Cincinnati, Ohio Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys Practice Areas
The drunk driving defense lawyers of The Farrish Law Firm are located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ohio laws surrounding Drunk Driving and related traffic offenses are held in courts of law where the testimony and actions of police are highly regarded. If you are arrested for alcohol-related traffic offense, you need an attorney with the courtroom experience to present your side of the story as strategically as possible. The Cincinnati DUI/OVI lawyers of The Farrish Law Firm have built their practice on defending those arrested and accused of Drunk Driving, traffic-related crimes and criminal defense, and possess the ability to provide aggressive DUI/OVI defense for clients involved in any of the following matters:
- Ohio and Kentucky Drunk Driving
- DUI / OVI / Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Operating a Vehicle While Impaired (OVI)
- Driving with a suspended license
- Drivers License Revocation
- Other Traffic Crimes
- Criminal Defense
OHIO DRUNK DRIVING:
In the state of Ohio and Kentucky, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.
In order to be convicted of drunk driving, the prosecution must prove that the defendant was driving or possessed actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest. Evidence must show that the arresting officer had a reasonable, definite suspicion for stopping or approaching the vehicle, or if stopped at a roadblock, that the roadblock was conducted in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
DUI:
"DUI" stands for Driving under the Influence and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or Ohio BMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DUI conviction stays on a Ohio BMV record for at least 7 years; it typically results in higher insurance premiums, and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DUI could also jeopardize your employment opportunities.
However, if someone was injured as a result of the drunken driving accident, it is possible the defendant will be charged with a felony (and if the victim dies, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter). Further, a DUI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DUI offense in six (6) years, sixth conviction in twenty (20) years or the driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within 10-years of the new charge.
OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE INTOXICATED (OVI):
Generally known as a DUI, Ohio refers to driving under the influence of alcohol as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI). Ohio's legal drinking age for beer and liquor is 21. Evidence of impaired driving is based on physical findings by the arresting officer and the results of a blood, breath or urine test. It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.
DRIVING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE:
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Ohio is considered a crime and can result in heavy fines and possible jail time. At worst, it may be considered a felony and the offender could end up in state prison or with an obligation to perform many hours of community service. The penalties are typically heaviest if the license suspension or revocation was the result of a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).
DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION:
Typically, a driver's license will not be revoked for one or even two traffic tickets resulting from a moving violation such as speeding, running a stoplight or stop sign. However, if the offense is extremely reckless and/or if the driver has had previous convictions for moving violations in the past, his or her license may be revoked or suspended. If the driver is charged with drunk driving, reckless driving, or is involved in a hit-and-run, the defendant's license may be suspended for a year or more.
OTHER TRAFFIC CRIMES:
Traffic crimes are specifically addressed in state statutes. There is an entire body of law that regulates the operation of motor vehicles on the streets and highways. The laws related to operating a vehicle can be difficult to interpret and apply. It is important to contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer if you have been charged with a Drunk Driving related traffic crime. To learn more about traffic related criminal charges, contact Cincinnati, Ohio Drunk Driving Attorney Kelly Farrish.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE:
Criminal Defense charges can include homicide, robbery, burglary, drug possession offenses, weapons possession charges, sexual assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, fraud, embezzlement, kidnapping and arson. If convicted, whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, offenders can be subjected to fines, imprisonment, and probation and community service, among other penalties. The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense.
In addition to the above practice areas, The Farrish Law Firm also represents clients in Appeals and Probation Violation cases.
If you or someone you know in Cincinnati, Ohio, or anywhere within the State of Ohio needs the assistance or legal counsel of an experienced DUI defense or general defense lawyer, contact The Farrish Law Firm today at 1-866-775-6382, or use the contact form provided on this site to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Cincinnati drunk driving Attorney.