subject: Fight your DUI with a Cleveland Attorney [print this page] Fight your DUI with a Cleveland Attorney Fight your DUI with a Cleveland Attorney
Receiving a DUI, also known as an OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence), in Cleveland, or anywhere for that matter, can be a life changing event. You can have your license suspended. You can face thousands in fines. You can spend time in jail. You can lose your job. These scenarios, along with a handful of others, are all possible when faced with a DUI charge. However, I should emphasize that all of these scenarios can happen; they're not set in stone. With the help of an experienced Cleveland attorney, your potentially detrimental drunk driving charge can be reduced to a mere slap on the wrist.
Of course, drunk driving should never be taken lightly. But, with DUI laws becoming stricter, first time offenders, who might have simply made a mistake, are facing harsh punishments. Cleveland attorneys, on the other hand, strive to keep DUI laws as a prevention strategy, not a method of punishment. Having one too many drinks at dinner shouldn't affect your livelihood. And Cleveland attorneys realize this.
An experienced DUI lawyer can limit serious penalties and help you avoid a criminal record that can put your future and your freedom at risk. For example, with the help of an attorney, you might receive occupational driving privileges. You also might avoid jail time and heavy fines by participating in a court-approved alcohol/drug program.
In order to lay down some framework for DUI cases in Ohio, here is what you can expect during each offense. Keep in mind a Cleveland attorney can eliminate a number of these punishments and keep you on the lighter side of those that you must face.
First DUI Offense: The first DUI offense involves three to six months in jail however three days minimum is mandatory and can be substituted with three days in driver's intervention program. A high blood test result or refusal to take one can result in a minimum mandatory six days in jail. This offense also involves $200 to $1000 in fines and license suspension of six months to three years.
Second DUI Offense: A second DUI offense involves minimum ten days of jail and mandatory minimum 20 days if the driver refuses to take the test. Fines of $525 to $1625 are involved. This offense can also involve 90 days of vehicle immobilization and license suspension of one to five years.
Third DUI Offense: If the driver commits a third DUI offense, the penalties involve jail stay of minimum mandatory 30 days and 60 days if the driver refuses to take the chemical or breath test. Fines of $850 to $2750 are involved as well as license suspension of two to ten years. The offender may also have to install an ignition interlock device after release and mandatory vehicle forfeiture.
Fourth and subsequent DUI Offense: A DUI offense committed for the fourth or subsequent time can result in jail time of minimum 60 days and maximum one year. If the driver refuses to get the test taken, he or she can have to face 120 days in jail to one year. Heavy fines of $800 up to $10,000 are usually involved and the court can suspend your driver's license for three years or more and you can also face vehicle immobilization.
