If you were arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), you could face criminal charges. An OVI means the same thing as a DUI or DWI, which is driving the vehicle while intoxicated. However, the official term in Ohio is OVI, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19.
Being arrested and charged with OVI does not always mean a severe penalty. With proper legal assistance, you have an opportunity to avoid an unfair punishment. As a skilled Athens OVI Defense lawyer, I will guide you through the case and build a strong defense. Call a seasoned defense attorney like myself to schedule a day to meet with me so that I may use my experience to defend your OVI charge.
After being arrested for an OVI, the driver is charged with a violation. It can either be operating a vehicle under the influence or operating a vehicle after underage consumption (OVAUC), according to section 4511.19B1 of the Revised Code. The following process involves:
When the person first appears in court in Athens, they need to decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge. If the accused is not working with an OVI defense attorney in Athens yet, they have a chance to acquire one.
Their lawyer will ask the prosecutor for evidence (this is called a “demand for discovery”). They may also help their client obtain limited driving privileges or stop license suspension, at least for the duration of the case.
A pretrial is a meeting between the person, their lawyer, and the prosecutor. During this meeting, they might discuss evidence, possible plea deals, and how to move forward.
Then, the attorney can file a Motion to Suppress if they believe the police did not have a good reason to stop their client or arrest them. After the motion is filed, the prosecutor will respond, and the judge might hold a hearing to decide whether the evidence can be used in court.
If the defense lawyer and the prosecutor do not reach an agreement during pretrial, the case proceeds to trial. This is the opportunity to prove the case to an independent group of people.
If you have been charged with an OVI in Athens, Ohio, you can benefit from working with me. I have experience in defending all types of OVI charges. As your defense attorney, my assistance may include the following:
Most importantly, as a skilled attorney, I build a defense plan based on the specifics of the case. Whether the case ends with a deal or proceeds to trial, I always act in the client’s best interests and seek opportunities to prevent a conviction.
When you or your family member is charged with an OVI, you need to work with an Athens OVI defense lawyer. Without proper legal assistance, you could make mistakes, leading to unfair punishment.
I have extensive experience defending people facing serious charges. I take a comprehensive, yet personalized, approach to every case and can help you avoid severe penalties. Call me, Andrew H. Stevenson, to schedule a consultation today.