ORC 4511.19 Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol – OVI is the State of Ohio’s Statute for the criminal traffic offense commonly referred to as DUI or Driving Under the Influence. Although OVI Offenses are commonly charged as misdemeanors, convictions for even a misdemeanor OVI Offense carry severe and far-reaching consequences.
- Am I going to jail?
- How much is this going to cost?
- Am I going to lose my license?
- Will my employer find out?
- Do I have a Drug or Alcohol problem?
- What if I need more than legal help?
- How can this affect my future?
The devastating effects an OVI conviction may have on your family, your friends and your future, is not worth the risk. The knowledgeable and experienced OVI Attorneys at Dworken & Bernstein will fight to minimize the potential consequences of an OVI, advocate for a reduction or dismissal of charges and restore your privilege to drive as quickly as possible.
What Type of DUI / OVI Offenses Can We Help With?
If you are arrested for or charged with a drug or alcohol related driving offense, We Can Help. Providing experienced criminal defense for all OVI and OVI related offenses including:
- OVI – ORC 4511.19(A)(1)(a)
- OVI BAC – ORC 4511.19(A)(1)(b)-(i)
- OVI Drugs – ORC 19(A)(1)(j)(i)-(x)
- OVI Refusal Specification Prior in 20 years – ORC 4511.19(A)(2)
- OVUAC Operating Vehicle After Underage Alcohol Consumption – ORC 4511.19(B)(H)
- Physical Control – ORC 4511.194
An OVI Offense is for many of our clients, their first experience with the criminal justice system. However, you are not alone and you are not the first hard-working member of the community accused of OVI. We take the time to answer all your questions and explain the process, case strategy and potential options in your terms.
Potential Consequences of First Offense OVI
- Jail
- 3 days mandatory minimum up to 180 days maximum in jail
- Alternative to Jail (ATJ) programs allow for the potential of education in lieu of incarceration. If argued for successfully, you may be eligible to complete a 72-hour
Driver’s Intervention Program (DIP) in a hotel instead of 3 days in jail.
- Monetary or Financial Sanctions
- Fines: $375 minimum up to $1,075 maximum
- Court Costs: Determined by Court may exceed $2,000
- Dismissal Costs: Determined by Court may exceed $500
- Suspension of License or Limited Privilege to Drive
- Mandatory License Suspension from 1 – 3 years
- Ignition Interlock: a breath testing device equipped to the ignition of your vehicle.
This is ordered at the Court’s Discretion.
- Ohio Points System
- 6 points
- Community Control
- Commonly called “Probation”
- A form of Court Supervision to make sure you complete the sentence imposed by the Court.
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment – Court’s Discretion
- Community Work Service (CWS) – Court’s Discretion
The OVI lawyers at Dworken and Bernstein defend those charged with drunk driving offenses throughout Northeast Ohio including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties. Call us for a Free Consultation to discuss your case and get the experienced answers to your questions.
- Other Potential Consequences and Considerations
- Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
- Implied Consent
- Breath Tests
- Urine Tests
- Blood Tests
- ALS – Administrative License Suspension
- CDL Suspension, Revocation or Disqualification
- “Party Plates”
- Immigration Concerns/Issues; up to Deportation
One bad decision, one bad turn, one bad night does not create a bad person. Make the right decisions going forward, we look forward to your call.
