First OVI/DUI Offense Lawyer
in Dayton, Ohio
Protect your future from the consequences of a first-time OVI/DUI charge. Contact Gounaris Abboud to fight the charges and help you navigate the legal process.
50+
Years Combined
Experience
95%
Success
Rate
400+
Google
Reviews
Trusted Dayton First DUI Attorneys
DUI lawyers are among the busiest types of criminal and traffic lawyers, given how common DUI/OVI charges are in Dayton and across the state. Those facing charges should know that the consequences of an OVI/DUI conviction can be serious and may include time behind bars. However, an experienced DUI defense attorney can do much to mitigate the consequences and even get your charges reduced or dropped, especially if you are a first-time offender.
At Gounaris Abboud, we fight to safeguard the future of our first-time offender clients in Dayton and throughout Ohio. We understand how deeply a DUI or OVI conviction can affect an individual’s future, so we mount a robust defense for every client. If you are facing DUI/OVI charges for the first time, let an experienced first DUI offense lawyer from our team fight for you.
Facing OVI/DUI Offense Charges in Dayton, OH?
Contact our experienced Dayton DUI lawyers to fight the OVI charges you are facing. Reach out for a free consultation and case review at (937) 222-1515 to discuss your case.
Types of First OVI Offenses We Handle in Dayton
Our firm has deep experience defending clients against every type of impaired driving charge in Ohio, including:
Facing OVI/DUI Offense Charges in Dayton, OH?
Contact our experienced Dayton DUI lawyers to fight the OVI charges you are facing. Reach out for a free consultation and case review at (937) 222-1515 to discuss your case.
First-Time OVI Penalties
First-time offenders face various OVI penalties. License suspension is uniformly applied in OVI cases, even for first-time offenders, and jail time or time in prison may be possible.
You Could Face Harsher Penalties If Aggravating Factors Are Present
Even a first OVI offense can carry serious consequences, but certain circumstances, known as “aggravating factors”, can lead to even harsher penalties under Ohio law.
No matter the details of your arrest, having an experienced Dayton OVI/DUI defense attorney on your side is essential. Our exceptional Dayton DUI lawyers can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward minimizing the impact of the charges on your future.
You may be charged with a more severe OVI offense if any of the following apply:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .17 or higher;
- The incident caused an accident, resulting in injury or significant property damage;
- There was a minor in the vehicle at the time of the DUI offense;
- You were also cited for other traffic violations, including reckless driving and speeding.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS): Act Fast to Protect Your License
If you’re charged with a DUI in Ohio, your license can be suspended immediately, even before your Dayton Municipal Court date.
The Ohio BMV issues this Administrative License Suspension (ALS), separate from any criminal penalties you may be facing.
Refusing a breath, blood, or new oral fluid test (mouth swab) triggers an automatic 12-month suspension, while testing over the legal BAC limit results in a 90-day suspension.
You only have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
Contact our experienced OVI defense lawyers right away to protect your driving privileges and fight the charges.
Collateral Consequences of a First OVI Conviction
A first OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction in Ohio can have lasting effects beyond legal penalties.
- OVI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed in Ohio.
- The conviction will appear on background checks, affecting employment, housing, and education opportunities.
- Professionals (e.g., nurses, contractors) may be required to report convictions to licensing boards.
- Failure to disclose can lead to suspension or revocation of a license.
- Higher insurance premiums or loss of coverage.
- Restrictions on renting cars or traveling to certain countries, like Canada or Australia.
- Possible loss of financial aid or expulsion from school.
- A conviction can damage relationships, reputation, and community standing.
Understanding First Offenses OVI in Dayton, Ohio
You can be charged with a first DUI or OVI offense if you operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. The charge of a first offense DUI, listed in the Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, is the most common alcohol-related motor vehicle charge in the state of Ohio and comes with significant potential penalties and consequences.
Regarding BAC limits, an automatic DUI exists when a person’s BAC is above the legal limit. There need be no visible impairment of the driver for a DUI law enforcement officer to arrest a driver with a BAC of .08% or higher.
Why Choose Gounaris Abboud for Defense?
Choosing Gounaris Abboud to defend you against your first OVI offense means choosing a criminal law firm with the advanced knowledge and litigation skills to successfully represent defendants, such as:
Proven Success
Our track record demonstrates the competency of our OVI lawyers in securing optimal outcomes for our first-time OVI/DUI charge clients. In some cases, complete dismissal is a possibility.
Recognized Knowledge and Skill
Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and other industry groups have recognized our lawyers as top DUI defense advocates for the service they have provided to members of the Dayton and Ohio communities.
Personalized Service
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter defenses. You get the one-on-one treatment that your case deserves at Gounaris Abboud. Our team listens and develops defense strategies specifically created to address the issues in your case.
Uncompromising Advocacy
We fight hard for your freedom and do what we can to reduce the negative consequences a charge of this nature may have on your life. DUI cases can bring serious repercussions. However, an experienced DUI lawyer can help.
Round-the-Clock Availability
Our commitment to being available 24/7 for free consultations means that you are never alone during this challenging time. We respond to client concerns around the clock and every day of the year.
How Our OVI Attorneys in Dayton Can Help After a First OVI/DUI
Advanced Legal Knowledge
Our team of legal professionals is backed by decades of training and experience. With us, you get skilled Dayton DUI attorneys who meticulously dismantle prosecutors’ cases and build strong, effective defenses to protect their clients.
Mitigating Penalties
Our defense includes efforts to reduce or mitigate the penalties you are facing, including fines, jail time, and license suspensions.
Tailored Defense
We have never seen two identical cases. For this reason, we go to great lengths to tailor our services to each individual client. Doing so allows us to be more effective, responsive, and empathetic.
Navigating Legal Complexity
We understand the nuances of Ohio’s OVI laws and use them to benefit our clients. You never have to worry about fully understanding the legal jargon. We handle and explain everything.
Strategic Negotiation
Negotiation is our strong point. We make deals that protect our clients from the worst of the outcomes. Depending on the circumstances, reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal may be available.
Protection of Your Rights
At the end of the day, we are here to safeguard your rights. We thoroughly analyze the facts of your case to ensure that all police actions complied with the Constitution and other relevant DUI laws.
Courtroom Advocacy
If your case goes to trial, you can count on Gounaris Abboud to vigorously represent you before the judge and jury. Although most cases never make it to trial, some must.
Consequence Mitigation
If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, you will also face significant collateral damage to your life, such as driver’s license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device, and employment issues. Our team can help mitigate these consequences.
The Defenders to
Stand Behind You
Nicholas G. Gounaris
Founding Partner
- With more than 20 years of experience Mr. Gounaris has successfully tried cases in Municipal, State and Federal Courts.
- In the past he’s acted in the capacity of prosecutor, magistrate and acting Judge. As such, Mr. Gounaris is able to understand legal issues from many different vantage points and that experience has proved invaluable in assisting his clients.
Antony Abboud
Founding Partner
- A seasoned lawyer and former prosecutor Antony “Tony” Abboud is named to the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Association Trial Lawyers.
- He has also received a 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo, which is an attorney rating website recognized around the nation.
Our Success Stories
College Student Was Facing Rape and Sexual Assault Charges Pre-Indictment
Client received a diversion program and avoided any felony charges, prison and sex offender charges as Gounaris Abboud was able to begin representation prior to Grand Jury Indictment and was able to provide vital information to show discrepancies in the statement of the complaining witness
Testimonials
Jennifer Dailing
I can’t thank Nick Gounaris and his staff (Especially Kelsea Maxwell) enough for the help my son received. This office is very professional, kind, and nonjudgemental. They go above and beyond to help. When Nick tells you he will do everything he can to help your situation, he does!!! If I ever need an attorney, he will be the person I see without a second thought.
If I could give 10 stars I would!!! Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
Jennifer *
There are simply not enough stars to leave for Tony and his paralegal, Michelle. I found myself in a very scary and unfortunate situation (not something I had ever been in before), and Tony immediately reached back out to take my case. Michelle was so quick to respond and get answers to my many questions. My case was ultimately dismissed – and I can now move on with my life. I can not thank Tony and his team enough. If you are reading the reviews, trying to decide whether to retain this firm- DO NOT HESITATE!!!
Brenda Purdin
Tony and Michelle were great. I felt at ease from my first phone call and conversation with Michelle and Mr. Abboud. He was confident, friendly and reassured me that they would get the best outcome for my situation, and they did. I feel that they genuinely care about their clients and do everything they can to be our voice and represent us in the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
About DUI First Offense Charges
Can I refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test during a first OVI stop in Ohio?
It is your right to refuse to submit to a breathalyzer and field sobriety tests. The problem with doing so, however, is that Ohio is an implied consent state. All drivers who use Ohio roads have legally given consent to be tested. Failure to submit results in an automatic suspension of your license and potential consequences in a criminal case.
How long will a first OVI conviction stay on my criminal record in Ohio?
In Ohio, a conviction for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) is a permanent conviction. Under Ohio law, OVI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged, which means the conviction will remain on your criminal record for life.
Expungement or sealing is only possible if the OVI charge was dismissed or reduced to a lesser, non-OVI offense (such as reckless operation). In those limited cases, the reduced or dismissed charge may qualify for sealing under Ohio Revised Code §§ 2953.31–2953.36.
Is it possible to get my first OVI charge reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Getting a charge dismissal or reduction is possible in Ohio. Much depends on the circumstances of your case, as well as whether you have an experienced lawyer representing you. An experienced Dayton DUI attorney knows how to negotiate favorable outcomes for their clients. The sooner a defendant contacts an experienced criminal defense attorney, the more favorable the result in many cases.
Will I lose my driver’s license if I’m charged with a first OVI in Ohio?
With a first-time conviction for OVI, you can expect to have your driver’s license suspended. You may also have your license suspended when you are arrested if you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test or if you fail one. The length of the suspension often depends on BAC at the time of the arrest.
Should I get a DUI defense attorney for my first DUI?
It is strongly recommended that you hire legal representation to defend you. An experienced Dayton DUI lawyer will know the most optimal strategies for your defense. Additionally, your first DUI defense attorney will devote proper resources to your DUI case to help ensure that you are adequately represented. They will also fight to reduce the impact your case has on your future by seeking alternative sentencing, a reduced plea, or a charge dismissal.