Most Americans know that DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, a term used in many states. In Ohio, however, law enforcement uses the term OVI which stands for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence. If you are a driver in Ohio, getting an OVI never looks good, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your financial or driving world. If you find yourself in the situation of getting an OVI in Ohio, here are some things you should do next:
Find a Good Lawyer
When you get an OVI, there is a possibility that you will have to pay a high fine (about $250-$1000), serve jail time, get points on your license, or even have your license suspended. But, when you have a good defense attorney, they can actually help your case and reduce the consequences you may face. A good attorney will be able to analyze videos, contact witnesses, and even challenge breathalyzer tests – all things that can potentially help you in your case. For this reason, it is important to find the best dui attorney you can who can work well with you and help you get out of this tough spot.
Know You Are Not Alone
The truth is, more than 1.1 million people in Ohio have one or more convictions for driving while impaired. That is about 1 in 7 licensed drivers in Ohio. Because of this, there are many criminal defense firms for you to choose from when looking for the best dui attorney. It is a great idea to find a dui attorney who has experience with working with other drivers who have gotten dui charges and also who have had success with lowering their client’s consequences.
Don’t Assume You Can’t Challenge Your OVI
Even if this isn’t your first OVI, you can still hire a dui attorney to help you challenge your current OVI. When you hire the best dui attorney you can find, chances are that they have worked with others who have had multiple OVIs in the past. If you don’t hire an attorney and challenge your OVI, you can face devastating consequences that can affect your future. Getting an OVI can give you a criminal record which can prevent you from getting employed or getting loans.
Don’t let an OVI stop you from taking action and defending your case, especially if you think you’ve been wrongfully charged. If you are a driver in Ohio facing an OVI, find a great dui attorney as soon as possible!