Felony DUI/OVI

Columbus Felony DUI Lawyer

Felony OVI Attorney in Columbus, OH

Handcuffs, car keys and alcohol - is an OVI a felony

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!

The Franklin County Felony Court Process

A felony OVI case in Franklin County typically begins with an initial appearance in Franklin County Municipal Court. The court addresses the pending charge, bond, and next scheduled proceeding.

If the court finds probable cause, the case is bound over for grand jury proceedings. A grand jury reviews the prosecution’s evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, has original jurisdiction over felony cases in the county and handles the case after indictment.

Driver’s License & Vehicle Consequences

A conviction for felony OVI affects more than incarceration and fines. An OVI classified as a felony of the fourth degree can result in a Class Two driver’s license suspension lasting from three years to life. For a first felony OVI, limited driving privileges are unavailable during the first three years of that suspension.

A conviction can also require restricted license plates and an ignition interlock device, which tests a driver’s breath before allowing the vehicle to start. Vehicle forfeiture is another possible consequence. The restrictions imposed depend on the conviction and the person’s prior record.

OVI Crashes Causing Serious Injury or Death

An OVI-related crash that causes serious physical harm or death can lead to charges separate from the underlying OVI. These allegations carry their own felony classifications, mandatory consequences, and license restrictions.

Aggravated Vehicular Assault

The assault offense can be charged when an OVI causes serious physical harm to another person. It’s generally a felony of the third degree but can rise to a felony of the second degree when statutory aggravating factors apply.

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide

The homicide offense can be charged when an OVI proximately causes another person’s death or the unlawful termination of a pregnancy. It’s generally a felony of the second degree and can rise to a felony of the first degree when specified prior OVI or traffic-related convictions are present. A qualifying conviction also carries a mandatory Class One driver’s license suspension.

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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.

“I Was So Impressed and Would, If Needed, Use His Services Again”
Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.

- Anonymous
“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
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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 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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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

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Have Questions?

We Have Answers!

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.
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.
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.

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