Massillon OVI Lawyer

Massillon OVI Attorney

Facing OVI charges in Massillon, Ohio, can be a scary and overwhelming experience. A successful conviction can impact your life in negative ways. From making it more difficult to commute to work at Danbury Senior Living to being unable to enjoy a Massillon Tigers game, the penalties for an OVI charge go beyond just fines or jail time. In these cases, a Massillon OVI lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to your rights.

At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, our team of attorneys has been assisting clients since the firm’s formation in 2008. With almost two decades of experience now behind us, we can say with confidence that we are the team for you if you are facing OVI charges in Massillon. Let us review your case, build a strategic defense, and work to protect your future.

What Constitutes an OVI in Massillon, Ohio?

Since 2020, Ohio has seen over 83,000 OVI arrests. The term “OVI” is used in place of the more familiar legal term “DUI.” In Ohio, an OVI charge (operating a vehicle impaired) comes with serious consequences. An individual can be arrested for an OVI under the following circumstances:

• They are found to be operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both substances.
  
• They have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher if they are an adult of 21 years of age or older.
  
• The individual operating the vehicle impaired is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or higher.
  
• The individual operating the vehicle is doing so with certain levels of controlled substances in their bloodstream. These substances might include heroin, cocaine, ketamine, or fentanyl.

When facing these charges in Massillon, whether you have been pulled over in a traffic stop along Lincoln Way or Wales Avenue or failed a sobriety checkpoint on any exits near I-77 or SR-21, it is important to understand the nature of the charges and what the penalties might be if successfully convicted. According to state law, common penalties can include the following:

• First OVI offense. When an individual is charged with an OVI the first time, they can face penalties such as three days to six months in jail, fines totaling anywhere between $375 and $1,075, a suspension of their license for six months to three years, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, and the inability to obtain limited driving privileges for up to 15 days after conviction.
  
• Second OVI offense. An individual over the age of 21 who receives a second OVI charge can face anywhere from 10 days to six months in jail, be ordered to pay fines totaling between $525 and $1,625, be required to take alcohol or drug treatment programs or classes, have their vehicle immobilized for up to 90 days, face license suspension lasting up to five years, and have an IID installed in their vehicle.
  
• First OVI offense under age 21. If an individual under the legal drinking age of 21 is found guilty of an OVI in Massillon, they can face up to 30 days of jail time, $250 in fines, and a license suspension from anywhere between 90 days and two years.
  
• Second OVI offense under age 21. A second OVI charge under 21 may result in up to 60 days in jail, $500 in fines, and a license suspension of anywhere between one to five years.
  
• Multiple OVI defenses. If an individual is charged with multiple OVI defenses within a given number of years, they can face penalties such as 60 days to one year in jail, fines totaling anywhere between $850 and $2,750, mandatory drug or alcohol treatment classes, a suspension of their license for two to five years, revoked registration of their vehicle, and a requirement to have an IID installed and use yellow license plates.

If you are facing OVI charges in Massillon, Ohio, it is vital that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that your rights and future can be protected. With so much on the line, you don’t want to take your chances defending yourself.

FAQs

What Is an IID?

An IID is a breathalyzer device that is installed in your vehicle. This device works to measure your BAC before your car can be operated to ensure there is no alcohol in your system. If the device does register the presence of alcohol, it will keep your car’s engine from turning over.

What Should I Do if I Get Arrested for an OVI in Ohio?

If you get arrested for an OVI in Ohio, you should take several steps to protect your rights and future. First, remain silent. Do not make any kind of verbal or written statement to the police, and avoid discussing the charges until an attorney is present. With that said, you can contact a loved one who can help ensure that an attorney meets you at the police station.

What Percentage of OVI Arrests Involve Drugs in Ohio?

In 2022, approximately 24% of OVI arrests involved drugs in Ohio. There were over 14,000 OVI arrests in the state, and 8% of them (around 1,209) involved marijuana, while 16% (2,343) involved other drugs such as fentanyl, ketamine, heroin, methamphetamine, and even some prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

How Long Does an OVI Case Last in Ohio?

There is no exact number for how long an OVI case might last in Ohio. This is due to the fact that there are often several factors at play in these cases that can influence the duration. These factors might include the complexity of the case, the caseload of the courts, and the availability of evidence.

Speak With a Trusted Massillon OVI Defense Lawyer Today

The experienced OVI lawyers at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder are here to help you or your loved one when facing OVI charges in Massillon, Ohio. We want to help you avoid the harsh penalties that can accompany a successful OVI conviction. Let us work with you during this difficult time and do everything in our power to defend you against these charges. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with our team.