• Joslyn Law Firm
• Delaware County

Delaware County

Delaware County is located within the center of Ohio bordering Union County and Franklin County. The county is certainly smaller than other major counties with a population estimate of nearly 170,000 people according to the 2010 U.S. census. Its current county seat is also named Delaware after an Indian tribe that resided in the area.

The county of Delaware may be quainter in comparison to larger counties, but officers are still on high alert for offenders including DUI/OVI. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in serious penalties such as expensive fines, license suspension and time spent in jail. If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence, then we suggest you gain trusted legal counsel.

OVI Defense Attorney in Delaware County, Ohio

It’s highly recommended you secure legal representation if you’ve been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The state of Ohio has implemented harsh penalties for people charged with driving under the influence such as a suspended license, steep fines and even time behind bars. Fight for your rights by hiring an attorney from Joslyn Law Firm.

The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm understand the difficulties of handling a DUI charge. We can be not just your attorney, but your legal partner throughout this experience. Call (513) 399-6289 now to get in touch with a skilled defense attorney. Joslyn Law Firm practices throughout Delaware County and surrounding counties including Franklin County, Warren County, Union County, Butler County and Hamilton County.

Overview of Delaware County OVI

• DUI and OVI Statistics for Delaware County, OH
• Major Highways and State Roads in Delaware County
• Summary of OVI Penalties in Ohio
• DUI Resources for Delaware County
• Additional Resources 

DUI and OVI Statistics for Delaware County, Ohio

Ohio’s State Highway Patrol records various arrest and crash statistics throughout the year. This data is then compiled into detailed inforgrams and patrol operational reports that feature how many people were affected by traffic offenses such as operating a vehicle while under the influence. The following are 2017 and 2018 OVI-related statistics for Delaware County. 

In 2017, law enforcement reported the following OVI arrest and crash information.

• State highway patrolmen arrested 587 people for OVI;
• They conducted one OVI checkpoint that year;
• It was found that 78 people were injured because of an OVI-related incident; and
• 3 people were fatally injured because of an OVI accident 

In 2018, the state highway patrol recorded the following information in Delaware County. 

• Law enforcement arrested 569 people for driving drunk;
• That year officers conducted two DUI checkpoints;
• The records show that 56 people were injured in an OVI accident; and
• 8 people lost their lives as a result of an OVI-related incident

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Major Highways and State Roads in Delaware County, Ohio

Ohio residents commonly use the local freeways to navigate around the state. Statistics show you are also more likely to be pulled over for driving drunk on a freeway than you are on a road. Delaware County is especially susceptible because of its proximity to the city of Columbus, which is a major hotspot for commuting workers and visitors. 

The following are some major roadways and state roads found in Delaware County. 

• Interstate 71 (I-71);
• S. Road 23 (U.S. 23);
• S. Road 36 (U.S. 36);
• S. Road 42 (U.S. 42);
• State Road 3 (SR 3);
• State Road 37 (SR 37);
• State Road 61 (SR 61);
• State Road 229 (SR 229);
• State Road 257 (SR 257);
• State Road 315 (SR 315);
• State Road 521 (SR 521);
• State Road 605 (SR 605); and
• State Road 750 (SR 750);

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Summary of OVI Penalties in Delaware County, OH

It’s imperative you understand there’s a difference between a “low” OVI test and a “high” OVI test. A “high” OVI test is considered to be grievous because it indicates the offender was extremely inebriated, so the penalties are much harsher. Under Ohio law, a person has a “high test” result if their OVI case includes:

• Breath test higher than .17;
• Urinalysis reading higher than .238;
• Whole blood test with a result higher than .17; and
• Blood serum or plasma results above .204

A “low test” result in an OVI case indicates your tests came back as one of the following.

• Breath results at or below .17, but above .08;
• Urinalysis test results at or below .238, but above .11;
• Whole blood samples at or below .17, but higher than .08; and
• Blood serum samples that at or below .204, but above .096 

An OVI refusal is in relation to violating implied consent laws. In Ohio, there are implicit consent laws that state you are implicitly bound to submit to chemical testing by law enforcement. These tests can include breathalyzers, urinalysis, or blood draws. Refusing to submit to these tests will result in an administrative license suspension. The suspension isn’t related to your criminal charges and can be added onto a court-ordered suspension if the judge convicts you.

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DUI Resources in Delaware County, Ohio

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Administrative license suspensions are handled at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The Bureau will suspend you license if you refuse chemical testing from a police officer. They do, however, give you a chance to schedule a hearing and overturn the suspension. If you do so, it’s recommended you seek legal counsel for assistance.

Driver’s Intervention Programs – Ohio provides an alternate for OVI offenders to avoid the three-day mandatory jail term known as the Driver’s Intervention Program (DIP). The program teaches traffic safety education regarding drugs and alcohol in small group discussions. Visit the site to find a list of certified DIP programs in your area.

Delaware County Clerk of Courts– It’s likely you will have to request a file or visit the Delaware County clerk, who manages all important documents associated with civil and criminal cases. Visit Delaware County’s clerk site to access necessary forms, a list of fees and answers to your frequently asked questions.

Delaware County’s Court of Common Peas – Most DUI/OVI cases are overseen by the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County. The court has jurisdiction over all felonies and specific high-class misdemeanors such as operating a vehicle under the influence. Access the court’s site to view their docket, court departments and local rules for their court.

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Additional Resources 

Ohio State Patrol OVI Statistics – Visit the official website for the Ohio State Patrol to learn more about the statistics they collect every year for OVI arrests. Access their site to compare trends, view infograms and read patrol operational reports scanning back to 2017. 

Ohio’s OVI Laws – Visit the official website for Ohio’s Revised Code to learn more about their drunken driving laws. Access the statute to read the various penalties, suspension terms and aggravating factors for a person guilty of driving under the influence.

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DUI Defense Lawyer in Delaware County, OH

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, it’s imperative you act. You will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to fight these staggering penalties. Battle for your rights by calling Joslyn Law Firm for effective legal representation.

Joslyn Law Firm takes an aggressive yet thoughtful approach to every case. We will thoroughly examine the facts until we’ve charted out a sturdy defense plan for you. Help us help you by contacting Joslyn Law Firm. Your first consultation is completely free. 

Joslyn Law Firm practices throughout Delaware County including Media, Delaware, Springfield, Chester, Newton Square and Upper Darby.

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This article was last updated on July 31, 2019.