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OVI / DUI

Columbus OVI / DUI Defense Attorney

Skilled Defense for Drunk Driving Charges in Ohio

Do not ever feel as though you can't fight your DWI charges. It is a misconception that people must accept the consequences and plead guilty to driving under the influence. There are numerous possible defenses that can help you fight your DUI. With the legal assistance of a Columbus DUI defense attorney, you can work towards a positive outcome in your case.

You can be confident that our team of insightful OVI attorneys understands the laws and regulations surrounding your case and are prepared to advocate on your behalf. Let us put our legal knowledge and expertise to work for your future today!

What is an OVI?

An OVI is also known as operating a vehicle under the influence. This means the same thing as a DUI in other states and has been the term in the state of Ohio since 2004. If a person is behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and has a BAC greater than 0.08, they can be charged with an OVI. Additionally, unlike a DUI, a person can be charged with an OVI even if they are not actually operating the vehicle. If they are simply sitting in a parked or idling car and are determined to be impaired, they can be charged.

Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD today to request a FREE consultation!

OVI / DUI Sentences In Columbus And Central Ohio

When Ohio DUI / OVI convictions occur within six years of each other, the minimum and maximum sentences increase.

  1. First offense of DUI / OVI carries a punishment of three days to 180 days in prison, a license suspension of one year to three years, and a fine of $375 to $1,075.
  2. Second-offense DUI / OVI is punishable by imprisonment for ten days to 180 days, license suspension for one year to seven years, and a fine of $525 to $1,625.
  3. Third-time DUI/OVI offenders face incarceration for 30 days to one year, license suspensions for two years to twelve years, and fines between $850 and $2,750.

There is a higher penalty for additional convictions of DUI / OVI as they are classified as felonies.

In addition to yellow license plates, ignition interlock devices, vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, and secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring (SCRAM), DUI / OVI sentences can include yellow license plates, ignition interlock devices.

Certified in DWI Detection & Field Sobriety Testing

Zach Meranda is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), giving him unique qualifications to handle DUI cases.

Attorney Meranda has the following OVI-specific certifications:

  • DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student Course
  • Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Course

With these credentials, Attorney Meranda has a strategic firsthand knowledge in DWI detection and testing. He knows what officers should and should not do when conducting breath and field sobriety tests and can use this to benefit his clients' cases. You can have this edge in your fight against your DWI when you call on our firm for representation! We are ready to begin investigating your OVI case.

Why Should You Hire Us for Your Case?

  • Certified in DWI detection and field sobriety testing
  • Selected to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list
  • Insider perspective from a former prosecutor
  • Exclusively handling criminal defense cases
  • 15+ years of proven defense experience

Providing Incisive Counsel Against DUI/OVI Charges

Recent enhancements to Ohio's DUI laws have increased the scope of this offense. Traditionally known as "driving under the influence (DUI)," the state now refers to such behavior as OVI, or "operating a vehicle impaired." These laws not only include the actual driving of a car while drunk, but also cover a wider range of motor vehicles, including golf carts, bicycles, and lawn mowers, and expand the definition of impaired to include being under the influence of either illicit or prescription drugs.

Our firm provides representation and counsel for the following type of charges:

A first-time OVI is a misdemeanor that can lead to several days in jail, enlistment in an alcohol education program, fines, driver's license suspension for up to three years, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. Further convictions escalate these penalties, with a fourth conviction being considered a felony.

How To Beat An OVI In Ohio

If you are facing an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge in Ohio, it is essential to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable Columbus DUI lawyer or OVI lawyer near you at The Meranda Law Firm LTD. We can provide valuable guidance and develop a strong defense strategy to help you fight the charges.

Here are some things you can do to help you potentially beat an OVI charge:

  • Analyze the Actions of the Arresting Officer: Your DUI attorney will review the circumstances that led up to your arrest. They will assess whether the arresting officer had a valid reason to initiate the traffic stop and if proper procedures were followed during the arrest.
  • Challenge the Field Sobriety Test: Field sobriety tests are subjective and may be influenced by various factors. An experienced lawyer will examine whether these tests were conducted correctly  and if any factors may have affected the results.
  • Questioning Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Your Columbus DUI lawyer will carefully look at the methods used to administer and analyze your chemical tests. They will confirm if proper protocols were followed and if there were any potential errors or inaccuracies that could have impacted your results.
  • Assessing Constitutional Violations: Your attorney will evaluate if any of your constitutional rights were violated during the traffic stop, arrest, or questioning. This may include violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures or your Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
  • Investigating Alternative Explanations: Your Columbus DUI attorney will explore any plausible alternative explanations for your behavior or physical symptoms that may have been mistaken for impairment. This may involve gathering witness statements, medical records, or other evidence to support your defense.

If you were arrested for DUI/OVI, you must get in touch with experienced criminal defense attorneys in Columbus, Ohio at The Meranda Law Firm LTD. We can provide one-on-one attention and draw from our over 45 years of combined legal experience. We offer a free consultation so that you have the opportunity to discuss your case with an attorney and we can determine the best strategies to beat an OVI charge. Get in touch today by dialing. (614) 707-4239.

Retain Our Trusted Defense Firm for Your Case

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we understand that you may be feeling worried and concerned about how a DUI/OVI arrest will affect your life and impact your future. The good news is that you do not have to try to navigate this confusing and overwhelming time on your own! Our Columbus DUI lawyers are here to stand beside you and guide you through each and every step, ensuring your rights remain safeguarded along the way. When you hire our firm for your case, we actively seek to craft a compelling case on your behalf and minimize the potential consequences and penalties you are up against.

Don't sit back and accept the fate of a conviction! You can still fight your OVI/DUI charges and clear your name, especially with our team behind your case. Trust us to secure the favorable results you deserve!


Looking for top-notch legal representation to defend you against drinking and driving charges? Your search is over! Contact a Columbus DUI/OVI lawyer from our firm now.


Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “As stress free as it can be”
    A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy
    - Jeff w
    “Great Representation”
    There are three reasons I recommend Zachuary Meranda if you are arrested for DUI. First off, he is a straight shooter. Never did he sugar coat my situation. Second, he handled everything while keeping me informed and walked me through everything as it progressed. Third, he got me the result- NO DUI!!! Thanks Zak!
    - Shane Dolen
    “Excellent job!”
    We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.
    - Anonymous
    “I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm”
    I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.
    - Payton R
    “Great work!!”
    Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!
    - Pfeifer
    “Great Job”
    Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.
    - Rod
    “Great Attorney”
    Zach is a great attorney. He has represented me twice and both times I got positive results. If you need an attorney call The Meranda Law Firm, he's the best.
    - Frances Benson
    “An Attorney That Will Give You His All!”
    Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.
    - Rylan Burrie

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • What should I do if my child was arrested?
    No parent wants their child to have to go through an ordeal like being arrested. When these situations do occur, it can be difficult to determine what the best course of action would be. The juvenile justice system is different from the adult justice system and so it is important that you have a legal representative who understands the juvenile system and can help you get through this time. Whether your child has been accused of DUI, a drug crime, a misdemeanor, or a felony, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that we are there helping you every step of the way.
  • Can I afford a criminal defense attorney?
    Another question you will have to consider when deciding which defense lawyer to handle your case is whether or not you can afford it. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we want to be able to provide reasonable rates to our clients so that you can get the help you need. In order to give you an idea of how much it will be, we will meet with you in a free consultation and discuss what kind of fees you could expect.
  • How do I appeal my conviction?
    What should you do if you have already been convicted of a crime and have received your sentence? If you believe that justice was not served, your first step should be to contact our firm to see if we could help you appeal your case. Not every attorney takes on appeal cases they can be more complex and time-consuming than other cases. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, however, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients, no matter how difficult the case. If you want us to look over your case, please contact our team as soon as possible.

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