Dayton DUI Lawyers

Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys in Dayton Protecting the Rights of the Accused

 Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in the state of Ohio that can result in severe consequences. In Ohio, the criminal offense associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is called “operating a vehicle impaired,” or “OVI,” which is equivalent to the more common DUI or DWI offense in other states.

Regardless of what you call it, if you are facing allegations of drunk driving, it’s in your best interest to contact the VanNoy Firm as soon as you can. Our defense attorney knows how serious drunk driving charges can be and work hard to protect our clients’ legal rights. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a DUI lawyer in Dayton regarding your criminal defense.

An Ohio OVI Conviction Can result in Severe Legal and Collateral Consequences

Over the years, the consequences associated with an OVI conviction have gotten progressively stricter. If you are convicted, you could face serious legal penalties, including:

• The loss of your driver’s licenses
• Probation
• Community service
• Mandatory drug and alcohol education
• The installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
• Significant fines
• Jail time

As a defendant, it’s important to keep in mind that the consequences of DUI do not end with the sentence handed down with the court. If a court convicts you of OVI, it will go on your criminal record, which can have a negative and lasting impact on nearly every aspect of your life. 

For example, as most employers these days make a standard background check part of the job application process, an OVI conviction can hurt your chances of securing employment and will come up every time you apply for a job. Likewise, if you are a student, you may be facing sanctions from your school, including expulsion. These collateral consequences are often more serious than any sentence imposed by the court, so it’s critical to try an avoid a conviction whenever possible.

Ohio DUI Defenses

If the police have arrested you for drunk driving, it’s easy to feel like you do not have any options. Fortunately, in many DUI cases, there are defenses available that can allow defendants to avoid a conviction. Some of the most common include:

• Questioning the accuracy of the breathalyzer test results 
• Claiming that the initial traffic stop was unconstitutional
• Introducing evidence that there were alternative reasons for the signs of intoxication observed by the arresting officer

Even if these defenses are unavailable in your case, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor handling your case that allows you to avoid an OVI conviction. Because of this, a lawyer should always review your case, even if you think that you are going to end up pleading guilty.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Case Evaluation with a DUI Defense Attorney in Dayton

If you have an OVI charge in the Dayton area, you are facing extremely serious penalties that could have an effect on the rest of your life. The VanNoy Firm is committed to helping people accused of crimes move forward with their lives and resolving every case we handle as favorably as possible. To schedule a consultation with a DUI defense lawyer in Dayton, please contact us today.