When you make the decision to get behind the wheel after you have had a few drinks, you are risking your own life, as well as the lives of all the other people on the road. If you are caught driving under the influence (DUI) the penalty can be harsh, especially in Ohio, where your license can be suspended for a minimum of 6 months, and up to three years, depending on your case. You could also face an operating a vehicle intoxicated (OVI) charge in Ohio that will cost you anywhere from $250 to $1000.
DUI laws by state vary, but for the most part, an DUI will get your license suspended, and you will typically have to pay a fee similar to Ohio’s. In addition, having a DUI on your record can severely affect your chances of securing employment, obtaining loans, and many other future opportunities. In this case, it would be advisable to contact a federal criminal defense lawyer.
A top criminal defense attorney will know how the laws in your state work, and be able to get you the best settlement possible. They can contact witnesses to your DUI, analyze videos, and even challenge your breathalyzer test results. Once they have put together all the evidence from the case, they will try to work with the courts to reduce the charges, and get you back on the road once more.
But once you are driving again, keep in mind that being charged with more than one DUI can result in heavier fines, complete revocation of your license, and even incarceration. There are repeat offenders in every state who have faced extremely steep charges. In fact, there are two people in Ohio that share the record for the most OVI convictions at 20 a piece. They have had their license suspended several times.
The best thing to do would be to take your DUI charge in stride, get help from a federal criminal defense lawyer, and hit the roads again completely sober. Not only will you save yourself thousands of dollars in fees, you will also be saving yourself and others from serious harm.