If you are facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, you may be thinking about what it means for your future. If you are convicted, your life will likely change. Fines, jail time, and a suspended driver’s license are possibilities, so it’s important to take these charges seriously.
You should secure legal representation as soon as possible. Our Findlay DUI lawyers will protect your rights and represent you throughout your case. We will explain your legal options, listen to your side of the story, and build a strong defense.
With more than 100 years of experience, Ohioans have turned to Groth & Associates for help with their legal cases, including those involving drunk driving charges. Our Findlay criminal defense lawyers will advise you on your next steps during a free consultation.
What DUI Charges Mean in Findlay, Ohio
DUI is a serious criminal offense. In Ohio, DUI is referred to as OVI, which means operating a vehicle impaired. This charge applies to individuals who operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
A Findlay DUI offense lawyer from our team will explain how Ohio’s laws apply to your case, but here is a general overview of what you need to know about DUI charges in our state:
Legal BAC Limits
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in Ohio define when the law considers a driver impaired. Drivers who exceed these limits can face serious charges. The following BAC limits are as follows:
- Adults (age 21 and over): If you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUI.
- Underage drivers (under 21): A BAC of 0.02% or higher can result in an underage DUI charge.
- Commercial drivers (CDL holders): If you are driving a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is 0.04% BAC.
It is important to note that motorists can face DUI/OVI charges if they show signs of impairment despite a low BAC reading.
Facing the Consequences of a DUI Conviction for Impaired Driving
The penalties for a DUI conviction vary depending on factors like prior offenses, the level of impairment, and any aggravating circumstances (like having a minor in the vehicle).
Common penalties include:
- Fines: You may have to pay fines that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on your offense.
- License suspension: A DUI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, which can range from several months to years.
- Jail time: Depending on the offense, you may face a few days to several months in jail. First-time offenders might face up to six months, while repeat offenders could face longer sentences.
- Other penalties: Ohio law may also require alcohol or drug treatment, community service, or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Aggravating Factors Can Mean Harsher Penalties
Certain factors can increase the severity of DUI penalties in a Findlay DUI/OVI case, such as:
- Repeat offenses: Second, third, and subsequent DUI convictions come with harsher penalties.
- High BAC levels: A BAC significantly higher than 0.08% (such as 0.17% or higher) can lead to enhanced penalties.
- Accidents or injuries: If your DUI results in an accident or injuries, you could face additional charges like vehicular assault.
A Conviction for Impaired Driving Can Affect You for a Long Time
A DUI conviction in Ohio can have long-term consequences that extend beyond fines and jail time. These include:
- Higher auto insurance rates.
- Difficulty finding employment, especially jobs that require driving.
- A permanent criminal record.
By understanding what DUI charges mean in Ohio, you can prepare to address your case and take steps to protect your future. You can talk to our team today for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Findlay, call (419) 930-3030
Our Findlay DUI Attorneys Will Work to Protect Your Future
We know it can be overwhelming to face criminal charges, but it is important to remember that you have a right to defend yourself against the charges.
Our Findlay DUI charge lawyers will take care all the following:
- Case evaluation and strategy: We will review your arrest, including the circumstances of your stop, any field sobriety tests, and BAC testing results. From there, we will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a strategy to challenge the evidence.
- Challenging evidence: Our attorneys will investigate any breathalyzer and blood tests you took to confirm if authorities followed the proper procedures. If there were any errors in how the tests were conducted or the handling of your arrest, we can use these to your advantage.
- Negotiation for reduced penalties: In some cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties. This could mean lower fines, avoiding jail time, or reducing the length of your license suspension.
- Representation in court: If your case goes to trial, we will advocate for you in court. We will present your defense, question the evidence against you, and work to achieve a favorable result.
We will be by your side through every step, helping you make informed decisions about your case. You can call us today for a free consultation. To learn more about what it’s like to work with us, visit our client reviews page.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
We Will Help You Fight a First-Time DUI Charge
A first-time DUI offense still comes with serious penalties. However, we may be able to reduce charges and help you avoid jail time. Our Findlay first-time DUI lawyers can explore alternative sentencing, such as community service, probation, or attending a driver intervention program.
We may also be able to negotiate with prosecutors to lower a DUI charge to a reckless driving charge. This can help lessen the long-term consequences of your offense, such as keeping your driving record cleaner and reducing penalties.
How a Lawyer Can Help Underage Drinkers in Impaired Driving Cases
If you’re an underage driver facing a DUI charge, the consequences can be severe. As Findlay underage drinking lawyers work to lessen the penalties, we can see if you qualify for diversion programs, which would allow you to avoid a conviction.
You would have to complete educational programs or community service.
Common Defenses in DUI Cases in Ohio
Several defenses may be available to challenge the case against you. The case strategy we develop will address the specifics of your case, but below are some ways defendants challenge the DUI charges against them:
- Unlawful traffic stop: Police need a good reason, like a traffic violation, to stop your car. If they didn’t have a valid reason, evidence from the stop, like your BAC test, might not be used in court.
- Improper field sobriety test: Officers must follow specific rules for field sobriety tests. If they didn’t do the test correctly, the results may not be reliable.
- Faulty breathalyzer test: Breathalyzer machines must be working properly. If the machine wasn’t calibrated or maintained, the BAC results might be wrong. Your lawyer can question the accuracy of the test.
- Medical conditions or medications: Some medical conditions or medications can cause false BAC readings. For example, diabetes or acid reflux can make it seem like your BAC is higher than it actually is.
- Inaccurate blood test results: Blood tests must be handled carefully. Mistakes like improper storage or labeling can affect the results. If errors happen, your lawyer can challenge the test.
- Rising blood alcohol level: Sometimes, your BAC may increase after you’ve stopped driving. This means you might have been below the legal limit while driving, but your BAC was higher later.
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Call Us Today: Our Findlay DUI Lawyer Is Ready to Help You
As you grapple with how a DUI case could change your life, you can consider hiring legal representation that will fight for you. A Findlay DUI lawyer will review your case, challenge the evidence against you, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges.
With the right legal support, our attorneys can handle your case with confidence and pursue the best outcome for your future. We are ready to help you move forward. Call our team today for a free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form