Southeast and East Central Ohio OVI Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of the Accused in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble & Washington Counties

Being pulled over and charged with impaired driving can be devastating, especially when one mistake can put so much weight on your future. It can cause you to lose your freedom, career, and reputation and put additional hardships on your shoulders should your license be revoked or suspended. 

At Cross Law Office, we understand what you are facing and our OVI lawyers in Noble County and Coshocton County will always approach your case with compassion and understanding. We couple this empathy with an unrelenting and proactive defense strategy. This is because Cross Law Office believes in our clients and works hard to build personalized legal solutions. Though OVI laws can be harsh in Ohio, our firm will stop at nothing when defending your rights, freedom, and license. 

Call us now at (740) 997-2004. Our OVI attorneys proudly serve those charged in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Washington Counties.

What is OVI in Ohio?

In Ohio, OVI stands for “operating a vehicle while under the influence.” 

Section 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code states that you can be pulled over for drive with a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of .08% or higher. If you are driving a commercial vehicle, you will be charged with OVI if your BAC is over .04% and underage motorists driving can also be charged with OVI if they are driving with a BAC of .02%. Additionally, the law sets thresholds for the concentration of alcohol found in urine of .11%. 

“Under the influence” isn’t just limited to alcohol. You can also be pulled over for having drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of drugs and alcohol in your system. 

What to Do When You've Been Pulled Over for Impaired Driving in Ohio

In an OVI case, the prosecution must show evidence of impairment, including reckless driving, slurred speech, loss of balance, bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol on the breath, and other common signs. This evidence is generally gathered through field sobriety testing, which can be flawed and often subject to the arresting officer’s discretion. Our attorneys have training in field sobriety testing and are prepared to go toe-to-toe with the officers on their training.

If you have been pulled over, remember the following: 

• Be polite to the officer, but do not answer any question without a lawyer present
• Do not submit to field sobriety testing, which can be subjective and lead to evidence against you
• Contact our OVI attorneys as soon as possible

The officer who pulled you over will conduct tests, such as blood and breathalyzer tests, and forward this report to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), along with a request to suspend or revoke your license. It is important to act quickly to retain your right to drive. Our attorneys are available, communicative, and well known for our skill and extensive training in this nuanced field of criminal defense law. 

Commitment to Comprehensive Legal Advocacy 

At Cross Law Office, we are dedicated to obtaining a dismissal, acquittal, or a reduction of your charges whenever possible, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. 

Depending on the circumstance of your case, our Ohio OVI lawyers can fight to: 

• Protect your driving privileges
• Release your vehicle from impound
• File motions to suppress evidence
• Defend your commercial driving license
• Defend a minor accused of OVI
• Challenge the breath alcohol content readings
• Challenge the police officer’s stop
• Challenge the field sobriety tests
• Argue for a reduced charge or a penalty
• Set aside a Plea of Guilty before sentencing

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do for You

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) lawyer can provide several valuable services if you've been charged with a DUI offense. These attorneys specialize in representing individuals who have been accused of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Here are some of the things a DUI lawyer can do for you:

• Legal Advice: A DUI lawyer will provide you with legal advice tailored to your specific situation. They can explain the DUI laws in your jurisdiction, the potential penalties you may face, and your rights.
• Assessing Your Case: Your attorney will evaluate the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and any chemical test results. They will look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case and assess the strength of your defense.
• Plea Bargaining: In some cases, a DUI lawyer may negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a plea bargain. This could result in reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.
• Defending Your Rights: Your attorney will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process, such as ensuring that evidence was obtained legally and that you were not subject to unlawful search and seizure.
• Investigating the Stop: If there are concerns about the legality of the traffic stop or arrest, your DUI lawyer may investigate whether the police followed proper procedures and had a valid reason to stop you.
• Challenging Test Results: If you were subjected to chemical tests (e.g., breathalyzer or blood test), your attorney may challenge the accuracy and reliability of these tests, including the maintenance and calibration of testing equipment.
• Expert Witnesses: DUI lawyers can call upon expert witnesses, such as toxicologists or field sobriety test experts, to testify on your behalf and challenge the prosecution's evidence.
• Developing a Defense Strategy: Based on their assessment of your case, your attorney will develop a defense strategy that may include challenging evidence, arguing for a lack of probable cause, or disputing the accuracy of field sobriety tests.
• Court Representation: A DUI lawyer will represent you in court, making arguments on your behalf and advocating for your rights and interests during court proceedings.
• Minimizing Penalties: If you are convicted, your attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face, such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential jail time.
• Knowledge of Local Laws: DUI laws vary by jurisdiction, and a local DUI lawyer will have a deep understanding of the specific laws and legal processes in your area.
• Support and Guidance: Your DUI lawyer can provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the complexities of your case.

It's essential to hire an experienced DUI lawyer if you're facing DUI charges, as they can significantly impact the outcome of your case, potentially reducing penalties or even getting charges dropped or reduced. If you are facing charges, call our firm today!

Contact our OVI Lawyers in Noble and Coshocton Counties

When you’ve been pulled over, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid accidental self-incrimination and to protect your rights. We are familiar and comfortable with OVI trials and will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Washington Counties.

Knowledgeable Noble County and Coshocton County OVI lawyers are just a phone call away. Call Cross Law Office today at (740) 997-2004 or contact us online for an initial consultation.