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DUI Defense
Alcohol-related traffic charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI) and operating a vehicle while under the influence (OVI) can result in serious and lifelong consequences. Accordingly, it is important to consult with an experienced Ohio DUI defense attorney in order to learn your legal options and to protect your legal rights.
Ohio DUI Laws
In Ohio, there are two legal limits for blood alcohol level (BAC) – 0.08 and 0.17. If a driver has a BAC of 0.08, he or she is deemed to be “per se intoxicated,” which means that no additional proof of driving impairment is required. Additionally, if a person is found to have a BAC of 0.17 or higher, he or she will be subject to enhanced penalties. Drivers under the age of 21 must not have a BAC of 0.02 or higher.
Ohio DUI Penalties
Ohio has some of the strictest penalties for DUI/OVI in the country. Penalties for DUI/OVI can be severe, even for a first offense. If convicted, you could face license suspension, hefty fines, vehicle disablement, required OVI offender license plates, ignition interlock, and mandatory jail time. If you test over the legal limit or fail to submit to a breath alcohol test you face a mandatory minimum Administrative License Suspension (ALS) unless you correctly appeal the suspension.
Aside from court-mandated penalties, your insurance premiums will likely increase and drunk driving charges can do significant harm to your reputation. Court-imposed driving limitations may also impact your ability to get to and from work as well.
Get the Legal Help You Need
The most common method for testing BAC is a breathalyzer machine, many of which pose significant reliability problems. As an Ohio DUI defense attorney, Matthew Bangerter handles all matters related to the defense of your drunk driving charge, including challenging the reliability of breathalyzer equipment used, appearing in criminal court as your advocate, and negotiating with the prosecution to obtain a reduced sentence. As a skilled Ohio DUI attorney, Matthew Bangerter understands the Ohio drunk driving laws and he will strive to obtain a dismissal or reduction of charges against you, as well as the minimum available penalty. He understands that maintaining your driving privileges is of the utmost importance so he will seek to minimize or avoid any suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
As a knowledgeable Ohio DUI attorney, Matthew Bangerter understands the importance of a close examination of the evidence and circumstances surrounding your DUI charge, including the circumstances of the traffic stop, any BAC testing equipment used, and the contact with law enforcement officers. He will closely examine the circumstances surrounding your DUI charges to determine whether the police had probable cause to pull you over and whether the field sobriety and breathalyzer tests were properly administered.
If you have been charged with DUI/OVI or other alcohol-related crime, contact the Ohio DUI/OVI defense lawyer of Matthew Bangerter at (440) 306-3205 to schedule a consultation to discuss your DUI case.