Cleveland DUI Lawyer
Legal Defense for Your OVI Case in Ohio
Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), is a serious criminal offense. In the state of Ohio, DUI offenses can be penalized by some of the most serious consequences under the law, including mandatory jail time and excessive legal fines.
If you were accused of driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol, it is imperative that you retain representation from a reputable and experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. At Henderson & Weatherly, our Cleveland DUI lawyers are ready to defend your rights. Backed by over 75 years of experience, we have what it takes to pursue a positive outcome for you.
Get your free initial case evaluation today. We have been selected as some of the finest OVI lawyers in all of Cleveland by the NAFDD.
How will a DUI/OVI Affect my Car Insurance in OH?
The immediate impact of a DUI conviction—fines, court costs, licenses
suspicion—are made even worse when you take into account the negative
impact your DUI will likely have on your car insurance rates. There is
a good chance you will
be dropped by your current insurer since you now constitute a higher risk
as a driver.
The convicted may be ordered to file an SR-22 form from their insurer which shows the DMV that they now carry liability insurance. Only then will a person’s license suspension be lifted by the DMV. You may also need to offer proof that you have insurance for up to five years to maintain a valid license.
DUI convictions are unique and insurance companies regard them on a case-by-case basis. If you have been convicted, you could see only a small rate increase if you have an otherwise stellar driving record. Having multiple DUI offenses on your record, on the other hand, can result in much higher increases with the possibility your insurer will drop your coverage.
Call us at (216) 220-6776 today for a free consultaiton!
Ohio First-Time DUI/OVI Penalties
Anyone who has been arrested for a first or multiple OVI offense will need to speak with a skilled Cleveland DUI lawyer who can improve the chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Without the right legal representation, you could be risking the following penalties for a first-offense DUI:
- Degree of offense: misdemeanor 1
- 3 days in jail or DIP (driver intervention program) for up to 6 months
- Fines anywhere from $250 to $1,000
- Alcohol/drug abuse treatment optional based on judge’s ruling
- License suspension Class 5: 6 months to 3 years
-
Driving privileges granted 15 days after arrest
Ohio Penalties for Multiple DUIs
If this is not your first offense, potential penalties could include immobilization or forfeiture of your vehicle. With our Cleveland DUI attorneys on your side, you may be able to receive restricted driving privileges that will allow you to travel to and from important places such as work.
-
Second Offense
- Degree of offense: misdemeanor 1
- 10 days jail time or 3 days jail and 3 days DIP for up to 6 months
- Fines anywhere from $350 to $1,500
- Alcohol/drug abuse assessment and recommended treatment mandatory
- License suspension Class 4: 1 to 5 years
- Driving privileges granted 75 days after arrest
- Restricted plates optional, interlock optional at owner’s expense
- 90 days vehicle immobilization if registered to offender
-
Third Offense
- Degree of offense: unclassified misdemeanor
- 30 days jail time or 15 days jail and 55 days HAEM(house arrest with electronic monitoring) and/or CAM (continuous alcohol monitoring)
- Fines anywhere from $350 to $1,500
- License Suspension class 3: 2 to 10 years
- Driving privileges granted after 1 year
- Restricted plates optional, interlock required at owner’s expense
- Vehicle forfeiture if registered to offender
-
Fourth Through Sixth Offense
- Degree of offense: Felony 4
- Up to 120 days in jail or 120 days in prison with an optional additional 6 to 30 months
- Fines from $800 to $10,000
- Alcohol/drug abuse treatment mandatory
- License suspension class 2: 3 years
- Restricted plates optional, interlock required at owner’s expense
Cases We Handle
OVI & DWI Defense You Can Depend On- Aggravated DUI/OVI
- Alcohol Absorption & Elimination
- Blood Tests
- Breath Tests
- Challenging OVI Evidence
- DUI/OVI with Injury
- Felony DUI/OVI
- Field Sobriety Test
- First Time DUI/OVI
- Multiple DUI/OVI
- Underage DUI/OVI
- Vehicular Manslaughter
Work with a Distinguished & Reputable Legal Team
At Henderson & Weatherly, our Cleveland DUI lawyers have experience in handling complex cases at all levels of court, including municipal, state, and federal trials. Prosecutors and judges in the legal community know and respect us for our zealous representation tactics, meticulous investigative techniques, and aggressive defense strategies.
Our Cleveland DUI attorneys have proudly defended thousands of cases and are confident that we can bring the same level of tenacity to help reduce, dismiss, or gain acquittal for your charges.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, we can exhaust every avenue of investigation to determine the strongest way to defend your rights, interests, and freedoms. From dismantling the prosecution to challenging OVI evidence, we know how to use even the most incriminating evidence as leverage to bring your case to a favorable resolution.
Get the Representation You Need for Your OVI Case
Henderson & Weatherly understands that you may be faced with the reality of an incredibly life-changing criminal accusation. With our legal team on your side, you will receive the high-quality legal representation needed to get through this time. From license hearings to trial litigation, our Cleveland DUI attorneys can help you successfully navigate the complexities of the justice system. An arrest is one of the most overwhelming times in your life, but we stand ready to provide you with the answers that you need for your peace of mind.
Representing DUI Cases in Cleveland, OH
- Aggravated DUI/OVI
- Blood Tests, Breath Tests & Field Sobriety Test
- Challenging OVI Evidence
- Alcohol Absorption & Elimination
- First Time DUI/OVI & Multiple DUI/OVI
- Felony DUI/OVI
- DUI/OVI with Injury
- Underage DUI/OVI
- Vehicular Manslaughter
Common DUI Defenses in Ohio
Collect Official Paperwork From Your Arrest
Obtain copies of police reports related to your DUI incident. You should also keep any citations, bonding paperwork, court information, license suspension paperwork, and the results from any tests that you have been administered. Keep these documents in safe and secure location. They could be vital to your case.
Remember Specific Details Leading Up to Your Arrest
You should be prepared to explain what you were doing before being stopped by police. If you were drinking, be ready to specify where and how much. Ask yourself: “Did the police explain my rights and the possible consequences of refusing to take a sobriety test?” Try to remember details about how the test was conducted. This includes whether or not you agreed to field sobriety testing, where and when was the test was performed, and what type of test was given (breath, blood or urine)?
Statements Made by Law Enforcement About Your Arrest
Just as a prosecutor will use whatever you say at the time of your arrest against you, your lawyer can do the same to the arresting officer as part of your DUI defense. What an officer said, or didn’t say, might have coerced you into self-incrimination.
Call us today to receive close, compassionate legal assistance that you deserve from our Cleveland DUI lawyers. We will provide you with a risk-free consultation.
Memberships
- Members of the National College for DUI Defense
- Membership in the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD)
- Founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Awards
- National Advocacy for DUI Defense Top 100 DUI Attorney
- National Honors in Trial Advocacy by the Order of Barristers
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association
Certified Training
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certified Training
- International Association of Chiefs of Police Certified Training
- DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Certified Training
Case Results
Your Win Is Our Win-
OVI Fourth OVI - Case Dismissed
-
OVI OVI - Case Dismissed
-
OVI Multiple Charges - Not Guilty
-
OVI OVI Charge - Not Guilty
Proof of Our Success
Read Our Client Testimonials
Trying to navigate the legal system can be overwhelming, and attempting to defend your innocence when you're facing a prosecutor who has years of experience can be intimidating. But when you choose Henderson & Weatherly, you won't have to go it alone. We'll be right beside you every step of the way, providing the one-on-one legal attention you need.
-
“They have represented me on numerous types of cases over the years, and they have never lost a case for me.”
- Chad -
“This man knows what he is doing by far and is very well respected in the court room!”
- Adam -
“He is extremely personable, and competent and will work his butt off to achieve the best result in a stressful situation.”
- Zach -
“I have referred him to anyone that I have come into contact with that is in need of a top defense attorney, and they have all thanked me for bringing them to him.”
- Charles -
“The time & effort you put in defending me is commendable. I highly recommend you as anyone's attorney.”
- Marlene
