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The DUI laws in Ohio are complicated and strict. Penalties for DUI charges can include driver’s license suspensions, potential jail time, fi

If you are facing a 2nd DUI charge in Columbus Ohio, it is certainly helpful to reach out to a Columbus DUI defense attorney from The Maher Law Firm. Founder and experienced trial attorney Colin Maher has over 10 years of experience representing clients in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. You can connect with him over the phone at 614-205-2208 or online for a free and confidential phone consultation today.

#second dui conviction Columbus Ohio

What are the minimum penalties for a first offense DUI / OVI Charges in Ohio? Contact our Columbus First Time DUI OVI Lawyer for free consul

One of the worst consequences of a first-time OVI conviction can be the driver’s license suspension. Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm may be able to help you with your DUI/OVI case in Columbus Ohio. Centrally located and practicing throughout Franklin County and the surrounding jurisdictions, he offers consultations to potential clients

#first offense dui in Columbus Ohio

Choose our Columbus Ohio DUI attorney or criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been accused of a crime. Call our Columbus OVI lawyer now for Fre

Receiving a traffic ticket or being arrested for a criminal or traffic violation in Columbus, Ohio is a horrible experience. Attorney Colin Maher has been helping people in this situation for over ten years. Contact him for free consultation.

#Columbus traffic violation lawyers

For individuals facing allegations of a criminal simulation charge, the immediate question is going to be “what exactly does that mean?”. Th

#criminal defense attorney

Ohio physical control charge commonly comes when people decide they cannot drive home and it is cold enough to need the heat. An Ohio physical control is still an alcohol related offense, but a conviction won’t result in any points on your license.

#penalty for second dui in Columbus Ohio

#DUI defense lawyer

Do you know how to fight a traffic ticket in Columbus Ohio?

We’ve all been there.

We know we weren’t speeding. We did signal when changing lanes. We have never run a stop sign in our lives, and we didn’t this time either.

Or maybe we cannot take the hit to our driving record and expect to keep our job. The penalty points would put us at risk for having our driver’s license suspended. A ticket would raise our insurance rates to the point where we would need to cut other essentials from our budget.

A driver’s reason for fighting a traffic ticket issued in or around Columbus varies, but the process is pretty standard. Based on my experience advising and representing Ohio drivers, I describe the three essential steps below.

Reckless driving, which Ohio state law labels reckless operation, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are treated somewhat like criminal offenses.

Drivers charged with reckless operation or of operating a vehicle while intoxicated do not have the option of simply signing a ticket and paying fines in lieu of going to court. Spending time in jail and having one’s license suspended are always possibilities for quasi criminal convictions related to driving, and a vigorous defense must be had. How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Ohio and Get Benefits

Having clarified that, let’s get to the explanation of how to fight a traffic ticket in Columbus.

Request a Hearing As noted above, drivers who are issued a traffic ticket in central Ohio have the choice of signing and returning the ticket with all the payments due. The large majority of ticketed drivers do this.

The other option is to appear for the court date listed on the ticket or check the box to request a hearing on the charge. Since a single ticket can list more than one alleged moving or equipment violation, a driver may be able to pay the penalties on some of the charges while requesting a hearing on the others.

Missing the deadline to either pay the ticket, appear in court on the date indicated, or request a hearing can result in the court issuing warrant. A person who has a this kind of “bench warrant” could be arrested and brought before a judge whenever they interact with a law enforcement official.

Consult an Attorney Drivers can represent themselves in traffic court, and many do. It always helps, however, to consult with a Columbus traffic ticket lawyer before going to court.

Even if you do not hire them, the attorney can fully explain the charge, offer perspective on why the ticket was issued, and suggest ways to collect, organize, and present evidence for having the ticket dismissed. I always suggest hiring a traffic ticket lawyer to give you a knowledgeable and experienced legal advocate in court.

Keep Your Court Date Your traffic court hearing will usually be scheduled quite quickly. Do not miss your appearance. Additional fees and penalties can be assessed as well as the warrant mentioned above.

Another reason to show up for court is that the police officer who issued the ticket also has to appear for trial (the officer does not need to attend your initial appearance called an “arraignment”). If the officer misses the trial date, the judge may dismiss your case for lack of evidence. That is not guaranteed to happen, but it is a strong possibility for minor traffic offenses. How to Get Traffic Ticket Dismissed

Should a circumstance arise that keeps you from making your court date, call the clerk of courts as soon as possible to explain your situation. Courts may accept valid reasons for rescheduling an initial hearing, but you must ask for the new date. This content has been taken from - https://www.columbusdefensefirm.com/how-to-fight-traffic-ticket-in-columbus-oh/

#traffic ticket attorney

Call our drunk driving attorney in Columbus Ohio for free consultation. An experienced Columbus drunk driving lawyer help you in right way.

Tips on Choosing an OVI Defense Lawyer for your Columbus Drunk or Drugged Driving Case

First Tip: Do not go through a drunk or drugged driving case in central Ohio without securing advice and representation from an experienced Franklin County defense attorney. Police, prosecutors, and judges take the charge of what state laws call operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) very seriously. If you do not have a dedicated OVI attorney in your corner, you can face stiff penalties even if the evidence against you is not very strong.

Which defense lawyer you choose is up to you, of course. But following these next three tips should guide you to a Franklin County OVI attorney who will do the best job possible.

Tip: Prioritize Experience

Police must follow strict rules when doing traffic stops or operating DUI checkpoints, while conducting field sobriety tests, and when requesting and handling breath, blood, and urine samples. Similarly, prosecutors have limits on how they can use all types of evidence that purportedly “prove” an OVI defendant was diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A Columbus OVI attorney who has helped many defendants will know all the applicable rules and hold police and prosecutors responsible for complying with each of them. The more evidence that the defense lawyer can get thrown out or called into question, the higher the likelihood that the OVI charge will be dismissed or reduced.

An experienced Franklin County OVI attorney will also know all the ways to get a driver’s license reinstated, how to recognize an advantageous plea deal, and when to insist on procedures like having blood samples retested.

Tip: Demand Responsiveness

Even a first-time OVI conviction can land you in jail for six months and get your license suspended for a full year. Simply getting arrested can result in a long ban on driving and may lead to you losing your job. Regardless of what happens, you will end up spending a good deal of time of money dealing with the case.

Since a drunk or drugged driving charge will seriously disrupt your life, you need a legal ally who takes your case as seriously as you do.

Only hire a Columbus, Ohio OVI attorney who responds quickly to your first phone call or email. Fire any Franklin County OVI attorney who stops taking your calls or ignoring your messages. Demand full, factual responses to your questions, and get rid of an attorney who ignores your instructions. In short, stay away from any lawyer who treats dealing with your concerns as anything less than a top priority.

Know, too, that as the person who employs the lawyer, you can fire and replace him or her at any time. Exercising that option can be particularly important if you find it necessary to request a public defender for your arraignment right after your arrest.

This content has been taken from - https://www.columbusdefensefirm.com/choose-ovi-defense-lawyer-for-your-columbus-drunk-or-drugged-driving-case/

#ovi defense lawyer columbus ohio

How long do you have to pay a traffic ticket? You have a limited amount of time from the date on which it was issued to pay a speeding ticket in Ohio. You also have that same amount of limited time to challenge the speeding ticket. The deadline for challenging or paying the ticket will […]

#traffic ticket attorney franklin county #traffic ticket Lawyer franklin county

WHAT TO DO IF POLICE SUSPECTS ME OF OVI DURING A TRAFFIC STOP?

Acting appropriately during a traffic stop can reduce your risk of being taken into custody under suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI). Nothing you say or do will guarantee that a police officer or state trooper will not suspect you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, you can protect yourself from major inconveniences or criminal charges.

Based on my many years of practice as a Columbus Ohio OVI defense attorney and traffic ticket lawyer, I can say that doing the following four things can lower a law enforcement official’s suspicion of drunk or drugged driving.

Remain Calm Getting pulled over triggers stress and makes some drivers angry. Controlling those natural and understandable reactions will help you take the next three steps.

Importantly, keep your hands visible at all times. Do not reach into the glove compartment for your vehicle registration and proof of insurance until explicitly asked to do so. An officer or trooper who cannot see your hands as he or she approaches your stopped vehicle will tend to think that you are hiding evidence or grabbing a weapon.

Say Little, But Act Respectfully Do not get sucked into a conversation. Answer only the most basic questions in the simplest ways. Never argue.

Police officers and state troopers listen for slurred or confused speech. The less you say, the fewer opportunities you will have to misspeak.

You probably only want to exercise your right to remain silent so much. Saying absolutely nothing can be interpreted as being difficult. Silence also tends to increase tensions.

Take the edge off by responding yes or no when that will suffice. Address the official as “sir” or ma’am.” To the extent that you can, keep any overtones of sarcasm or defiance out of your voice.

Comply With Lawful Orders Pull over in a safe spot and place your hands on the top of the steering wheel. Roll down the window all the way and retrieve your license, registration and insurance card when asked to produce those documents.

Step out of your vehicle when ordered to do so. Submit to a pat-down for weapons and drugs. If any of these actions seem inappropriate or too rough, you can file a complaint afterwards. Resisting in any way during a traffic stop greatly increases the risk of arrest.

Consider Refusing Requests to Perform Field Sobriety Tests Ohio law gives OVI suspects the right to opt-out of field sobriety tests without facing additional charges. When it comes to on-scene breath machines that are handheld, courts in Ohio do not accept results from these testing devices as valid measures of a driver’s blood alcohol concentration, but they can be used for establishing more reason to arrest you.

Strictly from a legal perspective, it does not hurt to answer no when asked to walk a straight line, stand on one leg or follow a pen light with your eyes while not moving your head.

The other reason to avoid performing field sobriety tests is that “failing” one or more of the assessments is quite easy. For instance, older and heavier people will always have difficulty maintaining balance when they put just one foot on the ground. A driver with a lazy eye will have problems tracking the movement of a penlight. Saving yourself the trouble of doing field sobriety tests also keeps an officer or trooper from citing questionable evidence as justification for an OVI arrest and charge.

This Content has been taken from - https://www.columbusdefensefirm.com/what-to-do-if-police-suspects-me-of-ovi-during-traffic-stop/

#traffic tickets #traffic ticket attorney columbus ohio

Before I delve into the difference between a vehicular assault charge and an aggravated vehicular assault charge, I must stress that police and prosecutors in Columbus Ohio take both alleged offenses very seriously. A driver accused of assaulting someone with their car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle faces a felony conviction and mandatory jail time. […]

#violations of probation attorney columbus #columbus probation lawyer

When it comes to the ins and outs of having a concealed weapons permit and a DUI/OVI in Columbus, Ohio, you may find yourself with a number of questions. These can include questions like if you will lose your current concealed weapons permit after a DUI (should you already have one), what potential consequences you […]

IS AN AGGRAVATED DUI A FELONY IN OHIO

A DUI (also known as operating a vehicle impaired (OVI)) in Ohio is an offense that is often going to have a range of consequences that vary depending on particular factors. With strict driving laws in Ohio, taking the time to understand what kind of DUI charge you are facing can be extremely important.

Typical penalties that one might expect from a DUI charge can include fines, potential jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and probation among others. Read also: When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Ohio

For an aggravated DUI, you can expect to see more severe penalties based on the circumstances.

Note: The following is not legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Reach out to the Maher Law Firm today to speak with a Columbus Ohio DUI attorney.

What is Aggravated DUI in Ohio? While there is no “aggravated OVI” in Ohio, certain circumstances surrounding your case can add to the potential penalties you face. These aggravating factors can include:

Having a high blood alcohol content level (BAC) Child endangerment A DUI that causes death A DUI that causes injury Prior DUI’s Having a high BAC level that is at least 0.17%, adds to the mandatory minimum penalties you can face. Those minimums jump to a minimum jail time of at least 6 days, fines that range from $375 to $1,075, and a license suspension of 1-3 years among other penalties.

For more on high BAC level DUIs, see our post here.

With how complex DUI charges can be, it can be especially important to speak with a Columbus DUI attorney as soon as possible. We will be able to help parse through every detail of the investigation to allow for a full understanding of what happened and establish a strategy for your defense.

Is an Aggravated DUI a Felony in Ohio? In many cases, an aggravated DUI can be elevated to a felony if the above aggravating factors are involved. This means that the penalties an individual can face depending on the specific circumstances involved.

For example, if a driver has prior DUIs and they receive their fourth DUI, they will face a felony offense. The minimum penalties for this scenario include:

60 days in jail A fine of $1,350 Forfeiture of the vehicle if it is yours Attending an alcohol and drug addiction program A 3-year driver’s license suspension where you have no driving privileges For a DUI that results in serious injuries, you can generally expect to face a third-degree felony while a DUI that results in the death of another will generally be a second degree felony. Felony Theft Charge

How Can A DUI Attorney Assist? Being arrested for a DUI can be a stressful situation. Help ease your worries by speaking with an experienced Columbus DUI attorney. With an understanding of Ohio’s strict DUI laws, they can help guide you through the legal process and the penalties you might be facing.

Should you have questions tied to your DUI charge, a Columbus DUI attorney should be able to answer them. This content has been taken from -https://www.columbusdefensefirm.com/is-aggravated-dui-a-felony-ohio/

#driving under influence lawyer columbus ohio

Can I lose my Ohio nursing license if I get convicted of DUI/OVI? Medical and professional licensing boards enforce their own rules regarding criminal convictions and substance abuse. Any person such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or lawyer who requires a state-issued license to pursue their career could be at risk for having that license […]

#dui defense attorney #dui attorney columbus ohio

We’ve all been there. We know we weren’t speeding. We did signal when changing lanes. We have never run a stop sign in our lives, and we didn’t this time either. Or maybe we cannot take the hit to our driving record and expect to keep our job. The penalty points would put us at […]

HOW TO FIGHT A TRAFFIC TICKET IN COLUMBUS, OHIO?

#TRAFFIC TICKET IN COLUMBUS OHIO

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