Stow OVI Lawyer

Stow OVI Attorney

An OVI charge (operating a vehicle impaired) can throw a major wrench in your life. This charge can come with several severe penalties, including jail time and large fines. Whether this is your first incident with the law or a repeat situation, the consequences can impact your employment, threatening jobs with employers like Huntington National Bank or Western Reserve Hospital. A Stow OVI lawyer can review your case and help defend you.

At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, our attorneys have been serving clients across the state of Ohio since 2008. We have the experience necessary to defend you against OVI charges. Law enforcement in Stow takes OVI incidents very seriously, especially along hotspots like Darrow Road, Stow Road, or near places like On Tap Stow or the local high schools. If you have been charged with an OVI in Stow, we are here to help.

Defining an OVI Charge in Stow, Ohio

Since 2020, the state of Ohio has seen nearly 84,000 OVI arrests issued by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In Ohio, the term “OVI” is used in place of the more familiar term “DUI.” An OVI refers to the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Ohio prosecutors take these charges very seriously, and you need an attorney who takes your defense with just as much gravitas.

To better understand the charges and potential penalties you are up against, you should understand the legal definition of an OVI in Stow. An individual might be arrested for operating their vehicle impaired given the following circumstances:

• Being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both substances.
• Being age 21 or older and having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• Being under the legal drinking age and having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or higher.
• Driving under the influence of certain illegal or controlled substances, such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, and even some prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.

Legal and Personal Consequences of an OVI Charge in Stow

When facing OVI charges in Stow, it’s wise to make yourself aware of the penalties you might face if you are successfully convicted. The legal penalties you face, such as potential jail time or fines, will be based on several factors, including the existence of any prior convictions on your record, the exact level of your BAC, and whether or not there were any aggravating circumstances in your case, such as having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the OVI.

In general, you can expect the following legal penalties in your OVI case:

• First OVI offense. If an individual is successfully convicted of a first OVI offense, they may face fines ranging anywhere between $375 to $1,075, three days to six months in jail, a criminal license suspension lasting anywhere between six months and three years, and no chance of obtaining limited driving privilege within at least 15 days of their conviction.
• Second OVI offense. An individual convicted of a second OVI offense can face anywhere from 10 days to six months in jail, fines totaling anywhere between $525 and $1,625, mandatory drug and alcohol classes, vehicle immobilization for up to 90 days, and mandatory use of yellow license plates and an ignition interlock device.
• Multiple OVI offenses. Individuals with multiple OVI offenses on their record may face 30 days to one year in jail, fines totaling between $850 and $2,750, mandatory alcohol or drug treatment, license suspension for two to five years, and the revocation of their driver’s license.

Keep in mind that there are several other consequences that might impact your personal life if you are successfully convicted. You may find it more difficult to gain new employment with an OVI conviction on your criminal record, especially if the job you are applying for requires you to drive.

Finding housing may also be an issue. Managers of rental properties may be less inclined to accept your application if you have a conviction on your criminal record.

Your insurance could be negatively impacted as well. If you are successfully convicted of an OVI, your car insurance rates will most likely go up, resulting in a large financial burden.

FAQs

What Is Annie’s Law in Ohio?

In 2017, Annie’s Law was signed into the Ohio state legislature. This law was named after Annie Rooney, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2013. This law works to ensure that even first-time OVI offenders with a BAC of 0.08% or higher have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle for at least six months.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Ohio?

You can refuse a breathalyzer test in Ohio, but doing so could result in severe penalties. If you refuse a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop under suspicion of operating a vehicle impaired, your license may be immediately suspended for a substantial amount of time. This refusal could also be used against you if charges are filed.

Can an OVI Conviction Ruin My Chances of Getting into College?

Yes, a successful OVI conviction can potentially ruin your chances of getting into college. Many colleges will want to know whether or not you have a criminal history and may be more inclined to deny your application if they see an OVI conviction on your record. It’s important to work with a reputable defense lawyer to try to avoid a conviction.

What Should I Do After an OVI Arrest in Stow?

After an OVI arrest in Stow, the right thing for you to do is politely cooperate but remain silent. Do not speak with law enforcement or make any kind of verbal or written statement until your Stow OVI attorney arrives. With that said, contact a trusted loved one to ensure that an attorney gets to you while you are at the police station.

Speak With a Fierce OVI Defense Attorney in Stow Today

When facing OVI charges in Stow, Ohio, it is in your interest to contact an attorney. At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, we can fight these charges and secure a favorable case resolution. Call our office today for more information and to schedule your initial consultation.