Driving while intoxicated can lead to a DUI charge, which is a serious offense in Ohio. If you’re in this situation, you might be worried about what it means for your future. We know this can be a difficult time, but now is the time for you to get legal help.
Groth & Associates will lead your case, using decades of experience and knowledge to build your defense against the charges. Our Maumee criminal defense lawyer will meet with you to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and advise you on your next steps.
Our Maumee DUI lawyer understands what you’re up against, and we know how a conviction on your record can erase opportunities and limit your future. Call today to discuss your case during a free, private consultation.
An Overview of What DUI Charges in Maumee, OH
Getting a DUI charge is a serious offense in Ohio. State law is clear about this, and law enforcement is strict on offenders.
In our state, DUI is also known as OVI, which stands for operating a vehicle impaired. This means you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, law enforcement can charge you with OVI.
For commercial drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%, which is half the limit for non-commercial drivers. Drivers can also face charges if alcohol, drugs, or both impair them despite having a low BAC reading.
DUI Laws and Penalties for Underage Drivers in Ohio
Ohio has strict laws for underage drivers who are caught driving under the influence. For drivers under 21, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is much lower—just 0.02%. This means even a small amount of alcohol can result in a DUI charge.
Underage drivers charged with DUI may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possibly jail time. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have long-term consequences, including a criminal record and lost opportunities.
If you or your child is facing an underage DUI charge, take immediate action. Our Maumee underage drinking lawyer can explore options for reducing penalties, challenging the evidence, and protecting the young driver’s future.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Ohio?
The penalties for driving under the influence in Ohio can be severe and life-changing. Depending on the circumstances of your case—like whether it’s your first offense or if there were aggravating factors—you can face a range of consequences such as:
- Fines: DUI fines in Ohio can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. These fines can quickly add up when you consider court costs, fees for mandatory programs, and more.
- License suspension: Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in a license suspension for up to three years. For repeat offenses, the suspension can last years, severely limiting your ability to drive—and your freedom.
- Jail time: Depending on your BAC level and whether you have previous DUI convictions, you could face a few days to several months in jail or longer. A felony DUI could result in years in prison.
- Higher insurance rates: A DUI conviction will likely lead to much higher insurance premiums. In some cases, you might even have trouble finding an insurance company willing to cover you.
- Employment challenges: A DUI conviction can affect your job, especially if your job requires you to drive. Employers may be hesitant to hire or retain someone with a DUI on their record, and if you’re a commercial driver, your livelihood is at serious risk.
We will explain the charges and penalties in your case and represent you in all proceedings, including your arraignment, which is your first formal appearance before a judge.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Maumee, call (419) 930-3030
Our Maumee DUI Offense Lawyers Will Seek the Best Outcome
A DUI conviction can turn your life upside down, but our Maumee DUI defense attorney will guide the process and handle your entire case. No matter the charges you face, you have a right to due process and defend yourself.
Whether it’s challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or appealing your case, our attorneys will work to shield you from the harshest consequences. We know Ohio’s laws and can explain how they can affect your case and what we can do to help you.
When we represent you, we will evaluate the traffic stop and arrest to determine if the police followed proper procedures. If authorities violated your rights, we could move to get the evidence thrown out or have the charges dismissed.
- Challenge test results: Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests are not always accurate. We can investigate whether these tests were given to you properly and whether the equipment was adjusted correctly.
- Negotiate reduced charges: In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges, which may result in lesser penalties or avoid a conviction altogether.
- Protect your license: Our lawyer can represent you in administrative hearings with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to fight for your driving privileges and potentially reduce or avoid a license suspension.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
What if You Are Facing a First-Time DUI Offense in Ohio?
While a first-time DUI in Maumee is still a serious matter, the penalties may be less severe than for repeat offenders. We might be able to seek alternative sentencing options, such as probation, alcohol treatment programs, or community service.
Our Maumee first-time DUI lawyer will take action to protect your future by exploring every option available to you. Taking swift action with the guidance of our experienced DUI lawyer could lead to a fresh start and help you put this matter behind you.
Call our team today for a free consultation. You can check out our client reviews page to see what past clients say about working with us.
What Are Common Defenses in DUI Cases?
Legal representation could improve your chances of obtaining a more favorable outcome and avoid some of the harshest penalties that come with a DUI conviction in Ohio.
The defense strategy our DUI lawyer will develop for your case will depend on the factors and circumstances involved. Below are common defenses used in DUI cases:
- Illegal traffic stop: The officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If they did not, any evidence gathered after the stop could be challenged.
- Inaccurate breathalyzer results: Breathalyzer tests can produce unreliable results due to faulty equipment or improper calibration, which can be used to question the accuracy of your BAC reading.
- Improper field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests must be carried out correctly and fairly. If health issues or poor instructions affected your performance during a test, this could be a strong defense.
- Violation of rights: If your rights were violated during the arrest, such as not being read your Miranda rights, the evidence gathered could be deemed inadmissible.
- Rising blood alcohol defense: Your BAC may have been under the legal limit while driving but increased by the time of the test. This defense can be effective if there was a delay between being stopped and tested.
We will tailor our defense to cover all aspects of your case. As we work to build your defense, our Maumee DUI attorneys will carefully analyze the facts of your case and determine the best strategy for your situation.
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Call Us Today: Our Maumee DUI Lawyers Can Represent You
If you’re facing DUI charges in Maumee, the sooner you secure legal representation, the sooner we can start protecting your rights. With the right help, you can exercise your options and make informed choices about your future.
Reach out to Groth & Associates for legal counsel support. Our Maumee DUI lawyer understands the stress and uncertainty a DUI case can present, but take action now to keep your case moving forward. Call our team today for a free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form