But we do know that many times arrests are made on the basis of improperly administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST's) which can result in a conviction even though that person may not have been legally impaired. In other cases, testing equipment may not have been operating properly.

Field sobriety tests must be administered in compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) procedures or they cannot be considered by the court in rendering a decision as to whether or not a drunk driving arrest was justified. Results of breath, blood or urine alcohol tests can be excluded from evidence at trial if mandatory administrative procedures were not followed.

At Saia & Piatt, we consider it our duty to make certain that you are not one of those whose life is disrupted by a wrongful OVI conviction.

Why we are uniquely qualified to serve you.
Only legal representation by an attorney experienced in all areas of OVI legislation can determine if all regulations, practices, procedures, guidelines and mandates have been appropriately followed in your particular case.

Attorneys Jon Saia, Richard Piatt, Dominic Mango, Craigg Gould, Brian Forbes and Scott Grace are all nationally recognized OVI defense authorities, and every Saia & Piatt attorney shares in the firm's broad foundation of unmatched drunk driving defense.

At the law offices of Saia & Piatt, P.L.L. we scrutinize all testing procedures to determine if all parties have acted in compliance with the requirements of the law.

We also continually review breath testing machine logs throughout Central Ohio for up to the minute information regarding potential problems with breath testing devices that might render test results inadmissible at trial.

Further, we routinely consult with laboratory technicians, chemists and medical professionals who assist in determining if procedural errors might have compromised the results of tests.

The result is the thorough, knowledgeable legal representation you need and deserve.
 

OVI convictions are serious business. 
Being convicted of the offense of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OVI, DUI, Drunk Driving) can have a very serious impact on your life. Penalties required by law include mandatory jail time (or a 72-hour alcohol intervention program) for first time offenders, fines, special yellow and red license plates for repeat or high test offenders, and forfeiture of vehicles for third time offenders.

In addition, there are the non-legal penalties you pay-such as higher insurance rates, lost income due to court appearances and sentencing obligations, towing and storage fees, public transportation, strained relationships and possible loss of employment.
 

The High Cost of Conviction Ohio drunk driving penalties:

1st Offense   Minimum Maximum Jail* 3 Days (or 72 hr. program†) 180 Days Fine $250 $1,000 License Suspension 6 Months 3 Years Restricted plates mandatory for high tests and refusals if convicted of OVI within last 20 years

2nd Offense - Within 6 years of 1st   Minimum Maximum Jail* 10 Days 1 Year Fine $350 $1,500 License Suspension 1 Year 5 Years Mandatory immobilization of vehicle for 90 days Restricted plates mandatory

3rd Offense - Within 6 years   Minimum Maximum Jail* 30 Days 1 Year Fine $550 $2,500 License Suspension 1 Year 10 Years Mandatory forfeiture of vehicle Restricted plates mandatory

Felony Offense 4th offense within 6 years 6th offense within 20 years Felony offense with possibility of prison sentence

* Minimum jail time doubled for high alcohol tests or refusal of alcohol test if prior conviction within past 20 years. † 72 hours Alcohol Rehabilitation Program may be available to 1st time offenders in lieu of 3 days in jail.