More commonly referred to as operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), driving under the influence is a severe criminal offense in Akron and across Ohio. Aside from possible jail, fines, and a license suspension, the consequences of a conviction could have a devastating impact for years to come.
To avoid the fallout of an OVI, work with an experienced Akron DUI attorney. Contact Erb Legal for a free and confidential case review today.
Wesley is regarded as one of the fiercest defense attorneys in Northeast Ohio.
View Firm AwardsYou can be charged with an OVI in Ohio when your blood alcohol concentration is .08% or greater. It does not matter whether you are actively driving as long as you are in possession of the vehicle at the time of your impairment.
Some common OVI offenses under Ohio law include:
An OVI conviction in Ohio can be severe. Some of the more common consequences of an OVI in Akron include:
If you are found guilty of an OVI in Akron, your license will likely be suspended. The length of your suspension can vary depending on the OVI offense and the details involved.
For example, if you refuse to submit to chemical testing, your license will be suspended automatically. This is referred to as an administrative license suspension. Remember that administrative license suspensions are civil, whereas license suspensions following a DUI conviction are criminal.
If you are pulled over for suspected DUI, you should prepare for the possibility of being arrested. Be sure to ask for your attorney before answering any questions or providing the police with any information.
Do not give law enforcement a statement, sign anything, or provide anything other than your license, registration, and proof of auto insurance. Once you’ve been arrested, be sure to reach out to a local OVI lawyer in Akron for help, so you can begin preparing a defense strategy.
To avoid the consequences of an OVI conviction in Akron, you need to consider what other options may be available. Unlike other states, Ohio does not allow pretrial diversion programs for OVI cases.
Your best course of action is usually refuting the validity of the traffic stop, questioning the DUI testing, or otherwise challenging the evidence that you were driving under the influence. This can mitigate the harm to your license and record or get the charges reduced or dropped.
Some ways to challenge a DUI in Summit County, Ohio, include:
When you have been charged with an OVI in Akron, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused. There are many resources available to individuals in your situation. Start by considering any of the following drug treatment or alcohol programs for help getting clean and staying sober:
Ohio Addiction Recovery Center
3880 Jackpot Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
(800) 481-8457
IBH Addiction Recovery
3445 S Main St, Akron, OH 44319
(330) 644-4095
The Woods at Parkside
349 Olde Ridenour Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 810-7854
You may need to arrange bail following your arrest. Here are some of the top bail bonds agencies in Akron:
Sly Bail Bonds
294 E South St, Akron, OH 44311
(330) 906-2663
All Ohio Bail Bonds
389 Cole Ave, Akron, OH 44301
(330) 794-6555
Ability Bail Bonds
201 W Chestnut St, Akron, OH 44303
(330) 887-2245
To ease some of your concerns and prepare you for dealing with an OVI, we have addressed the most frequently asked questions surrounding DUIs in Akron. If you have additional questions, contact Erb Legal.
Under Ohio law, all licensed drivers give implied consent. When stopped by law enforcement, you are required to submit to chemical blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing to determine your level of impairment. If you refuse chemical blood testing, your license can be administratively suspended for one year.
Referred to as “OVI driving privileges,” your eligibility for a hardship license is dependent on several factors, including your criminal history, the specific details of your case, and your reasons for needing a hardship license.
These may be available to individuals who need to drive to attend religious services, work, or doctor’s appointments, among other important events.
You could use a public defender in a DUI case. However, public defenders are often overworked and burdened by their caseloads. When you hire a private attorney to help you defend against your DUI charges in Akron, you will have a lawyer on your side who can give your case the attention it deserves.
When you have been arrested and charged with an OVI in Akron and are unsure how to get started with your defense, reach out to an experienced Akron DUI lawyer at Erb Legal for help.
With our firm by your side, you can prepare a compelling defense strategy or work with the state to obtain a plea agreement to help you put these charges behind you.
Fill out our contact form or call 330-249-1778 to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.