Willoughby DUI Lawyer

Willoughby Defense DUI Attorney

An OVI or DUI charge can be serious and bring severe penalties. Ohio laws are clear regarding these crimes. You need someone on your side who understands the legal process and your rights in such matters.

The team at Fortress Law Group your trusted Willoughby DUI defense lawyer, will look at all the evidence and details of your arrest to build an effective defense.

Though you could face jail time and fines, we can explore ways to help you avoid or lighten the consequences.

OVI/DUI Definitions in Ohio

In Willoughby, Ohio, the charge of operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) is the name for what many people commonly call “DUI” or driving under the influence. There is no separate “DUI” offense in Ohio, so OVI would be the applicable charge. In either case, the charge means you were found to have operated a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

At Fortress Law Group, we defend good people accused of bad things. Contact our team today for a case evaluation.

Penalties For OVI/DUI In Ohio

It’s important to understand the penalties you could face if you are guilty of an OVI or DUI. The consequences become more serious for multiple offenses. For example, the mandatory minimum penalty for a first-offense OVI charge in Ohio is 3 days in jail, a 6-month suspension of your driver’s license, and a significant fine. The minimum 3-day stay in jail could be replaced with an alternative program.

For a second OVI offense, the minimum license suspension or revocation is 1 year. Depending on the details of your second OVI offense, you may be charged with a more serious misdemeanor or felony, which may lead to several months of jail time, license suspension for several years, and a significant fine.

For the third OVI offense, minimum license suspension or revocation is 2 years, with possible vehicle confiscation. There is mandatory alcohol education, assessment, and treatment for each of these offenses, and an ignition interlock device (IID) may also be installed.

Be aware that other charges can accompany an OVI or a DUI offense. If you have minors with you who also have alcohol in their possession, you could face stiffer penalties. These include child endangerment. Repeat OVI offenses can result in felony charges and prison terms.

What You Should And Shouldn’t Do At A Traffic Stop In Ohio

A competent Willoughby DUI defense attorney will review your arrest and determine the best course for you. But before you ever face this situation, you should understand how to act when a police officer pulls you over. Your actions can significantly affect whether you are charged with an OVI or a DUI and what the penalties might be.

First, pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as an officer signals for you to do so. You shouldn’t volunteer any information to the officer. Remain calm, and be polite.

Officers will often request drivers perform roadside tests such as walking in a straight line (the Walk and Turn), standing on one foot (the One Leg Stand), or following the movement of the officer’s finger with your eyes (the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus), but you can refuse these roadside tests.

Contact Fortress Law Group today for a consultation if you face OVI or DUI charges.