If arrested for DUI or OVI in Cincinnati, you need experienced Cincinnati OVI lawyers to protect your rights. At Moermond & Mulligan, LLC, our dedicated team of OVI / DUI defense lawyers has the knowledge and skill necessary to aggressively defend your case and minimize the potential consequences of a conviction.
Understanding DUI Charges / OVI Charges in Cincinnati
In Ohio, people often call driving under the influence “operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).” People also commonly refer to it as “driving under the influence (DUI).” A DUI charge, regardless of terminology, demands urgent attention from a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Ohio law establishes a legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent. If they catch you driving with a BAC above this limit, they could charge you with OVI. However, even with a BAC under .08%, erratic driving can still lead to an OVI charge.
If you’re pulled over on suspicion of OVI, the police officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests. Examples of field sobriety tests include walking in a straight line or standing on one leg. The officers can also ask you to take a breathalyzer test, which measures your BAC. It’s important to note that you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests. However, refusing a breathalyzer can suspend your license for a year, regardless of OVI conviction.
A DUI charge can lead to a criminal conviction, which has long-lasting consequences on your driving record and personal life.
If you’re charged with OVI in Cincinnati, the consequences can be severe. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled OVI/DUI defense lawyer on your side. With an experienced attorney, you can challenge evidence and seek the best case outcome. Your lawyer can investigate your arrest, challenge tests, and negotiate for reduced charges.
In addition to challenging the evidence against you, your lawyer can use defenses against your OVI charges. For example, your lawyer might challenge the traffic stop, sobriety tests, or breathalyzer accuracy to defend against drunk driving charges. Your OVI/DUI defense lawyer could negotiate a plea deal or potentially dismiss charges.
The DUI Arrest Process in Cincinnati
A DUI arrest in Cincinnati can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Understanding the process can help you navigate the situation more effectively. When a police officer pulls you over for suspected DUI, they will typically ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. The officer may also request that you step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg.
If the officer believes you are under the influence, you will be arrested and taken to the police station for booking and processing. This includes taking your fingerprints, photographs, and personal information. A DUI arrest in Cincinnati can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek the help of an experienced Cincinnati OVI attorney to protect your rights and defend your case.
Penalties for OVI/DUI
If Cincinnati convicts you of OVI, you could face various penalties. These can include fines, jail time, and license suspension. Penalty severity varies based on BAC level, prior convictions, and if an accident occurred while impaired.
In some cases, a DUI charge can be elevated to a felony DUI, which carries even more severe penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
Here are some of the potential penalties you could face if convicted of OVI in Cincinnati:
- Fines: First-time OVI offenders can face fines of up to $1,075, while repeat offenders can face fines of up to $10,500. Additionally, you might have to pay court costs and other fees related to your case.
- Jail Time: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could face anywhere from three days to six months in jail for a first-time OVI offense. Repeat offenders can face up to one year in jail.
- License Suspension: OVI convictions can result in license suspension ranging from six months to three years for a first offense and up to 10 years for repeat offenses. You may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle.
- Probation: You may be placed on probation following an OVI conviction. Probation can include requirements such as attending alcohol treatment programs, submitting to random drug and alcohol tests, and avoiding further criminal activity.
- Community Service: You may be required to perform community service as part of your sentence for OVI.
- Other Penalties: Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could also face other penalties, such as mandatory vehicle immobilization or impoundment, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, or the requirement to attend victim impact panels.
In addition to these legal penalties, an OVI/DUI conviction can also have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life. For example, you may have difficulty obtaining employment or housing, and your insurance rates may increase significantly.
That’s why it’s so important to take OVI/DUI charges seriously and to seek the help of an experienced OVI/DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. With the right legal representation, you may be able to challenge the evidence against you, negotiate a plea deal, or even have your charges dismissed altogether.
What to Expect in Cincinnati DUI Court
Facing DUI charges in Cincinnati can be daunting, but understanding the court process can help you prepare. The process typically begins with an arraignment, where you are formally charged and asked to enter a plea. Following the arraignment, the case may proceed to a pre-trial hearing, where the prosecution and defense discuss the evidence and potential plea deals.
If your case goes to trial, the prosecution will present its evidence, and your defense attorney will present your case. A DUI conviction in Cincinnati can result in severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. It’s essential to have an experienced DUI lawyer in Cincinnati by your side to defend your case and protect your rights throughout the process.
Choosing the Right Cincinnati DUI Lawyer for Your Case
Selecting the right lawyer for your DUI case in Cincinnati is crucial. A skilled and experienced Cincinnati DUI attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. When choosing a DUI lawyer, consider their experience, reputation, and track record of success. Find a lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced, familiar with Illinois DUI laws, and has a strong grasp of the criminal justice system.
A good Cincinnati OVI lawyer should offer a free consultation, explain the charges against you, and outline a defense strategy. Settle not for a lawyer who lacks experience in DUI defense or who does not commit to defending your rights. Choose a lawyer dedicated to providing you with the best possible representation and who will fight to protect your freedoms.
Why Choose Moermond & Mulligan, LLC for Your OVI Defense?
At Moermond & Mulligan, LLC, an OVI attorney in Cincinnati understand the serious nature of OVI charges in Cincinnati. That’s why we work diligently to protect our clients’ rights, regardless of case complexity.
Selecting the right DUI attorneys in Cincinnati for your case is crucial. Our CH have a deep understanding of Ohio’s OVI laws, as well as the strategies and tactics that are most effective in defending these types of cases. We will carefully review all of the evidence against you, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and other key information, to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
When considering a DUI lawyer, it’s important to understand the DUI lawyer’s cost, which can range from $3,500 to $6,000 for reputable representation. From there, we will collaborate with you to craft a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. We’ll fight for your rights, whether negotiating, suppressing evidence, or going to trial.
Contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC for a Free Consultation on DUI Charges
If you’re facing OVI/DUI charges in Cincinnati, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Cincinnati OVI lawyers and traffic offense lawyers.
During your consultation, our team of attorneys will review the details of your case. We can also provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. Our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys also explain our approach to defending OVI cases, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your future.
Don’t face OVI charges in Cincinnati alone. Contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC today to get the help you need to protect your rights and future. Using our decades of experience, our OVI lawyers in Cincinnati can get you the legal representation you need.