Do You Need a Lawyer for Your First OVI/DUI in Ohio?

It’s a mistake to think that a first drunk driving charge in Ohio isn’t a big deal. Even a first conviction can have drastic consequences, from jail time and fines to losing your driver’s license. So, if you’re wondering whether you need an Ohio OVI defense lawyer for a first offense, the answer is emphatically “yes.”

Penalties for a First OVI in Ohio

The consequences of a first OVI conviction in Ohio vary depending on several factors, including your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when the police test you. The potential penalties for a first OVI include:

Low BAC (0.08 percent to 0.16 percent)

• At least three consecutive days in jail or attendance at a driver intervention program.
• Fine between $375 and $1,075.
• Possible driver’s license suspension for one to three years.

High BAC (0.17 percent or higher)

• At least six consecutive days in jail or a combination of jail time and a driver intervention program.
• Fine between $375 and $1,075.
• Driver’s license suspension for one to three years.

What To Do After a First OVI Arrest in Ohio

While you need a lawyer to avoid the worst outcome in an Ohio OVI case, building your defense starts with what you do from the moment of your arrest. Here’s what to do to protect your rights:

• Stay calm and respectful. Don’t argue with the police or prosecutors. They can use anything you say or do against you later.
• Use your right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions beyond giving your name, driver’s license number, and basic identifying information. You don’t have to explain where you were or how much you had to drink.
• Do not agree to field sobriety tests. These are voluntary in Ohio, and taking them can only make it easier for the police to build their case against you.
• Think carefully before refusing a breath or blood test. You can refuse a roadside test without consequences, but refusing a chemical test after your arrest will lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension. There are ways to refute these tests even if they show you’re above the legal limit, so you’re usually better off complying.
• Ask for a lawyer immediately. You have the right to legal representation, and you shouldn’t answer any questions or make legal decisions without an attorney’s advice.
• Don’t discuss the arrest with other people in custody, over the phone, or online. The police can monitor those conversations and use them as evidence against you.

How Our Ohio OVI Defense Attorneys Can Help You

Our OVI defense lawyers are trial attorneys who’ve spent many years in court and know how to argue on your behalf. If you’re facing a first OVI charge, we can aid your defense by:

• Reviewing the details of your arrest to find mistakes or rights violations that could lead to dropped or reduced charges.
• Challenging the traffic stop if the officer lacked a valid reason to pull you over.
• Questioning the accuracy of chemical tests, including breathalyzers and blood tests, which are often flawed or improperly administered.
• Identifying weaknesses in the state’s case and using them to negotiate for a dismissal or lesser offense.
• Fighting to keep your driver’s license while your case proceeds and helping you pursue limited driving privileges if needed.
• Preparing a strong courtroom defense if your case goes to trial, which could include using expert testimony, cross-examining opposing witnesses, and pointing out holes in the state’s evidence.
• Helping you minimize penalties like jail time, fines, and points on your license.
• Guiding you through every step of the process, answering your questions, and protecting your rights from start to finish.

Trust The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. to fight for you when your freedom is on the line. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.