Have you been charged with a DUI in Westerville, Worthington, Dublin, New Albany or Upper Arlington Ohio? Is this your first DUI or is this a second offense or one of multiple OVI offenses? It is important to understand exactly what you are up against, and what your options are. Many people charged with a DUI or OVI do not believe they need or can afford a lawyer. At Marlatt Law Office, the cost for my representation is easily recovered in the savings of fines, reduction and savings in automobile insurance (which usually triples after a DUI / OVI charge), as well as the potential of preventing the loss of income due to the immediate forfeiture of your driving privileges.
First Time Drunk Driving Offense in Ohio
If this is the first time you have been charged with OVI or DUI you are facing the following:
- Immediate loss of driving privileges for at least six months
- Fines of up to $1000 or more
- 6 points on your driving record
- 3 Days in Prison or an Alternative Alcohol Program
- Fee to Reinstate your License
This usually results in an immediate and substantial increase in your car insurance, and could have an impact on your job or career. Employers often question the judgment of potential job candidates, and a DUI or OVI conviction can actually prevent you from obtaining a job you really desire in the future.
Why do I Need the Services of An Experienced OVI DUI Attorney?
Appearing in Mayors Court or Municipal Court on your own is never a good idea. Several of the northern suburbs of Columbus Ohio have "Mayors Court". If this is your first DUI or OVI offense you will probably appear before the local Mayors Court. This is usually true for suburbs including:
- Westerville
- Worthington
- Dublin
- New Albany
- Upper Arlington
If this is your second (or more) offense, or if you tested higher than .17 in a breathalyzer (or .238 in a urine test) known as a "high test" you will be appearing in the Columbus Municipal Court.
If you walk into that hearing and plead "no contest" or "guilty" you will immediately have a criminal record, and face all of the actions listed above. Good people have bad days. As an attorney, I can meet with the prosecutor to review all of the legal issues associated with the stop itself, the tests and how they were administered, as well as the test results and their implications. The primary issue initially usually relates to driving privileges. It is possible in many instances to find a just conclusion which matches the unique circumstances surrounding the event, and resolve the DUI or OVI in a manner which is in the best possible interests of the court, while providing a good resolution for my client.
It is in your best interests to seek immediate legal advice for a DUI or OVI charge, and hiring an experienced and competitively priced attorney is usually the least expensive option now and in the future. Call Attorney Scott Marlatt at 614-212-4907 or toll-free at 888-660-4876 or contact me online. Free initial consultation.