Have you been arrested for DUI in Port Clinton, Ohio? If so, your future could be at risk. A conviction can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and the loss of your driver’s license, but you still have time to fight back with help from the experienced attorneys at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers. Call us today at (419) 871-3995 or reach out online to set up a free consultation.
We are a top-rated Ohio criminal defense law firm with a track record of success you can count on. Our Port Clinton DUI attorneys have 181 years of combined experience and have helped clients achieve favorable outcomes in even the toughest cases. Contact us today to learn more.
Why Should I Hire Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers if I Was Arrested for DUI in Port Clinton, OH?
The state will not go easy on you if you are charged with drunk driving. Prosecutors will work hard to secure a conviction and may push for the harshest penalties possible. That’s why you need a Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers on your side to level the playing field.
We treat every DUI case with the utmost importance. Our Port Clinton criminal defense attorneys know the local courts, laws, and procedures as well as anyone, and we also know how to help clients beat DUI charges or reduce the impact on their lives. If you hire us to represent you, we will work just as hard for you.
Reach out to our award-winning DUI attorneys in Port Clinton, OH, today for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
DUI Laws in Ohio: An Overview
Ohio law takes DUI offenses very seriously, and they are strictly enforced. Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a prohibited concentration of alcohol or drugs in your system.
You can be charged with DUI, also called OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), if you:
- Have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Have a BAC of 0.02% or higher if you are under the age of 21
- Have a BAC of 0.04% or higher if you are driving a commercial vehicle
- Have certain drugs or controlled substances in your system while driving
It is important to note that you do not need to exhibit signs of impairment to be charged with DUI in Ohio. If your BAC is above the legal limit, that alone can lead to a charge, even if you were driving safely at the time.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
Ohio imposes an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) on drivers who either refuse to submit to chemical testing or who test over the legal limit. The ALS is separate from any criminal penalties you may face and can take effect immediately.
If you refuse to take a breath, blood, or urine test, or if you test over the limit, you can lose your license on the spot. You will then have the opportunity to request a hearing to challenge the suspension, but the time to do so is limited.
This is just one reason why contacting an experienced Port Clinton DUI lawyer right away is so important. Your criminal defense lawyer in Ottawa County can help you fight both the ALS and the criminal charges at the same time.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Port Clinton?
In Ohio, including Port Clinton, the penalties for a DUI—legally called Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI)—can vary depending on your BAC level, number of prior offenses, and any aggravating circumstances like injury or refusal to take a chemical test.
Here’s a general breakdown of the potential penalties based on your offense history:
For a first-time DUI offense:
- 3 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,075
- License suspension of 1 to 3 years
- Mandatory driver intervention program
For a second-time DUI offense:
- 10 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,625
- License suspension of 1 to 7 years
- Alcohol or drug treatment may be required
For a third DUI offense:
- 30 days to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $2,750
- License suspension of 2 to 12 years
- Mandatory treatment
The court may also impose other penalties, such as vehicle immobilization, ignition interlock device requirements, and community service.
If your BAC was extremely high or if aggravating factors are present, the penalties may be even more severe. Prior convictions on your record will also lead to much harsher consequences.
Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction
In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, a DUI conviction can cause problems that extend well beyond your sentence.
Some of these collateral consequences include:
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Loss of professional licenses
- Travel restrictions, especially internationally
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
These impacts can linger for years. The best way to avoid them is to fight the DUI charges head-on with help from a qualified attorney.
Defenses Against DUI Charges in Port Clinton
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you of DUI. That is a high standard, and many cases have weaknesses or issues that can be used to your advantage.
Depending on the facts of your case, your DUI defense attorney may raise one or more of the following defenses:
Illegal Traffic Stop
Police must have reasonable suspicion that you committed a traffic violation or another offense in order to pull you over. If the stop was unlawful, your attorney can seek to have any evidence obtained after the stop excluded from your case.
Improper Administration of Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand, must be conducted according to strict protocols. If officers did not follow these protocols, the results may not be reliable or admissible in court.
Faulty Chemical Testing
Breathalyzers and other chemical tests are not infallible. Factors such as improper calibration, maintenance errors, or contamination can all affect the accuracy of test results. Your attorney may be able to challenge the validity of your test results.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions or medications can mimic signs of impairment or affect chemical test results. If this applies to your case, your attorney can present evidence to explain these factors.
Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest
Police need probable cause to arrest you for DUI. If they lacked sufficient evidence to justify the arrest, your attorney can argue that any evidence obtained afterward should be suppressed.
Rising BAC
Your blood alcohol concentration may have been below the legal limit while you were driving, but rose afterward. This is known as the “rising BAC” defense and may be applicable depending on when your test was administered.
Every case is unique. The defense strategy that works best for your situation will depend on the specific details of your arrest and the evidence against you. Our attorneys will thoroughly review every aspect of your case to determine the strongest possible defense.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Trusted Port Clinton DUI Lawyer
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Port Clinton, you may feel like the odds are stacked against you. However, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to a strong legal defense.
The attorneys at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers will stand by your side and fight for your future. With 181 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success, we have what it takes to handle even the most challenging DUI cases.
Do not face this process alone. Contact our Port Clinton DUI lawyers today to schedule your free case review.