How to Build a Solid OVI Defense

The State of Ohio takes OVI offenses very seriously even on the first offense.  If you have been arrested for OVI in Ohio, it is wise to begin building a solid defense from the first moment you’re able. 

How do you build a solid defense? In consultation with skilled, experienced legal counsel, discuss the circumstances of your life. Are you a solid citizen? Is this your first or maybe even only encounter with the law? Do you have stable employment? Are you involved with your community? You may not think these factors matter at all, but they can impact and may possibly mitigate the circumstances. 

Talk to your attorney about the circumstances of the incident. Where were you drinking and with whom? How many drinks and what kind of drinks did you have? Did you eat? How long were you at the bar?

Now be sure to talk about the circumstances of the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. Procedures and conduct of the law enforcement officer are a critical component to the legality of your arrest and any testing which may or may not have been done in accordance with Ohio State law.

If you were given a breathalyzer in the field, or any field sobriety testing (such as walking on a straight line, or balancing on one leg) be sure to tell your attorney that information. A skilled professional legal representative may be able to discern from your description of the testing whether the tests were appropriately administered. Also, following your arrest, if any chemical tests such blood, breath, or urine were performed, inform your attorney of that fact and what the results were if known.

Even a first OVI conviction will earn you court ordered suspension, which will be between six months and three years. Further, penalties for the first time offense are set according to your blood alcohol content (BAC) level.  If the BAC was between .08% and .17%, there is a mandatory three-day jail stay.

An OVI conviction can cost more than $16,000 depending on circumstances.  If you’re

being accused of OVI in Columbus, Ohio, you need the representation of a skilled and trusted attorney.  The Maher Law Firm can help make sure that your rights are protected. Founding attorney, Colin Maher is a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certified practitioner for field sobriety testing, which is the same training police officers take. This training helps him evaluate and challenge the evidence collection involved in the field sobriety test process. Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.