Dayton DUI Lawyer

Dayton DUI Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge in Ohio, it is a big deal that you should allow the legal attention it deserves. The truth is that not only is a conviction costly financially, but it can also lead to a suspended driver’s license and even to jail time. This is not to mention the social consequences you are likely to experience. If this is the situation you find yourself in, it’s time to consult with an experienced Dayton DUI lawyer. 

Operating a Vehicle under the Influence

In Ohio, DUI is addressed as OVI – operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs – but the meaning and significance of the charge are no different. In order to charge you with DUI, the police have two options and one involves using a blood, breath, or urine test, and the other involves observation. Let’s take a closer look. 

Testing

To levy a charge of DUI against you, the arresting officer has to establish that your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the legal limit (which is 0.08 percent in the State of Ohio and in nearly every other state). In other words, the officer need not prove that you were actually impaired by the alcohol in your system – he or she needs only a reading. It’s important to note, however, that the police do need probable cause for testing you in the first place (which means that they have a plausible reason for believing you may be impaired). BAC is determined by a chemical test that can include any of the following:

• A breath test (known as a breathalyzer)
• A blood test (typically the most accurate)
• A urine test

Impaired Driving

The fact is that the police do not have to obtain an over-the-limit reading to charge you with DUI – they have other tricks up their sleeves. If the officer testifies that you were driving erratically, that he or she smelled alcohol on your breath, that you had bloodshot and/or glassy eyes, and/or that you performed poorly on the field sobriety tests administered, it can be enough to bring a DUI charge. 

Penalties

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Ohio are especially steep and include (for a first offense):

• Driver’s license suspension (which you can also face if you refuse to take a chemical test after arrest – in addition to the suspension associated with a conviction)
• From three days to six months in jail 
• Fines of from $375 to $1,075

If your BAC is exceptionally high, it can enhance the penalties you face. 

Consult with an Experienced Dayton DUI Lawyer Today

If you are facing a DUI (OVI) charge, the formidable Dayton DUI lawyers at The VanNoy Firm have a wealth of impressive experience guiding cases like yours toward beneficial resolutions that uphold our clients’ legal rights. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us for more information today.