fines and license suspension to mandatory educational programs or even jail or prison time.
The specific penalties will typically depend on factors such as the level of impairment, prior offenses, and the presence of accidents or injuries. The implications are not limited to legal penalties; they may also affect your personal and professional reputation, posing potential obstacles to future opportunities.
How to Get OVI / DUI Charges Dismissed
While your DUI defense lawyer will be the ultimate source of information regarding optimal defense strategies, given the specifics of your case, these three strategies are often used when fighting OVI/DUI charges in Ohio.
- Challenging the Traffic Stop
One of the most basic legal defense strategies, and often the starting point for any solid defense, is to question the legality of the traffic stop. In Ohio, law enforcement officers must have a valid reason for the initial stop. If it’s demonstrated that the officer lacked a legitimate reason to pull you over, this can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case, since anything that happened following the illegitimate stop could be thrown out.
- Challenging the Field Sobriety Test
Another tactic is to challenge the validity of the field sobriety test. The administration of these tests must adhere to strict guidelines, even down to where they can be performed, and any deviation from the standard procedures or misjudging of performance can lead to contestable results. At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we scrutinize the execution of the field sobriety tests to identify potential grounds for dismissal.
- Challenging the Breathalyzer Test
The final strategy is to question the accuracy and handling of the breathalyzer test. Inaccuracies can occur due to improper calibration, maintenance, or operation of the device. If we uncover any such irregularities, it could render the test results invalid, offering a path toward having the judge dismiss your OVI/DUI charges.
Contact Hiltner Trial Lawyers Today
When faced with OVI/DUI charges in Ohio, choosing to work with Hiltner Trial Lawyers provides you with a formidable defense and a supportive ally. Our accomplished team knows the intricacies of Ohio OVI/DUI laws and uses that knowledge to build a robust defense for you. Don’t navigate these challenging times alone – contact the Hiltner Trial Lawyers today.
