Union County DUI Defense Lawyers

Marysville DUI Defense Attorneys

Driving under the influence (DUI), charged as ‘operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) in Ohio, is taken seriously. Even a first offense can result in jail time. If you’ve been stopped for suspicion of DUI it is important to speak with a Marysville DUI defense attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are properly represented. At Beck Peistrup, LTD, we understand that facing criminal charges is an overwhelming and stressful situation. As such, our attorneys take the time to make sure our clients comfortable with their cases. Our DUI/OVI defense lawyers are dedicated to obtaining the best possible results, and because this success is important to us, we only take cases that we are fully equipped to handle. If you have questions about your legal options following an OVI arrest in Marysville, Bellefontaine, Dublin, Delaware, London, or elsewhere in Central Ohio, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

DUI/OVI Charges in Ohio

In Ohio, an individual 21 years old or over can be charged with an OVI if their blood alcohol count (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver under 21 years old can also be charged with a DUI if their BAC is .02% or higher. Because of the seriousness of the charges, it is important to contact a seasoned DUI lawyer in Marysville as soon as possible following an arrest who can help mitigate your penalties. In addition to alcohol, drivers who have certain levels of controlled substances in their system or are operating with impaired abilities while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be arrested and charged with OVIs.

Penalties for OVI Offenses

Following an arrest for a DUI, before you even appear in court, you may be subject to an administrative license suspension (ALS) if you refuse to undergo chemical testing by law enforcement. Ohio is an “implied consent” state, which means when a person applies for a driver’s license, they automatically give consent to having their breath, urine, and/or blood tested for drugs and alcohol if an officer has reason to believe they are under the influence.

Subsequent criminal penalties for an OVI conviction are based on whether you have had a previous OVI conviction as well as your BAC at the time of your arrest. In Ohio, you can face jail time and hefty fines, even for a first OVI offense conviction. First offenses carry a penalty of between three days and six months in jail, and up to $1,075 in fines in addition to a license suspension. A judge has the authority to instead order installation of an ignition interlock device for a driver’s vehicle or allow a for participating in a treatment program for first offenders. These potential alternatives are why it’s vital to consult a knowledgeable Marysville DUI attorney at Beck Peistrup LTD who can help you explore your options.

For second or third offenses, the penalties increase and can result in up to one year in jail for a third DUI and $2,750 in fines as well as an extended license suspension in the range of two to twelve years. If you have a BAC over 0.17%, Ohio classifies this as an ‘aggravated OVI’ which carries more jail time and possible house arrest with alcohol monitoring.

Defenses Against DUI Charges

Criminal cases require that prosecutors prove guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ which is a very high standard. As such, there are valid defenses that can be used to challenge an OVI charge and avoid conviction. One such defense is if a breath test is shown to be unreliable, usually by demonstrating a breathalyzer was improperly calibrated, yielding inaccurate results. In other cases, an arrest could have contained constitutional violations. For example, if a police officer lacks a reasonable basis for a traffic stop. An experienced Marysville DUI attorney can assist you in examining all aspects of your stop and arrest to provide the best possible defense for your situation.

Contact a Marysville DUI/OVI Defense Lawyer Today

In addition to potential fines, license restrictions, and jail time, many individuals face significant potential collateral consequences if convicted for an OVI. These include concerns with background screening pre- and post-employment, limitations in driving due to license suspensions, commercial drivers’ license revocation, professional licensing reporting and renewal, and restrictions on travel to other countries. Because of the significant impact these cases can have, the DUI attorneys at Beck Peistrup LTD are committed to fighting for our clients every step of the way. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of clients accused of OVI/DUI offenses. We represent individuals in criminal cases throughout Central Ohio, including Marysville, Bellefontaine, Dublin, Delaware, and London. Contact us online or at (937) 889-9999 to speak with an attorney today.