DUI/OVI Charges In Middletown: Get Your License Back

Thousands of people are arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) in Ohio every year. If you’ve been charged with OVI, you don’t need to let the arrest or charges ruin your life. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference when facing an OVI charge. Hurley Law and our experienced attorneys know how to navigate the complicated license suspensions and appeals system.

From our practice in Middletown, Ohio, we serve the Cincinnati area with a reputation for dedicated legal guidance and creative problem-solving. We care about our clients, and each of our lawyers has the experience necessary to defend you and fight for your rights in the face of a DUI or OVI charge.

What Should You Do If You Are Stopped By Police On Suspicion Of Drunk Driving?

Here are some important steps to take:

• Pull over safely: As soon as you notice the police lights or siren, pull over to a safe spot. Use your turn signal and stop your vehicle as far off the road as possible.
• Stay calm and polite: Keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel and remain courteous. Avoid making sudden movements that could be misinterpreted.
• Provide required documents: When asked, present your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. It is helpful to have these easily accessible before driving.
• Exercise your right to remain silent: While you should provide identification and basic information, you are not obligated to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. You can politely decline to answer such questions.
• Request legal representation: If you are arrested, clearly state that you would like to speak to an attorney before answering further questions.

Knowing what not to do is equally important, so:

• Do not admit fault: Avoid admitting to drinking or providing explanations that could be used against you later.
• Do not consent to field sobriety tests: In Ohio, you are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests. They are subjective and can be challenging even for sober individuals.
• Do not resist arrest: If the situation escalates to an arrest, comply with the officer’s instructions. Resisting can lead to additional charges.

Remember, your actions during the stop can influence how your case is handled.

What Are The Consequences Of A DUI Or OVI Conviction In Ohio?

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction in Ohio has major repercussions. They include:

• Fines and court costs, depending on the severity and number of offenses
• License suspension can last from several months to several years, limiting your ability to travel
• Jail time or probation where first-time offenders may face jail time of up to six months and repeat offenders may face harsher penalties
• Installation of an ignition interlock device, which prevents your vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected
• Employment consequences, especially for roles requiring driving or a clean record
• Increased insurance costs due to the high-risk driver label

Understanding the full impact of a DUI or OVI conviction highlights the importance of seeking legal guidance and taking proactive steps to avoid repeat offenses.

Getting Back On The Road

After an OVI or DUI arrest in Ohio, one of the biggest problems people face is license suspension. You can lose your license through an administrative process called an administrative license suspension (ALS) or a judicial license suspension following a criminal conviction.

The most common type of suspension after an OVI is an ALS, which may occur automatically after arrest if your BAC is above the legal limit, or you refused to take a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine.

The good news is an ALS suspension can be appealed. If:

• The arrest was unlawful or unreasonable
• The officer never had you take a chemical test
• You were never told of the penalties for refusing a test or if you fail one
• You never refused or failed a chemical test

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Hurley Law can help you determine if any problems in your arrest or administration of a test can be used to appeal your license suspension. We can help you file the appeal quickly after the arraignment and potentially negotiate with a judge to terminate your license suspension entirely.

Protect Your Job And Livelihood

For many, an OVI charge can result in loss of employment. If you lose your license and cannot get to work, your employer might replace you. The same is true if you have a CDL or your job involves driving. The cost of hiring Hurley Law to get your license back faster is far less than losing your job. We can also ask the court or the BMV for a restricted driver’s license, which would give you limited privileges to drive to work, school, medical appointments and court-ordered treatments.

Most public defenders and private criminal defense attorneys only have experience handling cases from one side. The attorneys at Hurley Law have handled criminal cases as prosecutors in multiple jurisdictions, which means we have built unique relationships with the police, detectives and deputies. Our lawyers have also presided over criminal cases as acting judge and magistrate in multiple courts. This unique experience allows us to provide our clients with smart and practical legal guidance.

Get Started On Your Legal Defense

Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to talk with you by phone or at our offices in Middletown and Cincinnati. Call 513-318-9893 or use our online contact page to speak to an attorney.