Ohio’s Lake Erie islands provide fun and relaxation. Whether you travel to Kelleys Island, Put-In-Bay, or Middle Bass, you are likely looking for a good time, not to be pulled over for operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But, police on these islands are always on the lookout impaired drivers and intoxicated boaters.
If you are charged with a DUI in the Lake Erie area, our Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay DUI lawyers can help.
Contact the Ohio DUI attorneys Troy Wisehart and Kyle Wright at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA right away. We have offices in Sandusky and Port Clinton with direct ferry access to the Lake Erie islands. Let us help get you released, explain your options, and work to find the best possible outcome.
Call us 24/7 at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free consult. You may be able to have your OVI dismissed, reduced, or avoid a license suspension.
Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay DUI Law
Under Ohio law, if you are 21 or older, you can be charged with an OVI if you are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, have traces of illegal drugs in your system, or show signs of being inebriated while driving. The rules are different if you are underage. If you are under 21, you’ll be arrested if your BAC is at or above .02%.
We Help People in the Area Charged with OVI
Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay DUI attorneys Troy Wisehart and Kyle Wright know how seriously the police in the area enforce OVI laws.
A lot of people who visit Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay get into trouble and face harsh penalties without realizing they were even intoxicated. You may have only had a few drinks and thought you were ok to drive home. Whether you are just visiting the island or a local, let us evaluate the situation and help you make a decision regarding how to handle your OVI.
There are ways to reduce the impact of an OVI on your life. And if there were mistakes or problems with the case, you may be able to put the DUI charge behind you quickly. Call us today at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation.
Ottawa, Erie, & Sandusky County DUI Penalties
The punishment for a DUI depends on your criminal record and your BAC at the time of the arrest.
- First OVI – If you are arrested for a DUI for the first time, you face losing your driver’s license for up to three years, a fine up to $1,075, and jail time for three days to six months.
- Second OVI – If your arrest on Kelleys Island or Put-In-Bay is your second DUI, then you can be punished with a seven-year driver’s license suspension, a fine up to $1,625, and between 10 days and six months of incarceration.
- Third OVI – If your current charge is your third OVI, then you face serious consequences. The minimum punishments include a driver’s license suspension between one and 12 years, a fine up to $2,750, and between 30 days and one year of incarceration. You may also have to install yellow plates on your vehicle, go through drug or alcohol abuse treatment, and abide by the terms of probation.
You may be able to reduce the amount of time you spend in jail or the length of your license suspension depending on your circumstances. Our experienced Kelleys Island / Put-in-Bay DUI lawyers can help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Pleading Down to a Wet Reckless in Ohio
In Ohio, if you are just over the legal limit, you may have the opportunity to amend your OVI to a “wet reckless” charge. Essentially, this is a reckless driving charge that involves drugs or alcohol.
It still leaves a mark on your record, but not as an OVI. Also, it does not carry automatic jail or license suspension and usually has smaller fines.
There are a lot of benefits to reducing an OVI to wet reckless. But, this conviction will still count as your first DUI and treated as a second if you are arrested for imaipred driving in the future.
Arrested for a DUI in a Golf Cart?
Golf carts are a popular way to get around on Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. You may wonder whether you can really be arrested and charged with a DUI if you were driving a golf cart. The answer is yes.
The Ohio Revised Code 4511.19 specifically states no person shall operate any vehicle, within the state while under the influence of alcohol, a drug, or a combination.
However, just because you can be arrested for a DUI while operating a golf cart does not mean there aren’t important differences and opportunities to get the charges dismissed, reduced, or secure a lenient sentence. An OVI in a golf cart is a fairly common charge in the area, and we’ve had a lot of success helping people deal with it quickly and favorably.
Call us today at (419) 625-7770 to discuss your options in a free consult.
Boating While Under the Influence
The Lake Erie coastline is perfect for boating. But, you can be arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI).
It is illegal for you to be in control of any vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The same legal limits for other vehicles apply, .08% if you are over 21 and .02% if you are younger.
Keep in mind, this is only for the operating of the boat. If you are a guest on the boat and not in control of it, then you are entitled to enjoy alcohol.
The punishments for BWI are generally the same as for a DUI, including fines and jail time, except you do not automatically lose your boating or driver’s license. However, if you refused to submit to a chemical test, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources can bar you from operating a vessel for up to one year.
Our Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay DUI Lawyers Can Help
If you were arrested for a DUI while vacationing in the area, contact Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay DUI lawyers Troy Wisehart and Kyle Wright at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA as soon as possible.
Do not let a mishap from your vacation ruin your year. Our Ohio criminal defense attorneys are experienced in defending against OVI and BWI charges, including fighting to have the charges dropped or reduced. We have more than 25 years of experience, a record of success in DUI cases, and know the ins and outs of the Erie County Courts.
We have locations convenient for you, including offices accessible from Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay in Sandusky and Port Clinton. Call us at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a time to discuss how we can help you.
