Second Offense OVI Lawyer in Pickerington, OH

Drunk driving is among the most common criminal offenses in the country. Despite being common, however, Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) is a serious offense in Ohio. It is even more serious if you have a previous OVI conviction and are being charged with a repeat offense.

Hiring the right Pickerington second offense OVI lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and safeguarding your future. That’s why you should consider hiring me, attorney Andrew H. Stevenson. With more than 25 years of criminal law experience, I have helped many Ohioans fight or otherwise resolve their OVI charges. I take a rational, comprehensive approach to each case, looking for any detail that can weaken the prosecution’s arguments and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Through it all, I always take the time to communicate with clients and answer any questions they may have.

What Are The Potential Penalties For A Second OVI Conviction In Ohio?

The statute defining OVI is Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19. It notes that a person can be considered legally impaired if they have blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. They would not necessarily need to show other signs of impairment if their BAC reached this threshold.

A second OVI conviction in Pickerington within ten years of the first brings more serious penalties than a first offense. In most cases, if your blood alcohol content is higher than 0.08 but below 0.17 percent, you are facing a first-degree misdemeanor with mandatory consequences set by state law. Potential consequences of a second OVI conviction include:

• Mandatory jail time of at least 10 days and up to six months
• Increased fines, often totaling well over $1,000 once court costs are included
• A lengthy driver’s license suspension, ranging from one to seven years
• Possible vehicle immobilization or forfeiture
• Required use of an ignition interlock device
• Court-ordered alcohol or drug assessment and treatment
• Probation with strict conditions

If you lose your license, you may be able to regain limited driving privileges in some cases, but they are not automatic and often come with tight rules and added expenses.

An Attorney Ready To Challenge Any Aspect Of Your Charges

When defending a client in Pickerington against second-offense OVI charges, I look closely at both defense strategies and ways to reduce the impact of the charges. Every case is different, but these are common strategies I may consider:

• Traffic stop review: I examine whether the officer had a lawful reason to stop the vehicle. If the stop was improper, I can file a motion to suppress evidence.
• Field sobriety tests: I have gained certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the evaluation and administration of field sobriety tests. Poor instructions, uneven ground, or medical issues the driver suffers from can affect results.
• Chemical test issues: I check breathalyzer testing for maintenance problems, timing errors, or improper handling.
• Observation period mistakes: Breath tests require strict observation rules. If those rules weren’t followed, results can be challenged.
• Prior offense timing: Ohio penalties depend on when the prior OVI occurred. I verify dates and other factors to determine if the charge level is correct.

As your criminal defense attorney, my goal will be to protect your record, license, and future as much as the law allows. Based on the facts of your case, I can discuss alternatives to either seeking dismissal or fighting the charges in court. These alternatives can include negotiating a plea deal, participating in a diversion program or agreeing to alternative sentencing.

Contact My Firm Today To Discuss Your Second-Offense OVI Options in Pickerington

You will be placing a lot of trust in your Pickerington second offense OVI lawyer, and that is not something to give lightly. The person you choose should be knowledgeable and experienced, with a strong track record of success. They should also be personable, keeping lines of communication open and collaborating with you on decisions about your case.

These are the qualities and qualifications you will find when working with Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law, LLC. Contact me today to schedule an initial consultation, where you can discuss your charges and learn more about your legal options.