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You can get an OVI even if you were legally prescribed medication

On Behalf of | May 1, 2017 | OVI |

The state of Ohio takes a dim view of those who operate motor vehicles while drunk or under the influence of any drug. Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) charges can have serious, long-lasting repercussions for drivers in Ohio. You could face fines, jail time and the loss of your license. Some people are mistakenly under the impression that drugs that a doctor prescribed are not subject to OVI enforcement. That misconception can result in you facing serious criminal charges. In the state of Ohio, you can face OVI charges and a conviction for an OVI even for legal prescription drugs.

Many substances that are legally prescribed by a doctor can have an impact on your ability to drive safely. Drugs from pain medications and sleep aids to cold medicine and even drugs like benzodiazepines and other psychiatric drugs can cause delayed reaction times and issues with safe driving. If you or someone that you love is facing criminal OVI charges because of a prescribed medication, an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney can help you explore options for a defense against these serious charges.

Even if an OVI charge is your first criminal charge, it can have a profound impact on your life. A conviction for a first time OVI offense carries a loss of your license for between one and three years, between 3 days and six months in jail and a fine of between $375.00 and $1075.00. That doesn’t include court costs and the expense involved in getting your license back, which is at least another $475. The court may also require you to have an ignition interlock system installed in your vehicle at your own expense.

Many employers take a dim view of incarcerated employees or those unable to reliably drive to work. An OVI conviction could very well cost you your job and make it difficult to get a new one. If you get charged with another OVI offense in the next ten years, you could be facing substantially stiffer penalties.

Perhaps you are accustomed to how your medication affects you and believe it has no impact on your driving. Maybe you believe you were wrongfully targeted. Whatever the situation, an attorney can review the details of your situation and arrest and determine the best way to approach these OVI charges.

Source: Nov. 30, -0001

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