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Even A First Offense OVI Is Serious

Many first-time offenses of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) or driving under the influence (DUI) are considered to be misdemeanor offenses. Ohio has very strict DUI penalties that could result in life-changing consequences. In some cases, even first-time offenders with no prior criminal history could face time in jail.

For many people, the term “drunk driving” can be misleading. We know that many times, first-time offenses are the result of a driver getting behind the wheel thinking he or she has not had enough to drink to exceed the legal limit. Despite this assumption, a person can still be charged with DUI if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.08%. We also know, however, that many OVI arrests are made on the basis of improper searches or inaccurate field sobriety tests committed by law enforcement officers.

If you have been arrested for a DUI offense in Columbus, Delaware, Mt. Gilead or elsewhere in Ohio, speak immediately with an OVI lawyer from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. We want to do all that we can to protect your rights. On your first offense, we can investigate and create an effective legal strategy dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome.

Penalty For First OVI Offenders

OVI penalties that are required by law can include anything from mandatory jail time, fines, to special restrictive license plates. You can’t afford a conviction. Call a OVI defense attorney from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., immediately after an arrest.

  • Minimum of three days in jail or 72-hour alcohol intervention program, maximum 180 days in jail
  • Minimum fine of $375, maximum of $1,075
  • Minimum license suspension of three months, maximum of three years
  • Restricted plates will be mandatory order for high tests and refusals if convicted of an OVI within the last 20 years

A permanent criminal record could affect a person for the rest of his or her life. In addition, there are nonlegal penalties that can be experienced long after a legal sentence. Many people incur and / or experience:

  • Increased insurance rates
  • Lost income due to court appearances, fines, and towing and storage fees
  • Public transportation fees
  • Strained personal and professional relationships
  • Loss of employment

Get Help From The Attorneys at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.

Even on first offenses of drunk driving, we have made it our mission to provide aggressive legal representation to our clients in every case. We know that mistakes happen, and we know that bad things can happen to good people. That is why we consider it our duty to make sure your life is not ruined by a wrongful OVI conviction.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and have represented clients at both state and federal levels. Our experienced trial attorneys have earned favorable results for individuals in their legal matters involving criminal and OVI offenses. We have been committed to helping individuals in our community since 1996.

Founding Attorney Jon Saia is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, and Attorneys Saia is nationally recognized OVI defense attorneys. In addition to being included in Super Lawyers® listing since 2006, Attorney Saia is a certified operator for Diagnostic Verification and Calibration of BAC Datamaster Breath Alcohol Testing Instrument. The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., is the law firm to trust after an OVI arrest in Ohio.

Contact The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable trial attorneys today. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer strong, effective legal representation for individuals facing misdemeanor to felony charges, so call now.