Understanding Your Second OVI / DUI Charge in Ohio
In Ohio, repeat DUI offenders are heavily punished.
A 2nd offense Ohio DUI or OVI charge with a prior conviction will lead to fines, license suspension, and a mandatory term in jail.
Since the consequences for a 2nd DUI in Ohio are so serious, it is vital that you contact a highly competent Dayton criminal defense attorney whom you can trust to do everything possible for you legally.
As the DUI penalties will be extensive in a second conviction, the need for top-quality defense counsel cannot be overstated.
To get started, contact the Ohio criminal law team at Gounaris Abboud, LPA today.
The Penalties for a 2nd OVI / DUI in Ohio
OVI is “operating under the influence.” OVI is the term utilized in Ohio, along with the more common DUI (driving under the influence).
A 2nd DUI is a serious offense in Ohio. If you have been charged with your second DUI or OVI in Ohio, you could be facing a long list of OVI penalties.
You may be subject to several penalties for a 2nd DUI/OVI conviction, including:
- Monetary fines of over $1,000;
- License suspension of up to 7 years (45-day minimum);
- Ignition interlock (mandatory);
- Alcohol assessment (mandatory);
- Vehicle immobilization for 90 days;
- DUI “Party Plates” (court’s discretion); and
- Over 175 days in jail.
The penalties that will apply to your case will depend on your specific circumstances, including your OVI level.
A DUI lawyer knows how to investigate your OVI level and whether the police obtained this level legally.
For this reason, it is imperative that you move quickly to retain the help of an experienced DUI attorney as soon as you have been arrested.
What Not to Do After Your 2nd DUI In Ohio
We understand the overwhelming nature of a 2nd DUI charge. Try to remain as calm as you can and remember that legal help is available. To aid your defense and protect your rights, hire an attorney and be sure that you do not:
- Speak to the police without your attorney present;
- Admit to guilt to anyone;
- Miss court dates or appointment with your attorney; or
- Violate any federal or state laws.
We suggest you follow the advice above and get in touch with Gounaris Abboud, LPA. We can assist you in fighting the legal consequences.
How A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You in a 2nd DUI Case
An experienced defense attorney knows how to fight a 2nd DUI charge. When you choose a high-quality DUI defense lawyer, they will immediately begin:
- Reviewing conduct by police to determine if their actions were all legal;
- Working to have charges amended to a lesser offense such as reckless driving;
- Advocating for a more appropriate charge, such as disorderly conduct;
- Working to keep you from serving time in behind bars; and
- Seeking to have charges dismissed.
You will need an attorney to help reach your case’s best possible outcome and protect your rights. A 2nd DUI requires the attention of an experienced DUI lawyer.
Facing Charges? Choose A Strong Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing a second Ohio DUI charge, you have a real reason to be worried about the future. Your freedom and your reputation are at risk. Your immediate goal should be to hire a defense attorney with a track record of successfully defending DUI cases.
One of our Dayton DUI lawyers can provide you with the level of representation you will need to protect your rights, and fight for a positive outcome. Whether you were subjected to field sobriety tests or breath tests that were improperly administered, or you are the victim of an illegal police stop, there is hope for your case.
Contact an Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your 2nd DUI in Ohio Today
We are listed in the National Advocacy for DUI Defense “Top 100 DUI Attorneys in Ohio” and have the knowledge and experience to create a defense that could allow you to walk away without further damage.
When Gounaris Abboud, LPA, represents you, our first action will be to fully assess the details of your case to find any error or area that is open to challenge – and we look deep into the facts to help us create a strategy that could win.
We are bold and courageous with even the most challenging legal cases in Dayton and throughout Ohio. Get the professional legal counsel you deserve. Contact us today.