Cleveland BMV Hearing Attorney
Representing Drivers Charged With OVI in Ohio
When you have been stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or, as it’s known in Ohio, operating a vehicle impaired (OVI), the police officer can take your driver’s license away from you on the spot, immediately starting a suspension.
This automatic suspension, known as an Administrative License Suspension (ALS), lasts for six months. It’s possible to fight this suspension and protect your license, but you must act quickly to save your driving privilege.
An important step in this process is known as the BMV hearing; but, we can request a hearing on your behalf so you don’t have to go alone.
When you’ve been arrested and facing DUI charges, contact Patituce & Associates, LLC at (440) 771-1175as soon as possible to learn more about your options and how we can help you.
What Is a BMV Hearing?
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is responsible for overseeing every aspect of a driver’s right to operate a motor vehicle, and that includes controlling licenses. When you’re charged with OVI in Ohio, you have a limited time to request a BMV hearing to contest the administrative license suspension that comes along with an OVI conviction.
A BMV hearing applies to the license suspension only, not the OVI. This is an opportunity to fight the suspension of your license so you can continue to drive without restrictions.
How Can I Request a BMV Hearing?
While BMV hearings are not required in a DUI case, we highly recommend that you request one. It’s an important part of defending your driving privileges after a DUI charge.
Important things to know about requesting BMV hearings for DUI/OVI include:
- You must submit the hearing request within 30 days of the mailing date of the suspension notice. If you are facing an out‑of‑state charge, that time limit is reduced to 20 days.
- There are no fees for BMV hearings.
- You do not need to be physically present; you may ask an attorney to represent you at a BMV hearing.
We understand that your specific situation requires individualized attention, and we are dedicated to providing just that.
No Case is Hopeless
We Don't Back Down. Ever.
Explore some of our recent wins.
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Case Dismissed CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781)
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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Not Guilty At Trial ROCKY RIVER V. D.F.
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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Plea and Record Expunged STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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Charges Dismissed State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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Case Dismissed STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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Acquittal State v. Tevin Biles
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
Do You Need a BMV Hearing Attorney?
Imagine you’re driving home after a night out and you get pulled over for suspected OVI. Your license can be confiscated on the spot and an automatic Administrative License Suspension (ALS) begins. According to Ohio law, you have 30 days to request a BMV hearing — otherwise your driving privilege could be in jeopardy for six months or more from the administrative suspension.
While Ohio law allows you to request a BMV hearing without legal representation, the process is far from simple. The hearing involves contesting the ALS, and it’s separate from the criminal court proceedings for the OVI charge. What you say — or fail to say — can have a profound effect on your ability to drive for the foreseeable future.
Navigating the nuances of an Ohio BMV administrative license suspension hearing requires a keen understanding of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles procedures, as well as the tactics used by hearing officers to uphold suspensions. A BMV hearing attorney familiar with OVI cases can help articulate a strong defense strategy.
For instance, your attorney might argue that the arresting law enforcement officer lacked probable cause, or that the breath or blood test was improperly administered. This is particularly important in refusal hearings where you declined the breath test, as the BMV will consider this as well.
A skilled attorney can also assist with logistics, such as ensuring the hearing request is submitted within the 30‑day window and can represent you so you don’t have to appear in person. A lawyer can also help you understand the limitations and conditions for applying for limited driving privileges during your suspension period.
Contact A BMV Hearing Attorney Today
When it comes to fighting DUI / OVI charges in Ohio, time is of the essence.
As soon as you’ve been charged with OVI in Ohio, or you have received a suspension notice from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney experienced in BMV hearings at Patituce & Associates, LLC.
We have 70+ years of combined experience helping drivers to navigate the OVI process.
Facing the consequences of a DUI / OVI charge is difficult enough without losing your driving privileges. Contact our BMV hearing attorneys at (440) 771-1175 to increase your chances of keeping your license.
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