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First-Time OVI

First-Time OVI Defense

Don't Let a Drunk Driving Charge Ruin Your Future

While being convicted of any crime is undesirable, a conviction for OVI will remain on your criminal record for life. You need strong and reliable representation from a Columbus OVI attorney who knows how to fight your charges and keep you from a conviction. Your freedom and future are on the line, so call The Meranda Law Firm LTD to get the support and counsel you deserve.

Our founding attorney, Zachuary Meranda, is intimately familiar with state law as it pertains to OVI—he is certified in DWI Detection, Standardization Field Sobriety Testing, and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARISE) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. We understand OVI law better than most and can provide you with a solid defense!

What Can I Face for My First OVI?

Although only a misdemeanor offense, there is a chance you will be sent to jail for even your first OVI. Your penalties could also be offset by other mitigating or aggravating factors particular to your arrest.

In general, consequences for a first-time OVI conviction include:

  • 3 days to 6 months in jail
  • Fines of $250 to $1,000
  • License suspension for 6 months to 3 years
  • Enhanced penalties for blood alcohol level of over 0.17

Other aggravating factors which can increase your punishment include having a minor child present, causing an accident in which another driver was injured, driving on a suspended license, or causing property damage.

Since this is your first OVI charge, you can likely work with a lawyer to negotiate lesser penalties or dropped charges altogether, especially if your blood alcohol level was borderline. It may also be possible to have your charge lowered to wet reckless, which is a charge of reckless driving with alcohol present.

Take the First Step by Calling Us

Our Columbus OVI lawyers have more than 15 years of experience and can fight to clear your name or secure the best possible ruling. We believe in standing up for our clients, regardless of the circumstances involved in their cases. With a firm grasp of OVI laws in Ohio, we should be your number one choice for representation. Call on our Columbus OVI attorneys today to start working on your defense.

Are you ready to discuss your case with our firm? Be sure to give us call! 
Free initial case evaluations available!

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.

    “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
    “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
    “I Definitely Recommend The Meranda Law Firm to Anyone”
    Zach has been a very professional and knowledgeable attorney! Being my first time needing assistance from a law firm, Zach is going above and beyond to help me get what I deserve! I have never met a more down to earth and more understanding person. I definitely recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice and legal help! You will not be let down!
    - Anonymous
    “I Could Not Have Asked for a Better Attorney Than Mr. Meranda”
    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
    “Can’t Thank Him Enough”
    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
    “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
    “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 Lawyer”
    I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.
    - Aaron Jacks

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.