DUI Defense Lawyers Dayton

DUI Defense Lawyers Dayton

An Ohio charge of driving under the influence (DUI) – also called operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI) – is a serious charge that can lead to very serious penalties. In addition to steep fines and potential jail time, there are significant social consequences to consider. If you are facing a DUI charge, it’s time to reach out to an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Dayton for the help you need. 

Blood Alcohol Concentration

In the State of Ohio – and elsewhere throughout the country – motorists who have blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 percent or higher are over the limit and can face DUI charges. In order to pull you over and test your BAC, however, the police need what is known as probable cause for doing so, which means they must have a reasonable basis for believing you may be under the influence of alcohol. The kinds of testing used to measure BAC include all the following:

• Breath tests (breathalyzers)
• Blood tests
• Urine tests

Identifying Impaired Driving

In the end, even a minor driving error can lead to you being pulled over, and this is where things get even more complicated in terms of DUI charges. An officer can pull you over for a wide range of reasons that include:

• Obvious traffic violations, such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light
• Equipment violations, such as a burned-out headlight, window tints that are too dark, a broken windshield, and much more
• Lane change violations, such as changing lanes without looking properly, cutting off another driver, or even failing to signal properly
• Failing to dim high beams
• Distracted driving
• Erratic driving, such as slowing down, swerving, drifting out of one’s lane, and more

While you can be pulled over for serious infractions, the same is true of minor driving concerns, and from here, the police have considerable leeway in terms of moving forward with BAC testing. In fact, the perception of any of the following by the officer who stops you will suffice:

• Alcohol on the breath
• Bloodshot or glassy eyes
• Poor performance on field sobriety tests

If you are under arrest (the officer needs probable cause to believe you are under the influence), you generally can’t refuse to be tested for BAC.

The Penalties You Face

The penalties that accompany DUI convictions for a first offense – are especially serious, including:

• Fines that range from $375 to $1,075
• From three days to six months behind bars
• A suspended driver’s license

The fines and penalties increase significantly with subsequent convictions, and the penalties for DUI convictions involving substantially elevated BACs can be enhanced. 

An Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Dayton Can Help

The experienced DUI defense lawyers at The VanNoy Firm in Dayton have extensive experience successfully defending the legal rights of clients like you. A DUI charge is too serious to leave to chance, so please don’t wait to seek the professional legal guidance you’re looking for by contacting us for more information today.