Facing an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge in Ohio can be overwhelming. The legal system is complex, and the consequences of a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. Whether it’s your first offense or you have faced similar charges in the past, having the right help by your side is critical. Navigating through the legal process can be confusing, and you might not know where to start. This is where an experienced OVI lawyer comes in. Understanding how a lawyer can assist you in handling your case can make all the difference in your future.
An OVI charge in Ohio involves accusations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is taken seriously by law enforcement and courts because it involves potential risks to others on the road. However, being charged with an OVI does not mean you are automatically guilty. There are ways to defend against these charges, and a lawyer who understands Ohio OVI laws can provide the legal assistance you need. Sabol Mallory LLC provides skilled legal representation to guide you through the complexities of OVI cases and protect your rights.
Dan Sabol
Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.
Chase Mallory
Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Meet the lawyers who make up the legal team at Sabol Mallory LLC. Read their individual bios and get to know more about their education, experience and accolades.
Learn more about our teamUnderstanding Ohio OVI Laws
Ohio has strict OVI laws designed to discourage impaired driving. If you are caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with an OVI. The penalties for an OVI in Ohio depend on several factors, including whether it is your first offense or a repeated one. The severity of the penalties increases with each subsequent offense, which can include fines, jail time, and license suspension.
In addition to alcohol-related OVI charges, Ohio also penalizes drivers found to be under the influence of drugs. This can include prescription medications or illegal substances. It is important to remember that even if you have a legal prescription for medication, you could still face an OVI charge if the drugs impair your ability to drive safely.
The Role of an OVI Lawyer
An experienced OVI lawyer knows the ins and outs of Ohio’s legal system. They understand the complexities of the law and can use that knowledge to build a strong defense for you. Without proper representation, you might not be aware of all the options available to you, and that could result in harsher penalties.
One of the first things your lawyer will do is examine the details of your case. They will look at the evidence presented against you and determine if it was obtained legally. If the police made any mistakes during the arrest, your lawyer could argue that the evidence should be thrown out. For example, if the breathalyzer test was not administered correctly, this could weaken the prosecution’s case.
An OVI lawyer can also help you understand your rights. Many people charged with an OVI are unfamiliar with the legal process and don’t know that they have rights that must be respected during an arrest. Your lawyer will ensure that law enforcement followed all proper procedures and will fight to protect your rights throughout the process.
How a Lawyer Can Challenge Evidence
One of the key ways an OVI lawyer can help your case is by challenging the evidence against you. OVI cases often rely heavily on breathalyzer or blood test results to prove that the driver was impaired. However, these tests are not foolproof. There are many factors that could lead to inaccurate results, and a skilled lawyer will know how to challenge the validity of these tests.
For instance, if the breathalyzer device was not calibrated properly, the results may not be accurate. Additionally, some medical conditions can affect breathalyzer readings. Your lawyer will carefully review the evidence and consult with specialists to determine if there are any flaws in the case against you.
Field sobriety tests are another form of evidence that might be used in an OVI case. These tests, which often involve walking in a straight line or balancing on one leg, can be unreliable. Factors like weather conditions, uneven ground, or even nervousness can lead to poor performance on these tests. Your lawyer can question the accuracy of field sobriety tests and argue that they do not provide reliable evidence of impairment.
Client
Testimonials
Learn what our clients have to say about the work of Sabol Mallory. If you have any questions or need legal help for a criminal charge, please reach out to us right away.
Chase Mallory is incredible. He is wonderful to work with and knows exactly what to do to help his clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. I highly recommend hiring Chase to help fight your battles. Bless you!
- Erin R.
Dan Sabol is probably the best attorney I've ever worked with. Very professional and worked hard to get the best results possible. He will be the first person I call if I need a lawyer again. If you find yourself in a sticky situation make sure you give him a ring.
- Christopher R.
I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Chase and I am very grateful!! They did amazing work to help me on my case. They are very helpful and get back with you in a timely manner whenever I had questions for them, which was very nice and reassuring.
- Jessica H.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
In some OVI cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal. A plea deal is an agreement between you and the prosecution where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for reduced penalties. While you may not want to admit guilt, sometimes a plea deal is the best way to minimize the impact of an OVI charge.
Your lawyer will be able to negotiate on your behalf, working to secure a deal that reduces your penalties. For instance, they may be able to have the charge reduced to reckless driving, which carries less severe consequences than an OVI. Without a lawyer advocating for you, you might not know that this option exists, or you could end up with a less favorable deal.
A good OVI lawyer will discuss all your options with you and help you decide the best course of action for your particular case. Whether it involves taking the case to trial or negotiating a plea deal, they will make sure you understand all potential outcomes before making any decisions.
How an OVI Lawyer Can Help at Trial
If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer by your side is crucial. Trial procedures are complicated, and without proper legal representation, it can be difficult to navigate the court system. Your lawyer will present your defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and cross-examine witnesses on your behalf.
In addition to challenging evidence, your lawyer will also work to present alternative explanations for any signs of impairment. For example, if you failed a field sobriety test because of a medical condition, your lawyer can bring in testimony from a medical specialist to explain this to the jury. This can cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and may lead to an acquittal.
Having an experienced lawyer who knows how to build a strong defense can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Without proper legal guidance, you might not know how to defend yourself effectively, and this could result in a conviction with significant consequences.
The Consequences of an OVI Conviction
An OVI conviction in Ohio carries serious consequences. Even for a first offense, you could face fines, jail time, and a license suspension. A conviction will also remain on your driving record for years, which can lead to higher insurance rates and difficulty finding employment in certain fields.
For repeat offenses, the penalties are even more severe. You could face longer jail sentences, larger fines, and a longer license suspension. You may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car, which prevents you from starting the vehicle if alcohol is detected on your breath.
These consequences can have a lasting impact on your life, which is why it is so important to fight an OVI charge with the help of a lawyer. Your lawyer will work to minimize the impact of the charge and protect your future.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
When choosing a lawyer to handle your OVI case, it is important to find someone with experience in Ohio OVI laws. You want a lawyer who understands the local legal system and has a track record of successfully defending clients against OVI charges.
A good lawyer will take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your case and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. They will communicate with you regularly, keeping you informed of any developments in your case and helping you make the best decisions for your future.
While facing an OVI charge can be stressful, knowing that you have a lawyer by your side who is looking out for your best interests can make the process easier. With the right legal representation, you can fight the charge and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.
If you are facing an OVI charge in Ohio, it is essential to have experienced legal representation to guide you through the process. The consequences of an OVI conviction can be serious, but with the right lawyer by your side, you can fight the charge and protect your future. Sabol & Mallory Law Firm can provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. To discuss your case, contact Sabol & Mallory for more information.