Being charged with an OVI, or operating a vehicle while impaired, is a serious offense. Depending on the situation, you could be facing jail time and hefty fines. This article will provide guidance on understanding your OVI charge, avoiding one if you are pulled over, your rights in an OVI arrest and more.
Understanding Your OVI Charge and Penalties
If you are charged with an OVI offense in Ohio, you will face varying penalties depending on the severity of the offense. For example, first-time offenders may face up to six months in jail as well as license suspension for up to one year. Additionally, fines can range from $250-$1,000 and or community service hours. Subsequent offenses will incur harsher penalties such as license revocation for two or more years as well as increased fines that can go up to $10,000. If a minor was present in the car at the time of the stop, or if someone was injured due to your intoxication, then more severe punishments may apply.
Avoiding an OVI When Pulled Over 
The best way to avoid getting pulled over is by practicing safe driving behaviors such as obeying all traffic laws and not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You should not operate a motor vehicle if you have consumed enough alcohol to raise your blood alcohol content above .08, or approximately four to five drinks. It’s also important that you remain calm and polite when speaking with officers no matter what they ask you, as any aggressive behavior could result in additional charges being filed against you.
What are Your Rights in an OVI Arrest?
It’s important that you understand your rights when it comes to dealing with law enforcement officers during an arrest for an OVI charge. First, it’s important that you know that anything said or done during this time can be used against you in court, so it’s best not to talk more than absolutely necessary. Additionally, it is within your right to refuse certain tests, such as blood alcohol tests, if requested by officers at the scene. This is because those results can incriminate you further should they come back positive for levels higher than 0.08%. Lastly, it is within your right to request legal representation immediately upon arrest, which would ensure that all proceedings are handled properly according to state law, without risking any potential self-incrimination.
Can an OVI Charge be Expunged From My Record?
In some cases yes, but this depends largely on where the charge took place and how long ago it happened. Generally speaking though, a first-time offender may be eligible for expungement after fulfilling all requirements set forth by their sentencing judge, including probationary periods or community service hours if applicable. However, there are still other factors, such as how many times previous charges have been expunged from one’s record, which could impact eligibility for this process. Consulting legal counsel on this matter would be advised before proceeding forward with any type of petition like this.
How to Find an Experienced OVI Lawyer for Your Case 
The best way would involve doing research online, followed by possibly contacting references provided either directly from OVI lawyers themselves, or other people who have had similar experiences. That way you could get an informed opinion about potential candidates prior to making any decisions about who you want representing you throughout the case proceedings.
Being charged with an OVI offense is serious business, but understanding what rights one has upon arrest plus familiarizing oneself with common practices used when dealing with these types of charges can help make navigating through this process much smoother.
Work With The Best– OVI Lawyers From The Martinez Law Firm
If you or someone you know has been charged with an OVI offense, it’s important to make sure that your case is being handled by experienced OVI lawyers who specialize in this field. At The Martinez Law Firm, we believe that no matter the situation, everyone deserves a fair chance at justice. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Call now and let us show you why Martinez Law Firm is the best choice for OVI lawyers!
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