Our "OVI Lawyer Upper Arlington, OH" at Sabol Mallory LLC are experienced in defending drunk driving cases. We are committed to providing the best representation possible to our clients. We take the time to explain the criminal penalties and the civil consequences to clients. Our attorneys have experienced handling DUI cases. You can trust us to fight hard for you and get you the best results possible. We will not settle for anything less than the best outcome for your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Sabol Mallory LLC
OVI Lawyer Upper Arlington, OH
743 S Front St
Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 300-5088
Why do I need a OVI Lawyer? If you were charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, there are a number of reasons why you should hire an experienced OVI lawyer. First, it is important to understand that you have a constitutional right to a court trial. You have the right to a jury trial, which means that a judge will preside over your case and decide whether you are guilty or not. Second, you have a right to hire a private lawyer. Your public defender, however, cannot represent you in court. You need a lawyer who can defend you in a court of law and negotiate a favorable plea bargain on your behalf. Finally, if you are accused of OVI, you must understand that the prosecution has a lot of leverage over you. Prosecutors will often offer plea bargains in exchange for lesser charges. They will also use your refusal to take a breathalyzer test or your failure to successfully complete the road sobriety tests as evidence against you at trial. You should only accept a plea bargain if it is in your best interests.
In Ohio, the court must decide whether a person is a habitual offender before they can lose their driver’s license. A conviction for a first-time OVI is generally considered a misdemeanor, but it is not a crime in the state of Ohio. A second conviction for OVI is a felony and a third is a third-degree felony. In addition to losing their license for a period of time, a person convicted of OVI may also have points added to their record. Points are usually assigned based on the type of offense, the number of offenses, and the number of prior convictions.
The total number of points assigned to an individual may affect the length of time that they have to wait to have their license reinstated. For example, a person convicted of OVI with two prior convictions will wait 12 months after their third conviction to have their license reinstated. However, if a person is convicted of a first-time OVI and has only one prior conviction, then they will wait six months. The minimum waiting period is 90 days. In some cases, a judge may choose to grant a waiver to reduce or eliminate the points on a person’s record, which would result in a shorter waiting period. Depending on the number of points on your record, you could be eligible for a conditional license after three years. If your record is clean, you may receive a full reinstatement after five years.
OVI offenses can stay on your record for up to 10 years. A conviction for OVI can affect your ability to get certain jobs or maintain a driver’s license. It can also negatively impact your ability to obtain credit or to own a home. The time period a conviction remains on your record depends on the type of OVI you commit and your specific circumstances. If you are charged with a first OVI offense, it may be reduced to a minor misdemeanor. If the charge is your second OVI offense, it may be reduced to a non-criminal violation. If you are convicted of a third OVI offense, your license may be revoked and your driver’s license suspended.
If you have a prior OVI conviction, you may be subject to higher penalties. If you are facing a fourth or subsequent OVI offense, it will count as a felony. The length of your sentence may depend on whether you have a previous OVI conviction and on the severity of the OVI. If you plead guilty to an OVI offense, you may receive probation, fines, community service or an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. You may also need to pay for traffic school or attend a DUI school. You must also meet with your probation officer at least once a month, submit to random drug testing and complete a treatment program. In addition, you must undergo an alcohol evaluation and participate in an outpatient or inpatient alcohol treatment program. In Ohio, you are entitled to a trial if you choose to plead not guilty to an OVI offense. You have the right to a speedy trial within 30 days of being arrested for an OVI offense. If you do not have a lawyer, you have the right to a public defender. If you do not qualify for a public defender, you have the right to privately hire an OVI lawyer.