Need help with an Ohio DUI?

An experienced Ohio DUI Lawyer can make the difference in your case.

If you face an Ohio DUI charge, you are probably afraid of what is ahead. You are probably scared of the possibility of going to jail, of losing your drivers license, or having an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. In today's world a criminal record can really hold you back, and the prospect of having a drunk driving charge on your record may worry you because it can affect employment and insurance, and have a long-lasting financial impact on you and your family.

If you are like most people accused of an Ohio DUI offense, you may feel overwhelmed, and perhaps alone. There are many factors to consider, and technical and legal issues to navigate. Perhaps you need a friend and advocate to talk with? Somebody who understands your ordeal on a personal level, and who also understands all of the loopholes and pitfalls in Ohio DUI law?

This is your case and your life. You have every right to insist on getting the best information and representation in your Ohio DUI case.

I hope that these pages will prove to be a good starting point if you have just been arrested and are beginning your journey through the court system's maze. If you are well into your case, or even if your case is long finished, I hope that the information on these pages will help you resolve any lingering questions that you may have.

Take a deep breath, think, educate yourself, and make the best possible decisions in your Ohio DUI case

Did you know that having the right type of Ohio DUI attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, and can drastically change your future? The fact is, some lawyers dabble in several areas of the law. The potential problem for clients of a "general practice" attorney (or a lawyer who specializes in another area of law, but dabbles in impaired driving defense) is that the generalist lawyer can't have enough time or energy to be truly excellent in all types of law that he or she practices.

Ohio DUI law extremely punitive and complex, and keeping current with all of the developments in the law and science that govern these cases in literally a full-time job. It takes years to develop the knowledge and  skill to be en effective Ohio DUI trial lawyer. DUI is a serious crime and not a "throw away" matter as many general practitioners see it. In fact, DUI defense has evolved into an extremely specialized and focused discipline in Ohio and across the nation.

It is crucial to make sure that you know not only which attorney you are hiring for your important case, but also what other types of cases that attorney is involved in. As an example, if your attorney is suing a pharmaceutical company for billions of dollars over a defective drug at the same time as he is representing you in your DUI case, how much attention do you think your case will get? No matter how gifted the lawyer, there are still only 24 hours in every day.

Ohio DUI Is A Serious Crime

Under Ohio DUI Law, it is a serious crime to drive any vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs. While the most common acronym for impaired driving in Ohio is DUI (driving under the influence), it is also referred to as OVI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated), and OMVI (operating a motor vehicle while under  the influence). No matter what acronym you refer to it as, it all describes the same crime and statute.

The Penalties Can Be Staggering

The penalties for DUI in Ohio are extremely strict, and all involve exposure to jail or prison time. In addition to imprisonment, you also face the potential of lengthy license suspensions, fines, alcohol education or intervention programs and a required ignition interlock device, the costs of which you would be responsible to cover. If you drive for a living or hold a CDL, the consequences of an Ohio DUI could devastate your career.

Know The Ohio Court Process

The Ohio DUI court process follows the Ohio rules of criminal procedure and evidence. If you are not represented by a lawyer, the court will hold you to the same standard as a licensed attorney, and expect you to know all of the rules and how to conduct yourself in court. You will be expected to know how to make and respond to objections and know DUI law, science and criminal procedure. For that reason, it is extremely important that you discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer before making any important decisions that could harm your case.

Ohio DUI Cases Are Local

Although the laws and science of DUI cases are the same throughout the state, each county may apply and interpret the laws slightly differently. There are local rules, procedures and customs that all persons involved in the case must be aware of. For this reason, it is essential to be represented by an attorney with experience in the county and court where your case will be heard.

Get your free consultation with a local attorney

The Ohio DUI lawyers who participate in this website will talk with you for free about your case. The free initial consultation is designed to give you the best possible information and resources with which you will make the right decision about which attorney to hire. There is never an obligation and you have a lot to gain. To get started, select the county in which you were arrested and then call the attorney directly or fill out the form and he or she will contact you.