Columbus Criminal Defense OVI DUI Lawyer

• Qualified instructor in standardized field sobriety testing
• Qualified practitioners of standardized field sobriety testing
• ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) qualified
• Successfully completed the Axion Labs Forensic DUID Course
• Successfully completed the Axion Labs Forensic Drug Analysis
• Successfully completed the Axion Labs Forensic Chromatography Theory and Practice
• Qualified as a senior operator of the BAC Datamaster by completing the National Patent BAC Datamaster, K, DMT and Basic Science of Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing Operation and Diagnostic Verification, modeled after the BAC Datamaster Supervisor Course

Our ability to utilize this skill in the courtroom has resulted in numerous awards and recognition, including the DUI Defense 2018 and 2020 U.S. News Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Central Ohio.
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We have lectured on OVI law at numerous local and national seminars. Teaching hundreds defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and police officers has earned us a reputation of knowledgeable aggression, and we gladly put that reputation on the line with every client we represent.

Call (614) 300-5088 today to get your FREE Columbus DUI Defense Evaluation!

Professional OVI Defense Lawyers in Columbus, OH

If you or your loved one were arrested for OVI in the Columbus area, act quickly to find legal representation. Sabol | Mallory has extensive training relating to OVI cases and aggressively defends against these charges.
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Our firm can work to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. We can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (614) 300-5088 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.

As Columbus OVI Attorneys, We Handle These Types of Cases:

• ‍First OVI
• Second OVI
• Third OVI
• Felony OVI
• Administrative License Suspension
• Marijuana OVI
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
• Refusal to Submit
• Underage OVI
• Commercial OVI

It is important to understand that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Many people assume that their arrests are the same as convictions, especially when they failed breath tests.

A prosecutor still has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Even if you failed a test, errors in how those tests were performed or equipment was maintained could invalidate the results and make the evidence inadmissible in court.

Call (614) 300-5088 today to get your FREE Columbus DUI Defense Evaluation!

Types of OVI Penalties in Columbus

OVI offenses carry increased penalties for repeat offenses. OVI offenses involve a 10-year “lookback period,” meaning that all other violations committed within the prior 10 years will be counted against an alleged offender.
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An alleged offender’s blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) can also be a significant factor in sentencing. In general, OVI offenses are punishable as follows in Ohio:

• First OVI in 10 years — First-degree misdemeanor punishable by three days to six months in jail, a fine of between $375 and $1,075, driver’s license suspension of up to three years, with possible driving privileges after 15 days.
• First OVI in 10 years with BAC of 0.17 or higher or test refusal with prior in 20 years — First-degree misdemeanor punishable by six days to six months in jail, a fine of between $375 and $1,075, driver’s license suspension of up to three years, with driving privileges possible after 15 days.
• Second OVI in 10 years — First-degree misdemeanor punishable by 10 days to six months in jail,  a fine of between $525 and $1,625, mandatory treatment, a driver’s license suspension of up to seven years, possible driving privileges after 45 days, and  an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related.
• Second OVI in 10 years with BAC of 0.17 or higher or test refusal with prior in 20 years  — First-degree misdemeanor punishable by 20 days to six months in jail, a fine of between $525 and $1,625, mandatory treatment, driver’s license suspension of up to seven years, driving privileges after 45 days, and an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related.
• Third OVI in 10 years — Unclassified misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in jail, a fine of between $850 and $2,750, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, a driver’s license suspension of up to 12 years, driving privileges after 180 days,  an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Third OVI in 10 years with BAC of 0.17 or higher or test refusal with prior in 20 years  — Unclassified misdemeanor punishable by 60 days to one year in jail, a fine of between $850 and $2,750, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, driver’s license suspension of up to 12 years, driving privileges after 180 days, an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Fourth or Fifth OVI in 10 years, or Sixth OVI in 20 years  — Fourth-degree felony punishable by 60 days to one year in prison, a fine of between $1,350 and $10,500, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, a driver’s license suspension of up to life, driving privileges after three years, an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Fourth or Fifth OVI in 10 years, or Sixth OVI in 20 years with BAC of 0.17 or higher or test refusal with prior in 20 years — Fourth-degree felony punishable by 120 days to one year in prison, a fine of between $1,350 and $10,500, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, driver’s license suspension of up to life, driving privileges after three years, an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Second Felony OVI Lifetime — Third-degree felony punishable by 60 days to 36 months in prison , a fine of between $1,350 and $10,500, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, a driver’s license suspension of up to life, driving privileges after three years, an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
• Second Felony OVI Lifetime with BAC of 0.17 or higher or test refusal with prior in 20 years — Third-degree felony punishable by 120 days to 36 months in prison, a fine of between $1,350 and $10,500, mandatory alcohol/drug addiction program, a driver’s license suspension of up to life, driving privileges after three years, an interlock device is required if the offense was alcohol-related, and possible vehicle forfeiture.

Call (614) 300-5088 today to get your FREE Columbus DUI Defense Evaluation!

Columbus, OH OVI/DUI Resources

Central Ohio Group Fellowship — The Central Ohio Group Fellowship identifies itself as the third-oldest Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group in the world. The group states that its “primary purpose is to assist AA groups in Central and Southeastern Ohio in carrying the Alcoholics Anonymous message to those who still suffer from alcoholism,” and the only requirement for membership in AA is a desire to stop drinking. Use this website to learn about AA and also find the times and locations of meetings.
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Central Ohio Group Fellowship
651 W. Broad St.Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 253-8501
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First Offense OVI | State of Ohio BMV — The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees driver and motor vehicle licensing and registration. This website outlines many of the penalties of an OVI arrest in Ohio, including information on physical control, underage offenses, and habitual drug and alcohol use. You can also learn about the differences between in-state and out-of-state suspensions.
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Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 W. Broad St.Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268

Call (614) 300-5088 today to get your FREE Columbus DUI Defense Evaluation!

Consult with Our Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

Were you or your loved one recently arrested for OVI in or around Columbus? You will want to be certain that you have an experienced and dedicated criminal defense lawyer to handle your case. As criminal defense attorneys, we typically deal with the following types of cases:

• Arrest
• Criminal investigation
• Criminal charges
• Sentencing
• Appeals
• Post-trial issues

Sabol Mallory LLC defends people accused of OVI in communities throughout the greater Columbus area.

Call (614) 300-5088 today to get your FREE Columbus OVI Defense Evaluation!

Frequently Asked Questions – Columbus OVIs

What Is A DUI/OVI Defined As?

“Driving under the influence (DUI) is the offense of driving, operating, or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs (including recreational drugs and those prescribed by physicians), to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely.” – Walsh, J. Michael; Gier, Johan J.; Christopherson, Asborg S.; Verstraete, Alain G. Drugs, Driving and Traffic Safety

Are a DUI, DWI, and OVI the Same Thing?

The name of the offense varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from legal to colloquial terminology. In the United States, the specific criminal offense is usually called driving under the influence, but in some states “driving while intoxicated” (DWI), “operating while impaired” (OWI) or “operating while ability impaired”, “operating a vehicle under the influence” (OVI), etc. – Kenneth W. Wanberg; Harvey B. Milkman; David S. Timken

Can You Be Arrested for OVI Even If You’re Not Actually Driving the Vehicle?

The criminal offense may not involve actual driving of the vehicle, but rather may broadly include being physically “in control” of a car while intoxicated, even if the person charged is not in the act of driving. – Voas, Robert B.; Lacey, John H.

A person found in the driver’s seat of a car while intoxicated and holding the car keys, even while parked, for example, may be charged with DUI, because he or she is in control of the vehicle.

How Can a Columbus OVI Lawyer Aid in Defending Your DUI Charge?

If you’ve been pulled over and accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Columbus, Ohio, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of Ohio’s laws and the justice system. An experienced Columbus OVI lawyer from a reputable law firm specializes in DUI defense and understands how law enforcement conducts breath testing, uses breathalyzers, and administers field sobriety tests. With knowledge of the courts in Columbus, Ohio, your attorney will work diligently to challenge any chemical test results that could potentially result in an OVI conviction.

A knowledgeable defense attorney recognizes the difference between a misdemeanor and felony DUI charges and will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are upheld. By hiring an OVI attorney, you give yourself the best opportunity to plead not guilty, effectively reducing the vehicular offense’s impact on your life. It’s essential to know that driving under the influence is a serious offense, but with the right OVI lawyer in Columbus, OH, you’re arming yourself with a strong defense.

Why is Hiring a Defense Attorney Essential for DUI Charges in Columbus, Ohio?

Navigating the complex realm of DUI laws in Columbus, Ohio, requires a seasoned defense lawyer’s expertise. When faced with DUI charges, you might come across legal terms such as administrative license suspension, which denotes the immediate seizing of a license after a failed or refused breath test. Moreover, understanding the nuances between a DUI charge and conviction and the associated pleas can be overwhelming. In such circumstances, DUI attorneys with experience in criminal law and a proven track record in DUI cases become invaluable.

They comprehend the specific procedures used by Columbus law enforcement, such as breathalyzers and other alcohol-related testing. It’s vital to remember that a DUI charge isn’t just about alcohol; it encompasses other violations like drugged driving. Hence, collaborating with a defense attorney from a Columbus law firm specializing in DUI and OVI law ensures your case gets the dedicated and professional attention it deserves.

What Makes DUI and OVI Defense Lawyers in Columbus Stand Out?

The city of Columbus, Ohio, boasts a wealth of attorneys. Yet, when it comes to DUI and OVI offenses, it’s imperative to seek a lawyer who’s well-versed with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ guidelines. Such defense attorneys come equipped with specialized training, allowing them to challenge breath testing devices and chemical test procedures.

This expertise in DUI law is critical, given that Columbus courts often deal with vehicular cases involving drunk driving or driving under the influence. An attorney’s understanding of the difference between DUI and OVI, combined with their extensive knowledge of Columbus, OH’s legal landscape, provides clients with unparalleled legal services, ensuring they’re aptly defended against any DUI or OVI charge.