"The Joslyn Law Firm is highly experienced and nationally recognized for their Criminal and DUI Defense. Brian Joslyn is an Award-Winning Criminal and DUI Defense attorney who, along with his team, has handled hundreds of cases and has helped their clients obtain the best results possible."
Felony DUI Charges
There are some scenarios in which you can be charged with felony DUI, if the offense is severe enough. This charge usually stems from either receiving multiple DUI convictions within a certain period of time, or if the offense included serious bodily injury or death.
A felony charge is the most severe classification of offenses in Ohio and comes with a great deal of negative consequences if convicted. This includes adverse effects to your social, professional and financial well-being, along with a permanent criminal record.
Felonies can disqualify you from engaging in activities that are an inherent right for most citizens, such as voting or running for office, and can even keep you from collecting government assistance. To make matters worse, you could be looking at an extended jail sentence, hefty fines and a lengthy or permanent driver's license suspension.
Ohiuo Felony DUI Attorney
With a serious criminal allegation, the importance of qualified legal counsel cannot be stressed enough. An Ohio DUI defense attorney will be able to take part in a thorough examination of all possible defenses while also investigating the specific details of the case, such as the facts of the initial traffic stop, the field sobriety test and the breath or blood tests given.
The dedicated Hamilton County defense attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm take this objective and analytical approach to every case they take on and will provide the level of legal representation necessary to refute the allegations and set you up for success. Their aggressive and proactive style will help ensure that no factor will be left to chance and that you will be given every possible opportunity to beat the charges and move on with your life.
Our felony OVI lawyers understand that you are in a situation that could truly turn your life upside down, potentially losing the ability to achieve your dreams and goals. Knowing this, they will develop a legal strategy that increases the possibility for a reduction or dismissal of the charges levied against you. This representation is done so in a cost-effective manner, decreasing the burden of what could be a stressful process.
Joslyn Law Firm proudly represents individuals and families throughout Central Ohio, including the cities of Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, Lebanon, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Fairfield, Mason and Oxford, among many others.
Call (513) 399-6289 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation to go over your felony DUI arrest with an experienced defense lawyer from Joslyn Law Firm today.
An Overview of Ohio Criminal Code for Felony OVI Matters
- Definition of Felony DUI in Ohio
- Penalties and Consequences for Felony OVI
- The Importance of Finding the Best Felony DUI Attorney in Cincinnati for Your Case
Definition of Felony DUI in Ohio
A felony drunk or drugged driving charge on the state of Ohio is the consequence of either having multiple DUI convictions on your record, or if you were in an accident where there was serious bodily injury or death. The specific statute concerning driving under the influence is located in Ohio Revised Code §4511.19, where it states that no person shall operate any vehicle within Ohio, if, at the time of operation:
- The person is under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them.
- The person has a concentration of .08 or higher Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
- The person has a certain concentration of illicit substances or drug in their system
The felony charge for a DUI offense will also be brought by the prosecution if the defendant has been convicted of three or more DUIs within the past six years. This offense is considered a fourth-degree felony.
As for the other two specific scenarios in which a felony will be charged for driving under the influence, the first, and most severe, is aggravated vehicular homicide.
According to §2903.06, no person, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft, shall cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If arrested, the offender will be charged with a first-degree felony.
The other scenario involves serious bodily injury. According to Ohio Revised Code §2903.08, no person, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft, shall cause serious physical harm to another person or another’s unborn while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If arrested, the offender will be charged with a felony of the third degree.
Penalties and Consequences for Felony OVI
A felony can bring with it harsh sentencing if convicted of driving under the influence. The sentencing guidelines are located in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2929.14.
A fourth degree felony, which will be charged if the individual in question already had three DUI convictions and they have been charged a fourth time in six years. A felony in the fourth degree comes with the following presumptive penalties:
- Up to eighteen months in prison
- A maximum fine of $5,000
- 3 year Administrative License Suspension
- Court Imposed License Suspension from 3 years to a lifetime
- Mandatory Treatment and Education Classes
- Possible House Arrest
- Vehicle Forfeiture
- Mandatory DUI Plates
- Mandatory 30 days in jail (on top of other jail sentence, if applicable)
- Ignition Interlock Device
As for a felony of the third degree, the penalties will be increased substantially when it comes to jail term and fines, while the other penalties are similar. A third degree felony will come with a presumptive sentence of up to five years in prison and / or a fine of up to $10,000 in fines
A felony of the first degree is the most severe of all felony charges and comes with extremely harsh sentencing, which include up to 10 years in prison and / or up to $20,000 in fines.
The Importance of Finding the Best Felony DUI Attorney in Cincinnati for Your Case
If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony DUI in Hamilton County, there is a great deal of work necessary to fight the allegations. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm understand the uphill battle and are ready and willing to fight for you in court so you can move on with your life.
With the paralyzing stigma that comes with a felony conviction, it is vital that you take every precaution possible to keep from receiving a guilty verdict. The most effective way to give yourself the greatest potential for a favorable outcome is to speak with an OVI attorney at Joslyn Law Firm, who can articulately convey the key aspects of the situation, along with developing a defense strategy that places you in a position that refutes the prosecution's case.
Joslyn Law Firm has been honing and evolving their ability to defend clients in the most professional and constructive manner, helping them bring a level of legal competency and professionalism that makes them an invaluable resource. Their dedication to providing excellent client service, along with their personal mission to protect individual rights and justice for all, makes the firm a strong option for you defense.
Call (513) 399-6289 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation to go over your felony OVI charges with an attorney today. In addition to serving Cincinnati, Ohio and the rest of Hamilton County, the firm also represents individuals and families throughout Clermont County, Greene County, Fayette County, Warren County, Butler County, Franklin County and Clinton County.
