When driving in Ottawa County and Port Clinton, Ohio, you need to be confident that you belong behind the wheel. Officers have become particularly vigilant for impaired driving, in part because of the risk of DUI crashes and fatalities. If your driving gives an officer reasonable suspicion that you have been drinking or taking drugs, you can bet you will be pulled over and questioned.
If you are arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) in Ohio, the best thing to do is remain calm and ask to talk with a lawyer. Contact defense attorney Troy Wisehart of Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA at (419) 734-5800, or through the online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case.
DUI Stops Were up at the Start of 2019
Across Ohio, the number of deadly car accidents fell in 2018. However, Ottawa County had a slight increase that year with five fatal traffic crashes compared to four in 2017. Two of the accidents were related to drunk driving.
Additionally, from January through the beginning of February 2019, the number of DUI traffic stops in Ottawa County increased compared to the same time in 2018, the Port Clinton News Herald reported. At the time, law enforcement had already conducted eight OVI stops compared to three at the beginning of last year.
State and Local Police Focus on Drunk Driving Hot Spot
Officers are on the lookout for drunk driving throughout the state. However, certain areas seem to see more DUIs and DUI-related accidents than others. One such location is on Ohio 53, approximately one-half mile north of Kline Road. Since 2016, there have been 21 crashes related to drunk or drugged driving, and 111 OVI arrests within three miles of that location, the Port Clinton News Herald reported.
Because of the high rate of impaired driving in the area, in May 2019, officers held a two-hour checkpoint. One driver was arrested for an OVI, from the 265 vehicles that drove through the checkpoint.
Sobriety Checkpoints are Legal in Ohio
Instead of relying on observations of moving vehicles, a checkpoint enables police to stop all vehicles – or certain vehicles based on a predetermined formula – to improve the likelihood of spotting intoxicated drivers.
DUI checkpoints are allowed in Ohio. Generally, however, such checkpoints should follow these guidelines:
- A checkpoint location must be safe and visible to drivers
- There must be sufficient warning signs of the checkpoint
- There must be an adequate amount of visible, uniformed officers
- Policy-making administrative officers must predetermine the location, time, and procedures – and must determine these factors based on neutral criteria
In other words, as a driver, you have to be able to see that you are approaching an official roadblock, and the procedures the officers use to stop vehicles must be predetermined and objective to avoid discrimination.
Were You Arrested for a DUI? Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was arrested for drunk driving in Ohio, the best thing to do is contact an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Experienced criminal defense attorney Troy Wisehart is prepared to defend you against these charges. He will pursue the best possible outcome in our case, be that a dismissal, acquittal, or a minimal sentence upon conviction.
To talk with attorney Troy Wisehart, contact Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA online, or call (419) 734-5800 to schedule a free evaluation of your case.