Getting arrested for a DUI in Huron, OH, can be confusing and incredibly stressful. It’s normal to worry about what happens next, especially as it relates to your license and your job. Facing DUI charges requires support from a defense lawyer who understands the process and knows how to fight back against these charges.
If you have questions about DUI/OVI charges in Huron, Ohio, we are here for you. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Huron DUI lawyer. You can reach our team at (419) 827-5884.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help if You’re Arrested for DUI in Huron, OH
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Huron, OH, getting legal advice and representation right away is essential. Here’s how Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help you:
- We analyze the details of your traffic stop and arrest to look for any mistakes or violations of your rights, such as unlawful actions taken by law enforcement or faulty breathalyzer results.
- Our team reviews the evidence to determine whether field sobriety tests were done correctly.
- We represent you at license suspension hearings and work to protect your ability to drive.
- Our lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to try to reduce criminal charges or lessen penalties.
- We help you understand each step of the court process and develop a defense plan that gives you the best chance of walking away without a criminal record.
DUI charges in Huron, Ohio, can be overwhelming, but having the right legal guidance helps you handle the process better. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Huron criminal defense attorney.
Overview of DUI in Ohio
DUI, often called an OVI charge (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence) in Ohio, covers several types of offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The law focuses on both the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system and whether your ability to drive is actually affected.
There are several types of DUI:
- Per Se DUI: If a driver registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more, this is considered an automatic or “per se” violation. It doesn’t matter if they weren’t acting or feeling impaired. Even if you are driving safely, you can be convicted of a DUI if your BAC is above the legal limit.
- Aggravated DUI: When a person’s BAC is .17% or higher, this is an aggravating factor, and penalties can be much more severe, leading to longer license suspensions and other consequences.
- Under 21 DUI: For drivers under 21, having a BAC of .02% or more is illegal and can lead to a fourth-degree misdemeanor, even if the driver doesn’t appear drunk. Anyone under the legal drinking age should take serious caution about driving after having anything at all to drink.
- Drug DUI: Ohio law also prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle when they have drugs in their system, like amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, LSD, marijuana, meth, or PCP. If the police find drugs in your car, you could face drug possession charges as well.
You can also be charged even if your BAC is below .08% if drugs or alcohol have impaired you enough that your driving or mental functioning is affected. These rules are strict, and the different types of DUI charges can make the process confusing. Understanding the details helps you figure out what steps you need to take next. Reach out to experienced DUI law offices as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Huron, Ohio?
Getting a DUI in Huron, Ohio, comes with a range of legal consequences that become more serious with each additional offense. The penalties can affect your freedom, your finances, and your ability to drive.
Penalties are as follows:
- First DUI: For a first DUI, you could spend anywhere from three days to six months in jail. The fines usually start at $375 and can go up to $1,075. Your license can be suspended for one to three years.
- Second DUI: Repeat DUI convictions bring harsher consequences. For a second DUI, jail time starts at 10 days and goes up to six months. Fines jump from $525 up to $1,625, and you could lose your license for as long as seven years.
- Third DUI: With a third DUI, the penalties increase again. Jail time ranges from thirty days to a full year, fines rise from $850 to $2,750, and your driver’s license could be taken away for two to 12 years. Courts only count previous DUIs that happened within the last ten years.
- Underage DUI: If you’re an underage driver, the rules are strict. You could be looking at up to thirty days in jail, fines up to $250, and your license could be suspended for three months up to two years.
Some people may qualify for a limited license after a waiting period, but this usually requires an ignition interlock device.
Collateral Consequences of DUI Convictions
A DUI conviction doesn’t just mean fines or jail time. There are many lasting effects that can continue long after the OVI case is over.
Some of these consequences may not be obvious right away, but they can have a big impact on your daily life, often including:
- You may have higher car insurance rates, or your current provider could drop you altogether.
- A DUI record can make it harder to get or keep certain jobs, especially if driving is part of your work.
- Professional licenses, such as those for teachers, health care workers, or commercial drivers, can be suspended or even revoked.
- Travel to other countries, especially Canada, may be restricted because of a DUI on your record.
- You could face problems with housing, as some landlords check criminal records before approving applications.
- College applications or financial aid options can also be limited for people with a DUI conviction.
Living with a DUI conviction often means dealing with challenges that reach far beyond the courtroom, making the experience last long after the sentence is served.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For DUI?
Being arrested for an OVI/DUI doesn’t mean you have no hope. There are several defenses that can be used to challenge DUI charges, often including the following:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: Police need a valid reason to pull you over. If there wasn’t evidence of a traffic violation or probable cause of impairment, you can argue that the stop itself was not legal. Evidence for this often includes dashcam footage, officer reports, or witness statements. If the stop was unlawful, anything that came after it – evidence, statements – should be inadmissible and cannot be used against you.
- Questioning Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests aren’t always reliable. Factors such as medical conditions, poor lighting, bad weather, or uneven ground can cause someone to perform poorly even if they aren’t impaired. Test results may be challenged by showing these outside factors or providing medical documentation.
- Disputing Breathalyzer or Chemical Test Results: Chemical tests, like breathalyzers, can give incorrect results if the machine isn’t properly maintained, calibrated, or used by trained personnel. You can request maintenance records and operator certification to question the reliability of these tests in court.
- Demonstrating Lack of Impairment: Being tired or nervous can sometimes look like impairment, even when it’s not caused by drugs or alcohol. Witness statements, medical records, or video evidence may help show that your actions weren’t caused by being under the influence.
- Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: It’s possible your BAC was under the limit while driving, but rose after you stopped and before the test was given due to how alcohol is absorbed in the body. Expert testimony and timeline evidence are often needed to use this defense. This means that even if you were impaired by the time you took the breathalyzer or blood test, you weren’t necessarily impaired while you were driving.
The best defense depends on what happened during your arrest and what evidence is available. Working with a Huron criminal defense lawyer who understands these defenses can help you find the most effective way to challenge your charges.
Facing a DUI in Huron, Ohio, can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. The legal process may seem confusing, but with guidance and support, you can understand your options and take steps to defend yourself. We highly recommend that you get help from someone who knows how these cases work, as it can make a real difference in how you move forward.
If you’re dealing with a DUI charge, reaching out for legal help is one of the most important choices you can make, and you can’t go wrong when you decide to work with us. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Huron DUI attorney.