"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."
First DUI
With the state's heavy reliance on the roads and highways, law enforcement is ready and willing to pull anyone over whom they believe is a threat to public safety. If the initial traffic stop leads to a DUI arrest, you will be looking at various negative implications, including lengthy jail terms, costly fines and a driver's license suspension. This is in addition to other severe consequences, such as an inability to enter certain professional industries or having your insurance rates hiked up to unsustainable levels.
Unfortunately, the vigilant stance of law enforcement, which is constantly on the lookout for wrongdoers, can also lead to some situations where you may be unnecessarily or unfairly charged with driving under the influence.
No matter what the case, it is vital that you understand you legal options, so that you can approach this difficult situation in the most effective manner. Working with a qualified Cincinnati DUI attorney can help you pursue favorable options, such as case dismissal, not guilty verdicts, and pre-trial intervention programs.
Ohio First DUI Lawyer
Joslyn Law Firm is dedicated on providing the quality criminal defense representation for the residents of the Buckeye State. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case and will take a proactive approach in gathering evidence, protecting your drivers license, and creating a strong defense that weakens the prosecution's case.
Although Ohio law enforcement does have the resources to pursue your case, the firm knows that individual citizens usually do not. This fact has not escaped the attorneys and they happily offer cost-effective representation, enabling you to focus on fixing this situation, as opposed to wondering how you will finance your defense.
To schedule a free and confidential consultation to go over the details of your pending charges for a first DUI in Cincinnati, call (513) 399-6289 or send an online message today. The firm prides itself on a quick response time, and will immediately begin work on your case after the in-depth initial consultation.
In addition to serving the residents of Cincinnati, the firm also works with those in and around Hamilton County, including Hamilton, Middletown, Norwood and Lebanon. This service also extends to other counties within Central Ohio, and the attorneys proudly represent individuals and families in Wilmington, Grand View, Loveland, and Blue Ash.
Information for First Time DUI Offenders
- Definition of DUI in Ohio
- Criminal Penalties for a 1st DUI
- Impact of a First OVI on Professional Employment
- Finding the Best Lawyer in Cincinnati OH for a First DUI
Definition of DUI in Ohio
According to Ohio Revised Code §4511.19, no person shall operate any vehicle within the state, 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 to .17 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
The law also includes drugs in addition to alcohol. According to the same statute, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle in Ohio if:
- The person has a concentration of amphetamine (meth) in their urine of at least 500 nanograms (per milliliter) OR 100 nanograms (per milliliter) in their blood.
- The person has a concentration of cocaine (coke) in their urine of at least 150 nanograms OR at least 50 nanograms in their blood.
- The person has a concentration of heroin in their urine of at least 150 nanograms OR at least 50 nanograms in their blood.
- The person has a concentration of LSD (acid) in their urine of at least 25 nanograms OR at least 10 nanograms in their blood.
- The person has a concentration of marihuana (marijuana, weed, bud, pot) in their urine of at least 10 nanograms OR at least two nanograms in their blood.
Criminal Penalties for a 1st DUI
The penalties for a first OVI in Ohio are extensive and include both jail time and a possibility for large fines. According to §4511.19(G) the standard charge for a first DUI is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Ohio Revised Code §2929.24 states that a first-degree misdemeanor comes with a presumptive sentence of no more than 180 days and / or fines of up to $1,075.
In addition, violators will be required to serve a three-day jail sentence (72 hours). The court may sentence an offender to both an intervention program and a jail term. The court may impose a prison sentence in addition to the three-day mandatory jail term or intervention program. However, in no case shall the cumulative jail term imposed for the offense exceed six months.
In all scenarios, a class-five license suspension of the individual's driver's license, commercial driver's license, permit or nonresident operating privilege will be invoked for a DUI or OVI conviction.
Impact of a First OVI on Professional Employment
One of the most common concerns for men and women arrested for DUI in Ohio is the fallout on their professional career. These individual often are involved in the following professions:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Attorneys
- Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
- Commercial Truck Drivers
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Firefighters
- Teachers
- School Administrators
- Ohio State Employees
- Cincinnati City Employees
- Federal Employees
- Members of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve troops)
Even college students are not immune as a 1st drunk or drugged driving charge can cost them scholarships and even result in expulsion.
This is why it is imperative to treat your charges seriously and consult with a first DUI lawyer in Cincinnati as soon as possible. There are many avenues that your lawyer can take to potentially even avoid trial altogether and eliminate any impact on your job. Some of these avenues are unique to first time offenders and based on your individual history. In some scenarios, your legal counsel can pursue record sealing or expungement to help prevent the information from being released during background checks.
Finding the Best Lawyer in Cincinnati OH for a First DUI
A DUI conviction in Ohio could have widespread and harsh consequences in many aspects of your social, professional and financial well-being. Not only will you have a permanent criminal record, you may also have to pay large fines and deal with jail time. This may compromise your job prospect, strain relationships and add too monetary burdens.
Much of this can be avoided if you approach this stressful and difficult situation with the help of a defense lawyer who has a strong comprehension of the relevant laws and can defend your name in court. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm are well versed in Ohio DUI regulations and have provided proactive legal counsel to many individuals throughout the Greater Cincinnati area who have found themselves lost after a their first arrest.
The last thing you want to do during a pending criminal investigation is drag your feet. Immediately getting started in finding solutions to your legal problems is paramount in achieving a favorable outcome. Using a calculating and factual approach to DUI cases, Joslyn Law Firm can be counted on to develop a defense strategy that considers all relevant factors while passionately arguing on your behalf.
As a Hamilton County firm that is located in Cincinnati, our legal team is vigorously defends adults and drivers under 21 who were charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. This includes residents of Blue Ash, Sharonville, Forest Park and Springboro. The firm also works with those accused of criminal offenses in Clermont County, Butler County, Franklin County, Warren County and Greene County.
Call (513) 399-6289 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation to go over first OVI charge with the attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm today.
