In Ohio, vehicular homicide and assault resulting from OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) are serious offenses with significant penalties. Legal consequences can include jail time, fines, and license suspension.
It is crucial to consult with an experienced OVI defense attorney if you are facing charges related to vehicular homicide or assault. As a Lancaster OVI vehicular homicide/assault lawyer, I am deeply familiar with the legal consequences of these grave legal charges and the steps that need to be taken to defend clients in court.
OVI vehicular homicide and assault are serious charges that arise when a driver causes death or serious physical harm to another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Due to the complexity of these cases, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from a Lancaster attorney experienced in OVI vehicular assault and homicide crimes.
Vehicular assault is defined in Ohio Revised Code § 2903.08. It occurs when someone causes serious physical harm to another person while operating a vehicle, and the harm is a direct result of violating Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.19 (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) or a similar ordinance. This offense is generally a fourth-degree felony, potentially leading to up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and license suspension of up to five years.
Certain factors can elevate the charge to a third-degree felony, leading to up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a license suspension of two to 10 years. For example, if the alleged offender’s license was suspended at the time of the offense, or there are prior convictions for vehicular assault, the charge could be elevated.
In Ohio, aggravated vehicular homicide (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.06) is a grave felony charge. The specific degree of the felony and the resulting penalties depend on the circumstances of the offense, including whether it involved OVI, reckless driving, or occurred in a construction zone, and the alleged offender’s prior record.
If a death occurs due to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is a second-degree felony, potentially leading to a mandatory prison term of two to eight years and a lifetime license suspension. If certain aggravating factors are present, such as prior OVI or vehicular homicide convictions, it can be elevated to a first-degree felony.
If you are facing charges related to OVI vehicular homicide or assault, securing qualified legal representation from a Lancaster lawyer is paramount. These charges carry severe penalties, including harsh prison sentences, financial penalties, and long-term driver’s license suspensions. A competent criminal defense lawyer like myself can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
As an attorney with decades of experience, I am intimately familiar with the nuances of OVI vehicular homicide and assault charges, their potential penalties, and the relevant laws and legal precedents. I can conduct thorough investigations and negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce the severity of the charges, or explore opportunities for plea bargaining which could help minimize penalties.
In some cases, there may be grounds to challenge the accuracy of chemical tests or argue that law enforcement lacked probable cause for a traffic stop. I can consult with experts like accident reconstruction specialists and toxicologists to challenge evidence and provide alternative explanations for the incident. Facing such serious charges can be overwhelming, but I am always available to provide critical legal guidance during a difficult time.
As a Lancaster OVI vehicular homicide/assault lawyer, I can provide aggressive representation from the earliest stages of your case. I will begin by thoroughly investigating the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the veracity of evidence, such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, or witness testimonies.
I have a Ph.D. in criminology, and my experience extends to areas like fingerprint analysis, blood spatter analysis, cell phone technology, computer forensics, and more. Contact my firm today to arrange for your free and confidential case consultation.