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.
-
"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.
