DUI Info
OVI/DUI Information
OVI/DUI in Cleveland
Operating a vehicle under the influence (more commonly called driving under the influence or DUI) is a complex issue in Ohio. Attorney Adam VanHo has defended countless clients facing OVI/DUI in Cleveland. He provides a personalized defense for clients who are facing DUI charges. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the state builds a DUI case. His experience allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and construct an individualized defense that takes that strategy into account.
Types of OVI/DUI in Ohio
There are numerous types of OVI/DUI in Ohio, which can make being faced with these charges especially confusing. For example, there are three levels of DUI:
- Low tier, which consists of a .08 to .17 BAC
- High tier, consisting of a BAC of .17 or above, and
- Refusal to take the breathalyzer
Additionally, there are categories within DUI, including:
- First-time DUI
- Multiple DUI
- Boating Under the influence, or BUI
- DUI for commercial license holders
- DUI with associated criminal charges (including aggravated vehicular assault and homicide)
The penalties vary depending on the category and level of DUI you are being charged with, but all of them carry serious consequences.
Consequences for DUI in Ohio
Ohio has some of the toughest DUI penalties in the nation. Depending in the particulars of your situation, they can include:
- Having a misdemeanor or felony on your record
- For BUI, a “No Operation of a Watercraft” or “Registration of Watercraft” ruling
- A minimum of three days in jail (the minimum increases with each conviction) and a maximum of six months
- Completion of a driver intervention program
- Electronically monitored house arrest and/or continuous alcohol monitoring
- Fines of at least $375 and up to $10,500
- Mandatory substance abuse counseling
- Mandatory license suspension ranging from six months to a lifetime suspension
- Yellow license plates, sometimes called “party plates” that alert other drivers and law enforcement of your DUI conviction
- Installation of an interlock device
- Immobilization or forfeiture of your vehicle
Some of these consequences can take effect very quickly, such as an administrative license suspension, which must be appealed within ten days of being charged with DUI/OVI. Attorney Adam VanHo has successfully helped many clients retain their driving privileges so they can fulfill their family and work obligations. He also has a strong record for keeping fines and jail time to a minimum as well as getting those accused of DUI into diversionary programs.
FAQs About DUI in Cleveland
Q. Can an OVI/DUI charge be reduced?
A. Sometimes it is possible to plead to a charge of what is called “wet reckless,” or reckless driving involving alcohol. However, a conviction of wet reckless is generally considered a prior drunk driving conviction if you are charged again in the future. A plea of wet reckless can be the best option in some cases, but not always. An experienced DUI/OVI attorney can provide an assessment of what the best possible outcome might be for your case and assist you in a wet reckless plea if it is warranted.
Q. How important is the attorney’s experience to the quality of my defense?
A. Your attorney’s experience can be one of the most important factors in the outcome of your case. Attorney Adam VanHo has helped hundreds of individuals facing DUI/OVI from the misdemeanor to the felony level. He is familiar with inner workings of all the court systems in the Cleveland area and has strong working relationships with local judges and prosecutors. He has a reputation for defending his clients vigorously and a strong record of success in DUI/OVI cases.
Q. How soon should I contact an attorney?
A. You should contact our offices as soon as you have been charged! The sooner you have an experienced Cleveland DUI/OVI attorney, the sooner he can work towards securing your driving privileges and crafting an individualized defense strategy.
If you have been charged with DUI/OVI in the Cleveland area and are looking for an attorney who has the experience you need and will treat you with the respect you deserve, C