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.

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.

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:

• First-time OVI
• Felony DUI/OVI
• Multiple DUI/OVI

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!