If you’ve found yourself facing a felony OVI charge in Ohio, you are in the right place. You may feel scared, confused, or even angry. These feelings are normal. Many people in your shoes don’t know what to expect or where to turn. This can feel overwhelming, especially when the law is hard to understand. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We know how serious these charges are, and we’re here to guide you. Our goal is to help you understand what is happening and to give you hope that this doesn’t have to ruin your future.
What OVI Means in Ohio
In Ohio, OVI means Operating a Vehicle while Impaired. It is what other states might call DUI or DWI. It means someone is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ohio law takes this very seriously. The state believes driving while impaired can hurt or kill people, so the rules and penalties are tough.
When someone is charged with an OVI for the first or second time, it’s usually a misdemeanor. That means it’s still serious, but it’s not the most severe level of crime. But if you already have OVI convictions or if certain things happened during the incident, the charge can become a felony. Felony charges come with stronger punishments, and they can change your life forever.
When an OVI Becomes a Felony
An OVI becomes a felony in a few situations. One of the most common is when someone has been convicted of OVI two or more times in the past ten years. Another way it becomes a felony is if you’ve had five or more OVI convictions in your lifetime. Also, if you were previously convicted of a felony OVI and you get charged again, that new charge is also a felony.
Sometimes, the situation during the traffic stop can make the charge worse. For example, if you were driving drunk and hurt or killed someone, the charge can be upgraded. These kinds of cases are more complicated and come with serious consequences.
What Can Happen If Convicted of Felony OVI
A felony OVI conviction in Ohio can bring harsh penalties. The possible punishment depends on how many past convictions you have and other details of the case. But in general, a person could face time in prison, fines that can be thousands of dollars, and a long suspension of their driver’s license. Sometimes, people must install a special device in their car that checks their breath before they can drive. This is called an ignition interlock device.
The court can also order that your car be taken away. That means the state can keep your vehicle and not give it back. You may also have to take part in treatment programs for drug or alcohol addiction. Some people are ordered to wear a special bracelet that checks for alcohol use all the time.
These penalties are not just short-term. A felony stays on your record and can affect your job, your ability to drive, and even your housing. That is why it is so important to take these charges seriously and get the right help.
How Police and Prosecutors Handle These Cases
When police stop someone for suspected OVI, they usually ask questions, perform field tests, and may ask for a breath or blood test. If they believe you were impaired, they will make an arrest. After that, the prosecutor looks at your record and the facts of the case to decide how to charge you. If you have past convictions, the prosecutor may file felony charges.
Prosecutors are often strict with felony OVI cases. They may push for prison time or other harsh penalties. They want to show that driving impaired is dangerous and will not be tolerated. But this does not mean the case is hopeless. There are ways to fight the charges or reduce the penalties.
What a Good Defense Can Do
Every OVI case is different. A good defense starts by looking closely at the details of the traffic stop. Was there a legal reason to pull you over? Did the officer follow the right steps? Were the tests done properly? Sometimes, mistakes are made. These mistakes can lead to evidence being thrown out.
It’s also important to look at how the tests were given and if the equipment was working correctly. In some cases, people have medical issues that can affect breath or blood test results. Other times, the officer may not have had proper training.
In court, a defense lawyer can argue these points. They can also work to lower the charge or arrange for treatment instead of prison. In some cases, they can get the case dismissed altogether.
Why This Charge Can Be Life-Changing
A felony OVI is more than just a traffic offense. It can change your entire future. If you go to prison, you lose time with your family and your job. Once you have a felony on your record, it can be hard to find work. Employers often do background checks, and many do not want to hire someone with a felony.
Even after you’ve served your time or completed your sentence, the record follows you. It can stop you from getting a loan, finding a place to live, or going back to school. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and get the right help.
What You Should Do Next
If you or someone you love is facing a felony OVI charge, the first step is to talk to a lawyer. Time is important. The sooner you get help, the more time there is to build a strong defense. Even if you think the evidence looks bad, there may still be a way to fight the case or reduce the harm.
A lawyer can explain your rights and what will happen next. They can go to court with you, talk to the judge and prosecutor, and stand up for your side. Having someone on your team who understands how these cases work can make a big difference.
We Are Here to Help
At Sabol & Mallory, we know that facing a felony OVI charge can feel like your whole world is falling apart. You may be full of worry about what will happen to you, your family, and your future. That’s why we take every case seriously and treat every client with care. We understand the law and how to use it to help you. If you are facing this charge, don’t wait. Reach out to us today and let us stand with you during this time. Together, we can work toward a better outcome and give you the support you need to move forward.