According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States saw 11,654 fatalities in alcohol-involved car accidents in 2020.
In fact, the number of fatalities in alcohol-involved crashes increased by 14.3% from 2019 to 2020.
In Ohio, approximately 36% of all traffic fatalities occurred in alcohol-involved accidents.
If you are facing charges for operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) in Dayton, contact an OVI attorney at Gounaris Abboud, LPA today.
We offer all of our clients the one-on-one attention they deserve. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your needs and address all your concerns about your case.
A Dayton OVI lawyer can help you navigate your criminal proceedings and advocate on your behalf.
Contact the team at Gounaris Abboud to start your free initial consultation.
What Is OVI in Dayton?
Ohio law prohibits motorists from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of the two.
Ohio refers to this violation as OVI or DUI. For drivers age 21 or older, the legal limit for your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08%. If you are under 21, the legal limit is .02%.
Ohio considers a first-time OVI conviction a first-degree misdemeanor.
A first-degree misdemeanor carries a minimum 3-day jail sentence, a maximum sentence of 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,075, and mandatory attendance of a driver’s intervention program for three days.
A second OVI conviction within ten years is still considered a first-degree misdemeanor. However, the mandatory jail time increases to ten days, and the maximum possible fine increases to $1,625.
The third OVI conviction carries the following potential penalties:
- Between 30 days and one year in jail,
- A fine of up to $2,750,
- Vehicle forfeiture, and
- Mandatory participation in a community addiction program.
Only OVI convictions received within the past ten years count to enhance your penalty.
OVI Resources: Ohio Driver Intervention Program
The Ohio Driver Intervention Program (DIP) offers individuals arrested for OVI an alternative to the mandatory three-day jail sentence, at the court’s discretion.
The DIP includes small group discussions and traffic safety education on alcohol, drug abuse, and addiction.
The educational curriculum offered by the DIP includes the following information:
- Physical, psychological, and social consequences of alcohol and other drug use;
- Physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs on driving performance;
- BAC, drugs, and the definition of legal impairment;
- Symptoms of alcohol and other drug abuse;
- Progressive nature of alcohol and other drug dependence;
- Levels of license suspension and revocation;
- Fines and levels of incarceration; and
- Treatment and self-help resources for alcohol and other drug addiction.
DIPs involve a two- or three-day process of education and screening.
All DIPs are certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and they are usually held at hotels.
Locations, dates, and hours of operation are available at most courthouses. A list of DIP locations in Ohio is available online.
How Can an OVI Attorney Help My Case?
Hiring an attorney to defend yourself against OVI charges can make a significant difference in your case.
We have decades of experience defending OVI cases and have picked up a lot of knowledge and experience along the way.
You can rest assured that we will:
- Prepare a strong legal strategy to present to the prosecutor;
- Advocate to have your charges reduced or dismissed;
- Investigate the circumstances of your case and ensure we have a thorough understanding of what occurred; and
- Offer the highest level of legal representation that we can achieve.
Do not accept an unfavorable plea agreement before you have a chance to consult with an OVI lawyer. Otherwise, you might face stiffer penalties.
Instead, consult with an experienced attorney at Gounaris Abboud, LPA for OVI help in Dayton.
Contact Gounaris Abboud Today to Learn About More OVI Resources
An OVI conviction can result in serious consequences. Of course, each case is different. However, in many situations, it will be beneficial to obtain an attorney to help you defend your case.
Collectively, our team has more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom.
One of our managing partners, Nicolas G. Gounaris, is a seasoned attorney with experience as a prosecutor, magistrate, and acting judge—a background that gives him a unique outlook on defending criminal cases.
Additionally, Mr. Gounaris received nominations from his peers to the Super Lawyers list for ten consecutive years, from 2012 through 2021.
Further, Mr. Gounaris has been recognized by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDA) as a “Nationally Ranked Top 10” in 2014 and 2015 and was named a recipient of the “10 Best Client Satisfaction” Award for Criminal Law by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2014 and 2015.
When it comes to fighting OVI charges in court, no case is too complex for our skilled defenders.
From start to finish, the experienced and awarded Dayton DUI attorneys at Gounaris Abboud, LPA can help you preserve your liberties.
