First Offense DUI

Marysville Attorneys Representing First Time DUI Offenders

In Ohio, driving under the influence (DUI), referred to as ‘operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), can result in serious consequences, even if it is your first offense. Given what is at stake, it is important to contact a Marysville DUI defense lawyer immediately if you have been arrested or charged with an OVI. Our team at Beck Peistrup, LTD has the experience and knowledge to defend your case and obtain the best possible outcome for you. Whether there were mistakes made by police officers or another issue that resulted in an improper charge, our DUI/OVI defense attorneys will fight diligently on your behalf. We understand the social, economic, and professional impact any DUI conviction can have on an individual, and we approach each clients’ case with that in mind, providing comprehensive and compassionate representation. Beck Peistrup, LTD represents clients throughout Central Ohio, in Marysville, Bellefontaine, Dublin, Delaware, and London. If you are facing a first offense DUI charge, do not hesitate to contact our office today to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

Penalties for a First DUI Offense

Although a first offense DUI carries less penalties than subsequent convictions, Ohio still takes all of these types of cases seriously. If a person’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is established to be above .08 while behind the wheel, the mandatory minimum jail time is 72 hours. In some cases, they will be instead directed to a Driver Intervention Program. Higher BACs, above .17, the mandatory minimum is set for 6 days in jail. Although rare, first time offenders could also be subject to the maximum of 180 days in jail. Fines for a first offense also range from $375 to $1,075. When high test results occur, or a refusal of testing within the past 20 years, it is possible a court will order yellow DUI plates.

Another impactful penalty is the suspension of your driver’s license, which could last six months to three years. Consulting a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible who can mitigate, or ideally avoid, these consequences is important to preserving your future. With proper representation, a person can be granted limited driving privileges for occupational, educational, or vocational purposes. These privileges allow individuals to complete the necessary activities in their day-to-day lives. The court also has the discretion to order an ignition interlock device to be placed in a person’s vehicle. These devices measure a driver’s BAC through breath tests and do not allow the vehicle to start if over the limit.

Perhaps one of the most significant penalties associated with a first offense is that, in Ohio, DUI convictions are never expungeable. As such, the record of it will continue to come up in various aspects of a person’s life – when applying for jobs, when seeking insurance, and other important milestones that require a background check. Even for this reason alone it is important to take a DUI charge seriously and put forward the best defense to avoid a conviction. Many people facing a first offense DUI have no prior criminal issues, and although this will be part of an assessment, it will not alone avoid a conviction. An extensive and comprehensive defense plan is necessary to combat these charges.

First Offense DUI Lawyers Representing Marysville Residents

Having the right legal representation when facing a first time DUI/OVI charge is vital to protecting your future. Our DUI defense attorneys at Beck Peistrup LTD can challenge evidence, refute a prosecutor’s case as well as advocate on your behalf for leniency from the court. Our firm is committed to our clients’ success, and only take on cases we know we can handle. We offer experienced legal representation to residents across Central Ohio, including Marysville, Bellefontaine, Dublin, Delaware, and London. If you have questions about your legal rights following a first-time DUI arrest, or with any other criminal matter, contact us online or at (937) 889-9999 to speak with an attorney today.