If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may be feeling unsure about what lies ahead. As you consider your future, you can hire a Bowling Green DUI lawyer from Groth & Associates to represent you.
We have been helping Ohioans find solutions to their challenges for many years. It is against the law to drive a vehicle while intoxicated in our state, so we work to help clients get the best outcome and avoid harsh consequences, such as losing their driver’s licenses and spending time in jail.
Our Bowling Green criminal defense lawyers will explain what to expect as we lead your case. Whether it’s negotiating for a lighter sentence or challenging evidence, we will use 65+ years of experience to build your defense. Call our team today for a free, private consultation.
What Does a DUI Charge Mean in Ohio?
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unlawful. In Ohio, a DUI is called an OVI, which stands for operating a vehicle under the influence. An OVI charge covers alcohol and drug impairment.
Anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level above the legal limit can face serious consequences.
Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19 sets different legal limits based on age and driver type:
- Legal-age adult drivers (21+): 0.08% BAC
- Commercial drivers (commercial driver license holders): 0.04% BAC
- Underage drivers (under 21): 0.02% BAC
Motorists with BAC levels over these limits can be arrested and convicted on a DUI charge.
What Happens to First-Time Offenders and Minor Drivers Facing a DUI?
If this is your first DUI/OVI offense, you may have to pay financial penalties and lose your driving privileges for a period of time. First-time offenders can spend time behind bars for a certain time. They may also have to complete a DUI education program.
If you are facing a DUI charge as a minor, you should also get legal help now. Our Bowling Green underage drinking lawyer can work to minimize the long-term effect a case can have on your record, such as fighting to avoid a conviction that could lead to license loss, fines, or higher insurance rates.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Bowling Green, call (419) 930-3030
How Our Bowling Green DUI Defense Lawyers Can Help
When you consider how a DUI charge can change your life, you may feel anxious about how these consequences could affect you in the long term. Our firm can get you through this challenging time. We will handle your case with care and give it our full attention.
As we work on your case, we will:
- Dig into the details: We will look for errors or issues that could support your defense.
- Safeguard your constitutional rights: Our lawyers will review the circumstances of your traffic stop to confirm if everything law enforcement did before, during, and after your arrest was lawful.
- Negotiate better outcomes: We will seek lesser penalties for your situation, such as fines, jail time, or license suspension.
- Advocate for you at trial: We will develop a defense that addresses the evidence and issues in your case.
Our Bowling Green OVI lawyer will represent you in all administrative hearings and court proceedings as well as regularly update you on your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
How Does the Prosecution Prove a Bowling Green DUI Case?
Before prosecutors can prove a DUI case in Bowling Green, they must show that you were operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Prosecutors typically rely on several types of evidence, such as the following:
- The reason for the traffic stop: The prosecution must first establish there was a valid reason for stopping your vehicle, such as swerving, speeding, or running a red light.
- Field sobriety tests (FSTs): Officers can conduct roadside tests, like walking in a straight line or standing on one leg, to check for signs of impairment. The results of these tests can be used as evidence to prove you were under the influence.
- Breathalyzer or blood tests: These tests measure your BAC. If it is above the legal limit, this is key evidence in the prosecution’s case.
- Officer testimony: The arresting officer may testify about their observations, such as slurred speech, red eyes, or the smell of alcohol.
- Video evidence: Dash camera (dashcam) or bodycam footage can show your behavior during the traffic stop, the field sobriety test, and your interactions with law enforcement.
The prosecution can use a combination of evidence to build a case against you to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence.
This is why having a Bowling Green DUI charges lawyer from Groth & Associates is important. We will challenge the evidence, spot errors in the process, and protect your rights, potentially reducing or dismissing the charges you face.
Call us to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Common Defenses Against DUI/OVI Charges in Ohio
We will explore various defenses to challenge the prosecution’s case against you. We will review the circumstances in your situation and develop a defense. Common defense strategies include:
Was the Traffic Stop in Bowling Green, OH Legal?
Law enforcement officers must pull you over for a valid reason, known as “reasonable suspicion.” This could be based on actions like speeding, swerving between lanes, running a red light, or other traffic violations that suggest impaired driving.
If they didn’t have a legitimate reason for stopping you, any evidence gathered during the traffic stop can be challenged in court, and your charges might not hold up.
Were the Breathalyzer Results Accurate?
Breathalyzer machines can give inaccurate readings. If they weren’t calibrated correctly or weren’t used the right way, the results could be off. Such issues can lead to falsely elevated BAC levels, giving you grounds to challenge the evidence in court.
What About the Field Sobriety Test (FST)?
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) can be unreliable, especially if you have health issues or the conditions are poor (like uneven ground or bad weather). Our Bowling Green DUI attorneys will challenge the test if we believe the results are unfair.
Did the Police Officers Follow the Proper Procedure?
Law enforcement has strict rules they must follow during your arrest. If they made an error at any point, it could weaken their case against you.
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Our Bowling Green DUI Lawyers Can Represent You – Call Today
If you are facing a DUI charge for drunk or drugged driving, you should take steps now to protect your rights, including the right to defend yourself against the charges. Whether you are an underage driver, a commercial vehicle driver, or a first-time DUI offender, we can help you.
We will explain how state laws, such as Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, can affect the outcome of your case and answer your questions and concerns.
Don’t leave your future to chance. A Bowling Green DUI lawyer from Groth & Associates will work to protect you from the most severe penalties. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can support you through this process.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form