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DUI/OVI Defense Lawyers in Dayton, Ohio

DUI/OVI Defense Lawyers in Dayton, Ohio

If you have been charged with DUI/OVI, contact Gounaris Abboud. Our DUI/OVI defense lawyers are ready and able to mount a strong defense against your DUI/OVI charges.

We offer:

  • Free consultation
  • 24/7 availability

Reach out today.

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50+ years
of combined experience
95%
of successful cases

Award-Winning Dayton OVI Lawyers

If you have been charged with the OVI offense found in the Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, you could be looking at serious consequences. However, just because you have been charged with a DUI does not mean that you will be convicted. The state has to build and prove its case.

That’s where Gounaris Abboud comes in. We challenge the state’s case at every turn to achieve the most optimal results for our clients. Although no results can ever be guaranteed, our track record of success demonstrates that we’ve got what it takes to properly defend our clients.

If you are facing an OVI/DUI charge, let our team of criminal defense attorneys fight for you. We may be able to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or dropped. Call today.

Are You Facing OVI Charges inDayton, OH?

Contact our team of Dayton DUI lawyers to fight the charges you are facing. Reach out for a free consultation and case review at (937) 915-6271 to discuss your case.

Types of Ohio DUI Offenses We Handle

Our legal team specializes in addressing a wide range of Ohio DUI offenses, ensuring effective representation and informed guidance. Here are some of them:

dui-with-drugs

DUI with Drugs

You can be charged with a DUI even if you never drink and drive. Drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs, can lead to a DUI charge. If you have illicit drugs on you at the time of being arrested, you may also be charged with a drug crime.

Commercial-DUI

Commercial DUI

OVI/DUI rules relating to commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, ambulance drivers, and school bus drivers, are typically stricter than the rules governing non-commercial drivers. If you are a commercial driver and receive a DUI, you risk both an administrative and criminal license suspension as well as employment problems for having your license suspended.

Get a Free Consultation Today — Secure Your Future!

Been charged with OVI/DUI? Call Gounaris Abboud for help. Once you become our client, we immediately get to work on your defense and fight for your freedom.

Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

What Are the Penalties for OVI in Dayton, Ohio?

DUI/OVI Defense Lawyers in Dayton, Ohio

The penalties for OVI in Dayton Ohio may vary from case to case. Generally speaking, Ohio law punishes repeat offenders more harshly than first-time offenders. So a first-time OVI defendant will likely be treated much more leniently than an offender with more than one DUI or OVI conviction.

For example, a first-time DUI conviction requires jail time. But there are alternatives to jail time if it’s the offender’s first conviction. However, a second-time offender may not be able to avoid time behind bars.

In all cases involving DUI/OVI in Ohio, defendants face not only significant criminal law penalties but serious administrative penalties as well. Perhaps the most significant administrative penalty is the loss of a driver’s license to a suspension. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the authority to take almost immediate action to suspend your license under the following circumstances:

You Refused a Chemical Test

Ohio is an implied consent state, which means that all drivers are deemed to have given consent to a chemical test. Failure to submit to a test leads to the BMV taking action.

Your BAC Was Too High

In Ohio, the legal blood alcohol level for adults 21 years old and older is .07% and below. If you test at .08% and above, the BMV can suspend your license.

Keep in mind that the acceptable BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration) for commercial drivers is much lower than the acceptable BAC levels for non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers may not have a BAC of .04% or higher when operating any vehicle, even if it is not a commercial vehicle.

Additionally, drivers who are under the age of 21 cannot legally consume alcohol in Ohio. Hence, the acceptable BAC for those under 21 is .02%.

Offense Level Jail Time Fines License Suspension Additional Penalties
First Offense (First-Degree Misdemeanor) Between 3 days and 6 months Between $375 and $1,075 1 to 3 years Driver’s intervention program, treatment/education program.
Second Offense Within 10 Years of the Previous (First-Degree Misdemeanor)
  • Between 10 days to 6 months (BAC between .08 and .16);
  • Between 20 days and 6 months (BAC of .17 or higher).
Between $525 and $1,625 1 to 7 years Vehicle immobilization for 90 days, house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring, and addiction assessment.
Third Offense Within 10 Years of the Previous (Misdemeanor)
  • Between 30 days and 1 year (BAC between .08 and .16);
  • Between 60 days and 1 year (BAC of .17 or higher).

 

Between $850 and $2,750 2 to 12 years Vehicle forfeiture, house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring, and addiction services.

 

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Take swift action to defend against the charges you are facing. Don’t delay or your case may suffer. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help.

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Does My License Get Suspended After an OVI or DUI in Ohio?

You could face criminal and administrative license suspensions if you are arrested or convicted of OVI or DUI. Criminal license suspensions do not take effect until a conviction occurs or the person pleads out. However, an administrative license suspension can be carried out at any point after failing to take a chemical test or for having a chemical test result over the legal limit.

An administrative suspension can potentially last for at least 90 days. If bodily injury was involved in the accident, the license suspension will likely be longer.

Fortunately, you can fight administrative license suspensions, but you must do so in a timely fashion in a hearing at the BMV.

For criminal driver’s license suspensions in Ohio, it is possible for you to lose your license forever upon being convicted for a fourth time. For a first, second, or third offense, the driver’s license suspension can potentially last for 3, 7, and 12 years, respectively.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in OH?

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in OH?

DUI in Ohio is charged as a misdemeanor for an offender’s first three times being arrested for OVI. Upon receiving a fourth charge within ten years of the three previous charges, the offender is charged with a fourth-degree felony.

With a felony on your record, you face losing important rights and privileges. Take voting rights, for example. With a felony conviction or plea, your ability to vote will likely be stripped. But that’s not all. A felony conviction in Ohio also leads to significant employment problems and may even cause you to lose your current job.

If your job requires the use of a vehicle, you could be in an even worse situation. Without the ability to drive, you may be let go from jobs that require driving, such as delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, and commercial drivers.

Because our OVI clients face more than just criminal consequences, our representation addresses more than said consequences. We fight to keep our clients free from negative consequences associated with felony charges. We also fight to get felony charges reduced when possible, which allows our clients to avoid the consequences of catching a felony.

What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over for an OVI?

What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over for an OVI?

If you’re being tailed by an officer for an OVI in Ohio, here’s what to do:

  • Pullover. Be calm and use your signal. At this point, anything you do can be used against you in a court of law;
  • Provide your license and registration;
  • Be polite. Do not give the officer any reason to believe that you are drunk or combative;
  • Don’t make any statements or admit to drinking;
  • Decide whether to take the breathalyzer test. The test can be used against you, but there are penalties for not submitting to a breathalyzer test. If you had bad results, you can fight the charges with an experienced Ohio OVI lawyer.

Explore Our Recent Case: OVI Charge in Dayton

Gounaris Abboud, LPA shares a recent OVI case dismissal. The Ohio OVI lawyers at our criminal law firm have the experience you need when fighting an OVI charge in Dayton, OH, and Springboro, OH.

OVI Charge in Dayton Ohio

OVI Dismissed for Lack of Probable Cause to Stop

THE FACTS: Our client is a health professional in the Dayton area. Our client left work and met a few coworkers for dinner and had one 6-ounce glass of wine with a full entrée and dessert. Our client’s entire meal lasted two and a half hours.

The client left the restaurant at approximately 9:00 p.m. and was subsequently pulled over by law enforcement for alleged “marked lanes’ violations. Our client was polite and respectful to the law enforcement officer and provided his license and registration. When asked if he had anything to drink, he was truthful and said he had one glass of wine with his dinner.

The officer immediately asked our client to step out of the vehicle to perform a Field Sobriety Test. Our client is a 55-year-old male with a prior knee injury. He advised the officer that he had a prior ACL tear and could not hold up his right foot without feeling pain. The officer nonetheless required our client to perform the HGH, Walk-in-Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests and determined that our client exhibited clues on each test that suggested impairment.

The client was arrested for O.V.I./D.U.I. and was transported to the Police Station and was asked if he would submit to a breath test, to which he refused. Our client was provided a 2255 BMV form and was advised that his license was suspended for a period of one year.

THE DEFENSE: The criminal defense attorneys at Gounaris Abboud were able to file a “Motion to Preserve” all the evidence and also filed a “Motion to Suppress Evidence”. The Motion to Preserve Evidence, Ordered Law Enforcement to preserve any cruiser camera video. The Motion to Suppress challenges the officer’s Probable Cause to Stop and Arrest Client for an OVI/DUI.

A Hearing was conducted where the Officer was questioned in Court about his observations of the alleged Marked Lanes Violation. The officer watched a copy of the cruiser cam video and admitted that he could not observe the Marked Lane Violation on the Video.

THE RESULT: The Court agreed with Gounaris Abboud, that the Officer could not have observed a traffic infraction and thus, did not have Probable Cause to Stop the Client. As such, the State dismissed the charges against our client.

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How Can OurOVI Lawyers Help You?

When you are facing drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can get results. At Gounaris Abboud, our legal team is ready to use its skill and experience to aggressively defend you against the state.
1.

Robust Legal Defense

We personalize our defense strategies to your situation and attack every aspect of the prosecution’s case.

2.

Mitigating Penalties

Our defense includes efforts to reduce or mitigate the penalties you are facing, including fines, jail time, and license suspensions.

3.

Restoration of License

License suspension can upend your life. When you choose Gounaris Abboud to represent you, we’ll help you get your license back so you can get back to normal life.

4.

Exploring Defense Options

We meticulously consider every defense option in your case, from challenging the sufficiency of the evidence to attacking the prosecution’s case on the grounds that your rights were violated.

5.

Safeguarding Your Rights

We make sure that the state respects your constitutional and other important rights before and after you are charged with an OVI offense.

6.

Fighting to Get You Acquitted

Most criminal cases in Ohio are settled by way of a plea deal. However, some defendants choose to fight the charges at trial. We’ll represent you at trial if necessary and fight to secure an acquittal.

7.

Minimizing the Impact

We do everything in our power to minimize the impact an OVI charge has on your life. Your defense is important to us, as is your future.

Why Choose OurOVI/DUI Lawyers?

50-Plus Years of Collective Experience

50-Plus Years of Collective Experience

Our attorneys have been providing top-shelf legal representation in Dayton and throughout Ohio for decades.
Industry Recognition

Industry Recognition

Various legal groups and organizations in the industry have honored members of our DUI defense team with awards and recognition for excellence in service.
Personalized Legal Services

Personalized Legal Services

At Gounaris Abboud, you don't get a cookie-cutter defense but a defense specifically tailored to your case.
Robust Advocacy

Robust Advocacy

We provide every client with a robust defense designed for maximum effectiveness.
Always Available

Always Available

Every DUI attorney working on your case is available when you need them.
Hear What Our <span class="subtitle">Clients Are Saying</span>

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying

5
Attorney Nick Gounaris handled my case and he did a wonderful job. I am very pleased with this law firm. I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my many questions and they were very sympathetic and understanding, always quick to respond when I would call. I am happy with the outcome of my case. If you find yourself in a situation that needs legal help, these are the guys to call!
Melinda Q.
5
I thought I was in a no win situation until I met these gentleman. They are smart, aggressive, dedicated, connected and CAN GET THE JOB DONE.
James O.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. They both put their heart into their work and care like nobody else.
Karis F.
5
“They both put their heart into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.”
Karis F.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. The fees for their services were worth every cent and superior to any public defendant representation. They both put their hearts into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.
Melinda Q.
5
I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my questions.
Melinda Q.
5
I found Gounaris and Abboud through good online reviews. Mr. Abboud handled my cases very professionally for two years. He truly takes his cases to heart and cares about his clients. He keeps you informed and has all the answers to all your questions. You really feel safe with Mr. Abboud as your lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing professional family law representation.
Patty M.
5
“I felt a sense of peace and confidence when I met Tony. He has given me undivided attention in our appointments together.”
Sarah B.
5
Having my wife find herself in a legal situation which required top notch representation, we were introduced to Nick Gounaris of the firm Gounaris, Denslow and Abboud. Throughout the process, Nick provided us with not only his professional law expertise, but also continual reassurance that we would receive a very positive outcome. Nick went above and beyond in advising us regarding our case. We cannot thank Nick enough for his encouragement, truthfulness and belief in my wife. We give Nick and his firm 5 stars. If anyone is in the need of legal representation, the firm of Gounaris, Denslow and Abboud is the only choice.
Todd M.

Contact Our Dayton OVI/DUI Lawyer Today!

Protect your future and legal rights. Contact our skilled Dayton OVI/DUI lawyer today for a free consultation and legal guidance.
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FAQs

What is the DUI and OVI process in Ohio?

After a DUI or OVI arrest, the officer may question you about the incident.

Then, you may want to consider looking for a DUI attorney in Dayton, Ohio.

You have a right to remain silent and should exercise that right. Then, immediately speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before talking to the police.

You will be asked to submit to one or more chemical tests.

Your license will be suspended if you refuse to take a blood, urine, or breath test and if you test over the legal blood alcohol content limit.

If you are a commercial driver or have received a DUI conviction in the last 20 years, you must submit to the tests.

What is the legal limit in Ohio?

Ohio’s legal limits surrounding impaired driving are significantly more complex than other states. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19 creates several different legal limits depending on the kind of test that is used.

The following standards apply for determining when a driver is legally considered over the limit:

  • Individuals under 21 years of age cannot operate a vehicle if a breath test reveals a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher;
  • Individuals over 21 cannot operate a vehicle with a BAC result of 0.08% or higher.

However, the legal limit for drivers who take a urine test is 0.11%. For a blood plasma or serum level test, the legal limit is 0.096%.

Furthermore, Ohio law establishes two categories of legal limits for alcohol testing — low tier and high tier. And high-tier test results lead to more severe penalties.

For example, high-tier alcohol test results encompass:

  • A breath or blood test result of 0.17% or higher;
  • A urine test result of 0.238% or higher;
  • A blood plasma or serum test result of 0.204% or higher.

It’s vital that you thoroughly understand these limits when navigating Ohio’s impaired driving laws.

Is a refusal the same as a DUI in Ohio?

A refusal in the state of Ohio is not the same thing as a DUI offense. However, they share some of the same consequences, such as a driver’s license suspension. Even without a charge or a conviction, the BMV can suspend a person’s driver’s license if they refuse to submit to a chemical test.

This is permitted due to the fact that Ohio, like many other states, is an implied consent state, which means that all drivers are considered to have granted consent for a chemical test. Hence, failure to provide something that you are deemed to already have given consent for provides the authority for the suspension.

If you do end up with an administrative license suspension, you have the right to fight it. However, you only have a limited amount of time to challenge the suspension. You should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What happens if I fail the breathalyzer test?

Law enforcement severely punishes those who fail the breathalyzer test.

Penalties can result in the following:

  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Jail time
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service

The stigma from a DUI or OVI conviction can:

  • Affect your reputation
  • Strain your relationships
  • Present employment challenges for many years

If the police suspect that you are driving while intoxicated, they will give you a breathalyzer test.

The law requires you to take the test; failing to comply can result in severe penalties.

You can fight your breathalyzer test results with a Dayton DUI lawyer.

Many things can affect your results and cause a false positive, such as:

  • Swishing an alcoholic beverage in your mouth
  • Acid reflux
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Recently eating
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Using mouthwash
  • Burping
  • Vomiting

Ohio law requires police officers to observe an arrestee for 20 minutes before giving a breath test to ensure that other factors don’t throw off test readings.

These tests take place at the police station, so a defendant has likely been in a squad car for a long time.

Because of this, it is often impossible for an officer to provide enough observation.

Schedule a free consultation with our Ohio DUI lawyers right away. We’ll start fighting your test results.

How long will an OVI stay on my record in Ohio?

In Ohio, an OVI conviction stays on your driving record permanently. This can result in severe repercussions for your insurance premiums and job opportunities, especially if driving is a job requirement.

Can I be charged with a DUI or OVI if I was doing drugs?

Even if you are not legally drunk, you can be arrested and charged with a DUI or OVI in the state of Ohio.

When an officer suspects that you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he will note aspects of your behavior and appearance, such as:

  • Slurred speech
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Hazardous driving
  • Incoordination during field sobriety tests

A drunk driving charge can result from substances such as solvents, mouthwash, over-the-counter drugs, and other products. These can give an impression of a drunken appearance or behavior.

You can fight these charges.

Contact a Dayton, Ohio DUI lawyer at Gounaris Abboud, LPA to start building your defense.

What happens if I was charged with a DUI from a blood test?

Many DUI charges result from a blood alcohol content test. This test analyzes the percentage of alcohol in the person’s bloodstream (their BAC level).

If the police ask you to submit to a blood test, you do not have to comply. However, under implied consent law, you could be penalized for your refusal.

Although blood alcohol tests are usually accurate, errors can occur.

An experienced Dayton DUI attorney can examine your case and try to get your charges dropped.

What if I was charged with a DUI after a field sobriety test?

Field Sobriety Tests (FST) are voluntary coordination tests that an officer administers when they suspect driver impairment.

The only standardized tests that have some relevance in establishing legal intoxication are:

  • One leg stands
  • Heel-to-toe tests
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

In Ohio, the tests listed above are evidence that they were administered objectively and scored according to standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

OVI Resources in Dayton

Gounaris Abboud is ready to provide you with a strong defense against your OVI or DUI charges as well as direct you to various resources that might be helpful for your circumstances. Contact us anytime for whatever your needs in this area may be.

Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence

The Ohio Revised Code explicitly lays out the various OVI/DUI charges and their penalties. Our clients find it to be a useful reference after being charged with OVI or DUI.

Montgomery County Clerk of Courts

The website of the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts will contain valuable information relating to your case, such as the time and date of your court appearance and its location.

The Montgomery County Court is located at:

Montgomery County Common Pleas

41 North Perry Street

Dayton, Ohio 45422

(937) 496-7213

Ohio Department of Public Safety

Information relating to law enforcement efforts against DUI/OVI can be found on this website.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a national organization that has been around for decades. It fights to help prevent DUI/OVI deaths and has resources available to the public.