Columbus Felony DUI Lawyer
Felony OVI Attorney in Columbus, OH
Ohio law enforcement officers watch for driving behavior such as weaving between traffic lanes, speeding, or failing to stop at a red light. After pulling a driver over, an officer may conduct sobriety testing, administer a breath test, or take a blood sample to measure the alcohol in the driver’s body.
If your blood alcohol concentration measures at or above the legal limit, the officer may arrest you for an OVI, commonly called a DUI. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19 prohibits operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officers must follow protocols when administering tests, and mistakes can make the results inaccurate or unreliable. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we help clients question their test results and the validity of their OVI arrests.
Call (614) 707-4239 to schedule a free initial consultation about your felony OVI allegation.
What Is an OVI?
Ohio’s OVI laws apply to boats, golf carts, and certain other vehicles in addition to cars and trucks. OVI means “operating a vehicle under the influence” and can involve alcohol or drugs that impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. When a driver has prior DUI or OVI convictions, the number and timing of those convictions can increase the penalties and elevate a new allegation to a felony.
Criminal Defense Focus & Individual Attention
Our firm, The Meranda Law Firm LTD, concentrates on criminal defense. Our attorneys bring 45 years of combined legal experience to criminal cases and provide one-on-one attention to clients facing felony OVI allegations. We keep clients informed and support them from the initial accusation through potential appeals.
Felony DUI Penalties in Ohio
If an OVI-related accident causes serious physical harm or death, prosecutors can pursue separate aggravated vehicular assault or aggravated vehicular homicide charges. Ohio also recognizes other vehicular offenses, including vehicular manslaughter. A driver with multiple DUI convictions also faces increased consequences with each subsequent offense.
A fourth OVI conviction within 10 years or a sixth OVI conviction within 20 years is a felony of the fourth degree under Ohio law. If a person has a prior felony OVI conviction, another OVI is charged as a felony of the third degree regardless of when the prior conviction occurred.
A first felony OVI carries a mandatory minimum jail or prison term. Depending on the charge, specifications, evidence, and prior record, the maximum term can reach five years, with fines now ranging from $1,540 to $10,500 under Ohio’s current OVI penalties.
Additional consequences can include:
- Incarceration: Ohio law requires a mandatory minimum term, while the possible maximum depends on the offense level and case circumstances.
- Driving restrictions: A suspension and court-ordered vehicle controls can substantially limit transportation.
- Treatment requirements: The court can order participation in alcohol or drug treatment programs.
What to Expect After You Contact Us
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the accusation and the circumstances surrounding the stop, testing, arrest, and prior record. Afterward, we explain the cost of our services upfront so you understand the financial commitment before deciding how to proceed.
If you retain us, we provide continuing support throughout the criminal process, from the initial accusation through potential appeals. We answer your questions, explain the proceedings, and give your case individual attention at each stage.
If you’re facing serious felony charges after an OVI arrest, Learn how our attorneys can help protect your rights. Contact us to schedule a free, initial consultation today!
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
Discuss Your Felony OVI Allegation with Our Firm
Request a consultation to discuss the circumstances of your arrest, prior convictions, testing, and the criminal process ahead.
You’ll receive one-on-one attention from a firm that concentrates on criminal defense and keeps you informed throughout your case.
Our online request a consultation form is available at any time. Call (614) 707-4239 to speak with The Meranda Law Firm LTD about your felony OVI allegation.
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I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.- Anonymous
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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
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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I would give The Meranda Law Firm a 10 out of 10 for the pre-case advice, the genuine concern about his client, and the time and effort that was put into the case from beginning to the end. If there is anytime in the future I would need an attorney Zach has earned my business. Thank you Mr. Meranda for all that you covered and all that you helped me with.- Andrew
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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
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I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.- Alexandria Trejo
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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
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Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.- Anonymous
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
