No one is prepared for a drunk driving arrest. The vast majority of people who are pulled over and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) say something like “I never expected it would happen to me.”
But it does happen. If you are charged with DUI or OVI, I can help. I defend Ohio clients against DUI crimes. I represent Ohio University students from my Athens office and other clients from my home office in Lancaster.
I provide strong solutions in difficult times. With more than 25 years of experience, a Ph.D. in criminology and NHTSA certification, I am prepared to defend you against DUI/OVI charges.
In general, the best defense is avoidance. If you are reading this, it is probably too late for this advice, but with the strict laws around drinking and driving, it is always best to avoid drinking and driving entirely if possible.
However, if you are caught driving while intoxicated:
If you are charged with DUI or OVI, the most important thing you can do is call me. I have the knowledge, training and experience to help you through the process and defend your future.
Client was accused of being under the influence of narcotics. Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) was successfully challenged.
A young college student was stopped for speeding on Stimpson Ave. The Ohio State Patrol Officer administered field sobriety tests and placed the Client under arrest. The Client agreed to take a breath test and “blew” a .16. In reviewing the OSP video tape of field sobriety tests, Andrew found that the Trooper had unfairly graded the Client. Andrew was able to negotiate a reduced charge based on his client’s performance on the field sobriety tests.
Client was charged with OVI on the basis of being under influence of narcotics. The Officer who made the traffic stop was a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and the OVI charge was based solely on the Officer’s opinion as a DRE. Andrew’s cross-examination of the Officer at a suppression hearing revealed that the Officer’s opinion’s were based on flawed assumptions. The case was dismissed.
The client was charged with an OVI, facing a significant license suspension and fine. Their charge was negotiated to physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated, which carried a much more lenient sentence.
Client was charged with Operating a Vehicle while Impaired, a misdemeanor. Attorney Andrew Stevenson negotiated their participation in a Driver Intervention Program, preventing a conviction and a permanent criminal record.
Client was charged with a felony OVI while possessing a firearm. If convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum of 30 months in jail, plus additional sentencing for the weapon enhancement. Attorney Andrew Stevenson negotiated a diversion in the case, reducing the charge to reckless operation of a vehicle while possessing criminal tools.
Attorney Andrew Stevenson secured a favorable outcome for his client charged with misdemeanor OVI by successfully negotiating a reduction to reckless operation. The result allowed the client to avoid an OVI conviction and the significant long-term consequences that accompany it.