Over 25 Years Of Experience

Serious DUI Defense On Your Side

An OVI or DUI charge is serious business, and you need a serious attorney on your side. Our Cincinnati DUI lawyers have substantial experience with drunk driving or under the influence cases. If you’ve been arrested for an OVI or DUI in Cincinnati or northern Kentucky, you need to speak with a DUI lawyer right away. You may be feeling scared, overwhelmed and alone right now. But don’t worry; our law firm is here to help. From negotiating for reduced charges to taking your case all the way to trial, our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights remain protected under the law.

Our DUI lawyer is available 24/7, has extensive experience and knows how to fight for your rights. We’ll do everything possible to get the best outcome for your case. It is important to remember that you have the right to a criminal defense attorney. If you are facing a charge, hiring our experienced OVI defense lawyer at Minnillo Law Group Co., LPA, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We’re ready and waiting to help you through this difficult time.

Fighting Your OVI – DUI Citation

So, you want to fight your OVI or DUI citation? Our Cincinnati OVI attorney can look at every step of the case and determine if the prosecutor will have trouble proving the elements of the case against you.

The first step in any DUI case is fact-finding. The facts of a DUI case are in the police report/officer’s statement of facts, field sobriety test/intoxication report, police car video, police station video, and videos from other cars at the scene other than the arresting officer. There are many additional records that are part of a chemical test.

Sometimes the best results come from fighting cases that the prosecutor will agree to reduce. When you switch gears from negotiation to fighting, the pressure is really on the state to prove its case. This will often reveal defects not apparent on the paperwork.

Challenging Probable Cause To Stop

The main areas of attack in an OVI case are whether there was a good reason to stop you in the first place:

  • Did the officer have a good reason to pull you over in the first place?
  • Did you show any signs of being drunk or high that can’t be explained by other things?
  • Did the officer follow proper procedures when testing you for impairment?
  • Did they have a good reason to arrest you?
  • Were you told your rights properly?
  • Was the test used to check for alcohol or drugs approved by the Ohio Department of Health and give accurate results?
  • Did they test you within 3 hours of when you were driving?
  • Do the police or lab have records going back 3 years?
  • Were you really the driver?
  • Do you have a medical condition that could have affected your driving or behavior?

Breath Test Defense

When you’re charged with an OVI, there are some ways to fight back against the breath test results. Ohio law says the tests have to be done the right way, and if they’re not, your lawyer can ask the court to throw out the results.

Your lawyer has to do this within 35 days of your arraignment, and there will be a hearing where the state tries to prove that they did the test the right way. If your lawyer doesn’t object in time, you can’t use this defense.

Other ways to defend against a DUI charge might need medical records or an expert. This can be expensive, so you should talk to your lawyer about if it’s worth it for your case. Every OVI case is different, so you need a lawyer who will take the time to look at your case and figure out what defenses might work for you.

Questioning Reasonable Suspicion For A Traffic Stop

Most OVI cases have a traffic offense listed on the ticket as the reason for the stop. You do not have to be cited for the reason the officer pulled you over. The Constitution prevents officers from pulling you over for just a hunch.

They also cannot pull you over for looking lost. They cannot stop you for going under the speed limit because they think you have something to hide unless there is a minimum speed posted or you are impeding traffic.

They will also need reasonable suspicion to ask you to perform field sobriety tests. This is because they are only allowed to detain you for a reasonable amount of time to issue a traffic citation. By extending the time allowed they will require an additional expectation that another crime is being committed. This can be an odor of marijuana coming from the car or an odor of alcohol from the driver or car.

They also look at where you are coming from. They want to know if you came from a place that serves alcohol. Unusual actions can be an indication of intoxication like not rolling the window down, not pulling over right away, rooting around inside the car, or nervousness/shaking/sweating.

Reducing OVI – DUI Charges Through A Plea Deal

Because they are familiar with the law and the local court system, our DUI lawyer can help you understand the OVI – DUI charges against you and the possible penalties. They can also work with the prosecutor to negotiate a plea agreement or to challenge the evidence against you.

If you entered a plea, the prosecutor will likely have offered you a reduction. A reduction is usually reckless driving or physical control. Reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor of the 4th degree when offered as a reduction from DUI. It carries a 6-month to 3-year suspension, up to 30 days in jail, and up to a $250 fine. It also carries 4 points on your license.

Another option for a plea will be physical control. This is not a moving violation and carries 0 points. However, it is an alcohol violation. It is a misdemeanor of the 1st degree punishable by up to a $1000 fine, 180 days in jail, and up to a one-year license suspension.

Can An OVI Charge Be Dismissed In Ohio?

In Ohio it is possible for OVI charges to be dismissed under certain circumstances. The dismissal of an OVI charge largely depends on the specifics of the case and the evidence available.

As discussed above, one common avenue for dismissal involves challenging the legality of the traffic stop that led to the OVI charge. If it can be demonstrated that the law enforcement officer did not have probable cause to make the initial stop, the evidence obtained during the stop may be deemed inadmissible in court, which could lead to dismissal of the charge.

Another potential for dismissal arises if there are issues with the administration or accuracy of sobriety testing. This includes both field sobriety tests and chemical tests like breath, blood or urine analysis. If proper procedures were not followed or if the equipment used was faulty, the results might not be reliable enough to stand in court.

Additionally, if there are procedural errors or if the defendant’s rights were violated at any point during the arrest or processing, these issues can be leveraged to argue for a dismissal. This might include errors in handling documentation, failure to administer Miranda warnings or not allowing you to access legal counsel in a timely manner.

How Much Does An OVI Cost On Average?

The financial impact of an Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) conviction can be substantial, with costs varying widely depending on the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction in Ohio. On average, the total expenses associated with an OVI can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

This range includes a variety of direct and indirect costs, including:

  • Fines and court costs: These are the immediate fines imposed by the court if you are convicted. Fines can vary significantly based on whether it’s a first or subsequent offense and the specific circumstances of the case. Court costs also add up, including fees for paperwork and legal proceedings.
  • Legal fees: Hiring a defense attorney is highly recommended for OVI cases, and legal fees can constitute a significant portion of the overall cost. Depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s rates, these fees can vary widely.
  • Bail and bond costs: If you are detained, you might need to pay bail or bond to secure your release pending trial. This cost can be considerable but is generally refundable if you comply with all court requirements.
  • Increased insurance premiums: One of the most significant long-term costs of an OVI conviction is the increase in auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies see individuals with OVI convictions as high-risk drivers, which can double or even triple insurance rates for several years.
  • Driver’s license reinstatement fees: After an OVI conviction, your driver’s license is likely to be suspended. There are fees associated with reinstating your license once you are eligible.
  • Alcohol education and treatment programs: Most OVI convictions come with a mandatory requirement to attend an alcohol education or treatment program. These programs, aimed at preventing future offenses, also come at a cost.
  • Lost wages: If the OVI leads to time in jail or court appearances, you may face lost wages due to time away from work. Additionally, loss of driving privileges can affect your ability to get to and from work, potentially impacting your job.
  • Transportation costs: With a suspended license, you may need to rely on alternative forms of transportation, adding to your expenses.

Considering these potential costs, the financial consequences of an OVI can be severe and long-lasting. Working with an experienced OVI defense attorney can help to mitigate these consequences by challenging the OVI charge.

OVI – DUI Frequently Asked Questions

While no list of questions online could be complete, we have compiled answers to a brief list of some of the more common questions people have about OVI and DUI charges:

What’s the difference between a DUI, a DWI and an OVI?

OVI is specific to Ohio. Ohio’s DUI statute is in O.R.C. 4511.19 titled, “operating vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs—OVI.” In 2001 the Ohio legislature changed the definition of driving in the DUI statute to operating and modified the penalties.

DUI stands for “driving under the influence” and can include drugs as well as alcohol. DWI, “driving while impaired,” is specific to driving while drunk from too much alcohol consumption.

What does a DUI ticket look like?

On your citation or ticket, you will see the Under the Influence box checked in most cases and a separate charge if you tested over the legal limit or refused and have a prior OVI in the last 20 years.

You might also have a traffic violation on the ticket. Tickets in Ohio have changed recently, and you might find your next court date at the top or bottom. This date will be set within five business days from your ticket date. If your license is suspended from a test over the limit or refusal, you have a right to Due Process in the form of a hearing at the arraignment which will be done at the first court date.

What is the legal alcohol limit in Ohio?

There is no legal limit in Ohio. Ohio has prohibited concentrations of certain drugs or alcohol which can be tested in the blood, breath or urine. Alcohol has a low and high tier limit which determines what penalties the judge will apply if you are found guilty. You can still be charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol even if you test under the legal limit in Ohio.

Over 21 years old:

Alcohol Breath Test
Low Tier ≥ 0.08 grams/210 L
High Tier ≥ 0.170 grams/210 L

Under 21 years old:

Alcohol Breath Test
≥ 0.02 grams/210 L

If you are under 21 and test over 0.08 grams/210 L of breath in Ohio, the police will often cite you with being over the limit just like if you were over 21. This might be less than one beer in most cases. This is very different from being under the influence. In fact, most of the field sobriety tests will not work in this case because they are only used to determine when a person has a chance of being over the limit of 0.08 BrAC.

However, the standard to arrest for this offense is much lower than for someone over 21 years old. Usually finding out that someone is under 21, a little bad driving, an odor of alcohol and admission of drinking is enough to support an arrest. The penalties are much higher for underage OVI offense.

Pure alcohol amounts:

The CDC defines a standard drink as being equal to 14.0 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in:

  • 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content)
  • 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
  • 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
  • 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)

Figure one beer will add about 0.02 grams of alcohol to an average person’s body. It takes about an hour for the average person to get rid of 0.015 grams of alcohol. Alcohol concentration in the body is also changed by whether the person has eaten lately, their gender, and weight. It does not have anything to do with your tolerance or how you feel.

Prohibited Concentrations of Drugs in Urine:

Drug/Item Concentration
Amphetamine ≥ 500 ng
Cocaine ≥ 150 ng
Cocaine Metabolite ≥ 150 ng
Heroin ≥ 2000 ng
Heroin Metabolite (6-monoacetyl morphine) ≥ 10 ng
L.S.D. ≥ 25 ng
Marihuana ≥ 10 ng
Marihuana Metabolite and under the influence ≥ 15 ng
Marihuana Metabolite ≥ 35 ng
Methamphetamine ≥ 500 ng
Phencyclidine ≥ 25 ng
Salvia TBD by Ohio St. Board of Pharmacy

What is a field sobriety test?

Police will conduct standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) on DUI suspects. There are three SFSTs called Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn (WNT), and One Leg Stand (OLS).

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

HGN is a test for involuntary movement of eyes as they gaze to the side. It requires the officer to ask if you have any eye problems. Then they will tell you to look at a pen or finger in front of your face. They look to see if your pupils are equal in size. Unequal pupils are evidence of eye or head injury and invalidate the test.

Then they will move the finger or pen around to see if your eyes can track the stimulus equally. This is to rule out further eye problems that will interfere with the test. The officer should also face you away from traffic, moving objects, and flashing lights.

The HGN test looks for three clues in each eye for a total of six clues. The clues are for nystagmus while your eyes move horizontally, nystagmus while looking all the way to the side, and nystagmus before 45 degrees as your eyes look to the side. NHTSA publishes that four out of six possible clues can indicate that someone will test over the limit.

Walk and Turn (WNT)

The WNT test has eight clues. NHTSA says that any two of the eight clues is an indication that someone will test over the limit. The test is basically walking heel to toe for nine steps, turning as directed, and nine heel-toe steps back.

One Leg Stand (OLS)

The OLS test has four clues. NHTSA says that any two or more clues can indicate that someone will test over the limit. The test is performed with one leg raised off the ground 6 inches. The leg is held with the leg straight for 30 seconds.

These tests are highly regulated by NHTSA. Failure of the officer to give proper instructions or the making of inaccurate observations can cause the tests to be excluded.

Non-SFSTs

Police will often use non-standardized tests. These tests are subject to suppression. This means that the law generally will prevent them from being used by the prosecutor against you at trial.

However, it should be noted that the officer will be able to talk about what was observed even if he cannot the words “test” or what it means to “fail” the test. The most common of these types of tests are counting, alphabet, finger to nose, and touching thumb to fingers while counting.

Counting tests

Counting tests can be counting up or down. They are usually done as a supplement when a suspect has some problem performing the SFSTs. NHTSA does spell out some regulations about how to perform the test.

They recommend that the number start with an unusual number like 68 and stop by counting down to another unusual number like 53. They look to see if you can count backward, miss numbers, add numbers, and start and stop at the right place.

Alphabet tests

Alphabet tests are usually the same as counting. They are used as a supplement when someone cannot do the regular field tests. Some officers use the whole alphabet and ask that you not sing it.

NHTSA will instruct that the tests start at a weird letter and stop at a weird letter such as starting at E and going to P. Officers want to see if the person will skip or add letters while simultaneously checking that they remember to start and stop at the right place.

Should I hire a DUI lawyer in Cincinnati?

Absolutely! If you are charged with an OVI conviction, had the police looking for you for questioning, or expect charges could be filed, call an experienced and competent lawyer. DUI lawyers can explain the charges and potential penalties in Hamilton County and surrounding areas.

Lawyers will tell you not to talk about your case, even if you are innocent. We know you want to tell your story. There will be a time for that. Be aware that anything you say can be used against you. Speaking with a lawyer will ensure the conversation is privileged.

Lawyers can help inform you about what to expect at each court date, evaluate evidence, and help you prepare a defense. Being charged with a crime can have life-altering consequences. Lawyers charge a lot of money to do what they do. They are so important that even if you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be appointed a public defender to represent you.

Working with an experienced attorney can help you:

  • Avoid a tougher sentence: Your lawyer will know the right mitigation to prepare to ensure the best possible chances of avoiding a tougher sentence if you are convicted. They can also help you if you have a probation violation after sentencing.
  • Preserve evidence: Lawyers will have the right motions to file to preserve the evidence. They also have motions to reduce the bond and exclude evidence and testimony. Specific motions need to be filed to require the prosecution to produce the evidence. The judge, prosecutor, and clerk will not be able to give you legal advice on criminal law or help you. They must refer you to a public defender or privately retained lawyer for assistance.
  • Get a court date sooner: Criminal defense lawyers can get your case called first so that you do not have to wait around all day for your case to get called. Generally, this will get you in and out of court more efficiently than just going to court on your own.
  • Stay in touch:  The right criminal defense lawyer will be someone you can talk to. Our criminal defense lawyer will give you their cell phone number and tell you to call them if you have questions. They can really set your mind at ease. Knowledge and experience are worth their weight in gold. The best lawyers will likely have already handled a case like yours many times and be able to best help you out. Great lawyers don’t take no for an answer and know when to keep asking for a better deal for you. You don’t always have to take the first deal offered. Sometimes things can get incredibly better.

If you are being questioned by the police you have the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer. You should invoke both rights, and refuse any field sobriety or chemical tests until you speak to our Cincinnati DUI attorney.

Can the police tow my car?

Most police in Ohio will not tow your vehicle on a first offense without a crash. They will let you know if they must. 

If the police tow your car after arrest for OVI or DUI they can impound or hold it until at least the first court date. A second or subsequent OVI arrest will cause your vehicle to be towed. Your copy of the suspension paper (ALS- yellow or white 8 ½” x 11”) in the bottom of the A section will indicate where it was towed or stored.

Otherwise, the police will ask your permission to park it legally where it can be obtained by a licensed driver later. On a first offense if the vehicle is towed you should be able to get it out without a court order if you pay the towing and storage fees. This can cost up to $3,000 if you leave a vehicle in storage for 90 days. Other judges will let you get the vehicle out by posting a bond of $500.

If you fail to tender your car for immobilization after conviction when ordered by the court and you get caught driving it, the police can seize the car and it is subject to forfeiture to the state! Most police officers will not fill out the proper paperwork and fail to comply with the notice requirements of vehicle impoundment. Your lawyer will be able to object to this in some cases the judge will not require 90 days of immobilization for second offenders.

Do not get a state ID to get your car out

Most tow companies will ask for proof of ownership like the registration or title and proof of identification or photo ID like a passport before releasing the vehicle. Some tow companies will advise people to go to the BMV to get a state ID since the police will take your license if you are suspended. In Ohio, you can only have a license or state ID.

When you are given the suspension paper after testing over the limit or refusing the test, the police take your license and your driving privileges are suspended. If you test over the limit after a Physical Control arrest you should not be suspended. You will not be suspended if you are arrested for an OVI or Physical Control and test under the prohibited limit for blood, breath, or urine.

Make sure your address is always current with the BMV. Once they get notice of any suspension, they will mail you a notice to the address they have on file. Once you are suspended in the system, you can go to the BMV and get a “Temporary” State ID Card that will not cancel your license, which can be used with the limited driving privileges if granted by the judge.

BMV form #2255

In any case, you will be given the 8 1/2” x 11” BMV form number 2255 titled “Report of the Law Enforcement Officer / Notice of Possible Administrative License Suspension or CDL Disqualification” which is yellow or white. The box on the left side in the “B” section has a check box placed under administrative suspension. This controls what the Ohio BMV does to your license as they will be sent a copy of this form with your license if seized. We shorten the administrative license suspension to ALS.

Remember driving is a privilege, not a right.

What is a physical control charge?

Ohio Code Section 4511.194 titled, “Having physical control of vehicle while under the influence” defines this. Most people other than those charged or OVI lawyers, prosecutors, and judges in Ohio have never heard of this. It basically means that you are in the driver’s seat with possession of the ignition key while you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two.

You can also be placed under suspension after an arrest for physical control. Physical control is where you are alleged to be under the influence and in possession of the car keys and in the car. This is like sleeping it off in the car with the keys in the ignition and you are in the driver’s seat.

If you refuse to take the test the officer will suspend your license. If you take the test and test over the limit, there is no suspension. This is different than what happens if you are arrested for OVI.

Can I get a CDL with a DUI?

When you are arrested for an OVI in Ohio the police will ask you to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test. If you refuse or test over the legal limit you will be suspended administratively. This is referred to as an ALS.

The old law used to tell the BMV to wait for a conviction of the DUI before acting. Now the law has changed, and the ALS is the trigger, not the conviction. The ALS will cause a one-year out-of-service disqualification of your CDL on a first offense. A second ALS will cause a lifetime out-of-service disqualification.

The Court cannot grant driving privileges to drive a commercial vehicle. They can only grant privileges to drive a passenger vehicle. Another complication is that you might have a judge that grants driving privileges for your personal non-commercial vehicle with the restriction of an ignition interlock device.

Interlock License

Before issuing you the letter to drive, the clerk might require you to take a paper to the BMV and obtain a special Interlock License. This will cancel the CDL endorsements on your license. When your suspension is over you will have to reapply for a CDL.

The law also treats people differently if they are in a commercial vehicle when they get arrested. The legal limit is usually .08 for someone over 21. In a commercial vehicle, it is .04.

Ohio’s CDL Disqualification is explained in ORC Section 4506.16. Hopefully, you have a lawyer on board as soon as something happens. If not, get one a.s.a.p. as time may bar you from any recourse through the appeal process. A hearing may be requested within 30 days of the mailing of the notice of disqualification. If the hearing is granted the disqualification will be stayed pending the outcome.

First Offense Length of Disqualification

ORC Description Disqualification Length
4506.16(D)5 Two serious traffic violations within a three-year period 60 days
4506.16(D)6 Three serious traffic violations within a three-year period 120 days
4506.15(A)2 BAC of .04% or more 1 year
4506.15(A)5 Under influence of controlled substance 1 year
4506.15(A)6 Using the commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony 1 year
4506.15(A)7 Refusing to submit to a blood, breath or urine test 1 year

Second Offense Length of Disqualification

ORC Description Disqualification Length
4506.15(A)2 BAC of .04% or more Life
4506.15(A)5 Under influence of controlled substance Life
4506.15(D) Leaving the scene of a traffic crash Life
4506.15(E) Using the commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony Life
4506.15(F) Refusing to submit to a blood, breath or urine test Life
4506.16(B)4 First time commission of a felony with a controlled substance Life
4506.15(A)7 First Violation of Out-of-Service 90 days
4506.16(A)2 Second Violation of Out-of-Service 1 year
4506.16(A)3 Third Violation of Out-of-Service 3 years

Violation of Out-of-Service (Transporting Hazardous Materials)

ORC Description Disqualification Length
4506.16(B)1 First Violation of Out-of-Service 180 days
4506.16(B)2 Second Violation of Out-of-Service 3 years

NOTE: Under Ohio’s commercial driver’s license law, any person who holds a CDL shall be deemed to have consented to such testing as is required of him/her by any state or jurisdiction. If any level of alcohol is detected, law enforcement can place a commercial driver out-of-service for 24 hours. It is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle with any alcohol in your system.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Getting Pulled Over For A Possible DUI

Do:

  • Signal and pull over.
  • Stop in a safe place.
  • Comply with orders from police:
    • “Put the car in park.”
    • “Turn off the radio.”
    • “Roll down the window.”
    • “Give me your license, registration, and insurance.”
    • “Step out of the vehicle.”
    • “Put your hands behind your back.”
  • Identify yourself by name, date of birth, and social security number especially if you do not have your license. Give it to them if you have it.
  • Identify whether you have a CCW Permit or Firearm.
  • Be polite.
  • Inform the officer that you invoke your right to remain silent.
    • There is a good chance that you are being recorded on high quality audio and video.
      NOTE: THE BACK OF THE POLICE CAR ALSO HAS AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITY ON MOST POLICE CARS!

Don’t:

  • Make admissions.
    • You do not need to answer where you are coming from or going to.
    • You do not have to admit to drinking alcohol.
  • Reach where the officer can’t see your hands without permission.
  • Move around in the vehicle. The officer is watching you. They will assume you are hiding drugs or guns and it will raise their blood pressure. This is not the way to get off to a good start.
  • Consent to a search.
  • Resist or fail to comply with orders.
  • Tell the officer they should be out looking for worse criminals or talk to them about race, quotas, or your political views.
  • Be rude or disrespectful.
  • Take any field sobriety tests. NOTE: THEY ARE OPTIONAL!!!
  • Take any roadside breath tests.
  • Take any blood, breath, or urine tests at the station or hospital without consulting with a DUI lawyer first. (NOTE: WE CAN ASK FOR DRIVING PRIVILEGES WHETHER YOU TEST OVER THE LIMIT OR REFUSE)

Six Signs Of Suspected Drunk Driving

A police officer is looking for specific things when they pull you over that will tip them off that you might be drunk. Most OVI or DUI arrests occur on a weekend and after dark, especially after bars close versus Tuesday at noon or during morning and evening rush hour.

So what signs are police officers looking for?

  • They will consider where you are stopped. Are you near a bar or did you admit to coming from a place that serves alcohol, like a bar? They will observe your driving to see if it is erratic.
  • They listen to the police radio for calls from other drivers that report erratic and possible drunken driving.
  • They look into your eyes to see if they are red, bloodshot, glassy, or glazed. They will listen to how you speak. They are looking for slurred speech, slow speech, deliberate speech, repeated words, and unusual statements.
  • Mental confusion about time, place, and location is a sign of impairment. Whether there is an odor of alcohol or drugs from the car and more importantly the driver. They will gauge the intensity of the odor and classify it as slight, moderate, strong, or very strong.
  • Your demeanor can be a sign of impairment if you are overly nervous, shaking, sweating when it is not hot out, fumbling of your license, producing a library card or credit card and not your driver’s license, falling over when exiting the car, stumbling, leaning on the car, unsteady walking, etc.
  • Lastly, they will want you to tell them how much drugs and alcohol you consumed, and where and when you consumed it. A dead giveaway is the appearance of your clothing when it shows vomit, urine, etc. They will also look for cover scents like mints, mouthwash, and smoking cigarettes.

Questions And Testing After Being Pulled Over For A DUI

It’s a normal Saturday evening. You are out with a few friends, unwinding from the workweek, or maybe it’s just you and your spouse treating yourselves to a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant while a sitter watches the kids.

Maybe you consumed two glasses of wine. Maybe you consumed a couple of beers. Later, you begin your drive home. You see flashing lights in your mirror. What do you do? The way that you answer this question will change your future.

Your choices mean everything at this critical point. You’ll probably have a dozen questions running through your mind:

  • The officer wants me to take a chemical test. Should I?
  • Am I allowed to refuse?
  • What happens if I refuse?
  • The officer asked me to get out of the car. Must I?
  • The officer wants me to take coordination tests, do I have to? Do I want to? What happens if I don’t?
  • Will any of these things help me? Will they hurt me?
  • Am I required to answer the officer’s questions?
  • If I don’t submit to any tests, can I still be arrested?

What Are Your Rights If You Are Pulled Over?

At Minnillo Law Group, our DUI attorney understands your fear. You are (most likely) not a lawyer. You cannot be expected to know the answers to these questions. Luckily, you are protected as long as you understand a few basic concepts.

Generally, you are not required to answer questions, submit to chemical tests, or perform coordination tests. The manner of your refusal(s) can be extremely important, however. Refusing any or all of the tests does not prevent an officer from arresting you and charging you with OVI.

Understanding The Consequences

License Suspension

First, you must understand that refusing a chemical test will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for a period of at least one year. This is called an Administrative License Suspension, or as it is commonly known, an ALS suspension. There are limited ways to challenge this type of suspension once it is imposed.

Also, Ohio law allows for a forced blood draw under certain circumstances, meaning that a judge can sign an order (warrant) authorizing the taking of a sample of your blood whether you consent or not. (Missouri v. McNeely, U.S. Supreme Court No. 11-1425.) Though this rarely occurs, it is information worth knowing.

Arrest

Next, you must understand that refusing these tests, both chemical and coordination, will very likely result in you being arrested for OVI. However, if you are at the point of being asked to take a breath test and coordination tests, this is a likely scenario either way.

It’s ESSENTIAL that you understand the following: if you admit to anything, the state of Ohio WILL use it against you. You ARE NOT REQUIRED to admit anything, as stated above.

The 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution affords you protection from making self-incriminating statements, meaning that you don’t have to admit to drinking or anything else for that matter. You have the right to remain silent. This is usually a good idea.

Should You Take The DUI Tests?

This information should not be construed to mean that you should never comply with any of the aforementioned requests. At times, a low breath test result or competent performance on the coordination tests can actually help a person’s case.

You should understand, however, there is great risk involved in such actions. If you submit to a chemical test, and that test exceeds the legal limit, the state of Ohio will use that test against you. Unless your attorney can prevent them from doing so by finding some fault with the machine used to perform the test – or the process of obtaining the test itself – this can be critically damning evidence, undermining any real chance of winning your case at trial.

In addition, many police vehicles are equipped with motor vehicle recording devices, commonly known as MVRs. Therefore, if a person attempts the coordination tests and stumbles, falls, or has other issues with motor coordination, this video evidence will be used by the state. This evidence often can make or break a case.

Repeat DUI Offenders In Ohio

If you have had more than one OVI or DUI citation within the last 10 years, your options vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Ohio’s laws regarding multiple drunk driving convictions are strict, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any hope.

The pieces of evidence, or lack thereof, that our team will review include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • What was the original reason for pulling you over?
  • Did you take a test of any kind?
  • What is the history/timeline of your previous incidents?
  • What were the outcomes of those cases?

These cases can get quite complex, and it is important to get a qualified, knowledgeable attorney to review the facts of the case in detail, gather additional evidence, and provide you with the options for the best outcome possible.

OHIO License Suspensions: What You Should Know

There are myriad reasons your license is suspended:

  • Non compliance: Too many points on your license
  • FRA: Driving without insurance
  • DUI/OVI: DUI/OVI charges with an administrative license suspension
  • Accident: You were in an accident

The first step is to determine the reason your license is suspended, and that will determine the legal path we will need to follow. No matter why your license is suspended, seeking legal counsel can get the problem resolved faster than fighting this on your own. You probably need to get back to work or you have kids’ activities to get to, and not having a license is a hindrance. It’s important that you remember that driving with a suspended license could get you into even more trouble.

Contact Us Today

We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we will do everything we can to help you get through it. Our criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of success in the Cincinnati DUI (OVI) courts and will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Call Minnillo Law Group now at 513-723-1600 in Cincinnati or fill out our contact form to send us a message.