Toledo DUI Lawyer
Contact a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist for OVI Defense in Ohio
In Ohio, what many refer to as drunk driving is formally known as Operating a Vehicle Impaired, or OVI for short. This charge isn’t exclusive to any particular demographic; individuals from all backgrounds can find themselves facing an OVI due to a brief, uncharacteristic error in judgment.
Ohio imposes severe consequences for individuals found guilty of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the lawful threshold. When you have been arrested for drugged driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, getting a head start on your case is crucial. Your court dates are coming up, and the prosecutor is already building a case against you.
Patituce & Associates will fight hard to defend your freedom and protect your future. We don’t give up and we always strive for excellence. Our Toledo DUI/OVI defense lawyers are here to help you right now.
Let us take away the stress of dealing with your Toledo DUI charges. Remain positive and focus on getting the best possible outcome. Working together, we’ll put the charge of operating a vehicle under the influence behind you, and get you moving forward.
Our experienced Toledo DUI lawyers have defended DUI OVI charges in Northwest Ohio and in courts across the state. Founding attorney, Joseph C. Patituce is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist.
With our understanding of this controversial area of law, our DUI lawyers provide effective counsel to OVI clients who need their interests and rights asserted before the law.
You’re not alone. We are here to support and guide you through the entire process. Contact a Toledo DUI defense attorney for a free consultation and find out how we can help by calling our law office today at (440) 771-1175.
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What Consequences Can You Face for an OVI in Ohio?
Ohio categorizes OVI offenses into two primary levels of seriousness based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The first level targets drivers whose BAC falls within the range of 0.08% to 0.16%.
The second, more severe level applies to drivers whose BAC registers at 0.17% or higher. This differentiation in blood alcohol content can significantly influence the range of penalties an individual might confront in their OVI proceedings.
In addition to a loss of reputation and a tougher employment future, you could face serious losses of your finances, freedom, and driving privileges. Our defense team is prepared to fight to help you avoid the potentially life-changing penalties you could face.
Penalties for drunk driving in Ohio can include:
- First OVI – At least 3 days in jail or an alcohol abuse program. Up to $1,075 fine
- Second OVI – 10 days to 6 months in jail and/or house arrest. Up to $1,625 fine
- Third OVI – 30 days to 1 year in jail. Driver’s license suspension for 2 to 10 years. Fine up to $2,500
- Fourth OVI – Up to 5 years in jail. Up to $10,000 fine. Potential permanent loss of driver’s license
- Fifth OVI or More – Call our law office. We need to discuss what’s coming.
Keep in mind that these are merely a selection of the potential consequences tied to a DUI conviction. The loss of your driving privileges accompanies each charge, and you might also face additional actions like ongoing alcohol monitoring, house arrest, alcohol education programs, or even surrendering your vehicle.
For a more tailored understanding of the penalties you could encounter, get in touch with Patituce & Associates for a free initial consultation today.
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Choose the Law Firm That Refuses to Settle
We are not a plea factory. Many DUI lawyers in Toledo will simply take clients and get a quick plea deal. That’s not us – we are criminal defense trial lawyers. We fight aggressively for our clients, and we tailor our approach to what our clients want.
Some clients want us to work out the best deal as fast as possible; others want us to challenge the evidence and attempt to secure an acquittal and avoid jail time.
It depends on the client’s situation. If you have a job that requires you to drive, or you cannot have a criminal conviction on your record, then you need to fight the charges.
Our experienced criminal defense lawyers in Toledo understand how a DUI offense can affect your livelihood.
No matter which path you take, your legal rights will be protected – always. Contact a DWI lawyer from Patituce & Associates.
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No DUI Case Is Hopeless
Because of the circumstances of their cases, many people worry that even the best lawyer can’t help them. Whether you face a felony or misdemeanor charge, you owe it to yourself to at least talk it over with an experienced Toledo DUI defense attorney.
The consultation is free. We can show you how spending just 10 minutes discussing your case with one of our DUI lawyers in Toledo can greatly improve your situation. To take the first step, fill out our online form or give us a call now.
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How Can a Toledo DUI Attorney Help You?
One of the biggest misconceptions about drunk driving cases is that the driver is convicted as soon as they fail their field sobriety test with a breathalyzer, urine test, chemical test, etc.
It’s easy to feel that once you fail the test, you’ve been “caught,” and that you might as well accept whatever the court sees fit to hand down for punishment.
This is a mistaken belief. Even after failing the test because the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over the legal limit, a driver is only suspected of DUI.
Many people have very viable defense options as they face their coming court dates. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
Important considerations in every OVI include:
- The reason why you were stopped. In OVI cases, police officers need to be able to produce probable cause as to why they pulled you over. Our firm regularly reviews the police report and dash camera footage to ensure that law enforcement was not overstepping when they pulled our clients over.
- The reason you were ordered out of your vehicle. We also look at the reasons law enforcement gives for removing the driver from the vehicle. This, too, requires probable cause and when an officer wrongly removes a driver from the vehicle, everything after becomes invalidated.
- Sobriety test protocol. Our firm also closely examines how and when the field sobriety tests were conducted. Ohio recognizes the NHTSA sobriety test protocols and, when these are not followed (or there is something wrong with the technology itself), the results of the test can be challenged.
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How Much Does an OVI Lawyer Cost in Toledo, Ohio?
When OVI clients come to us, they naturally want to know the cost of their defense and how we’ll handle their case. These are valid concerns because not all Ohio OVI cases are the same, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
To provide an accurate answer, we need to gather information and evidence specific to your OVI case before discussing costs. Each situation requires a personalized approach.
Rest assured, we’re committed to giving your case thorough and dedicated attention. Our record includes successful OVI dismissals for many clients in northwest Ohio.
You don’t have to face this uncertain time alone. Reach out for a free, no-obligation phone consultation with our Toledo DUI defense lawyers today. We’re here to support and guide you through the process.
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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- Glenn G.
I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
Contact a Toledo DUI Lawyer
Your Future and Freedom are Worth Defending
Contacting a Toledo DUI lawyer is the next step when you’re facing OVI charges in the Toledo area. Our experienced team at the law firm of Patituce & Associates is here to provide personalized counsel and fight for your rights.
Take the next step towards protecting your future and freedom – request a free, no-obligation phone consultation with our Toledo OVI defense lawyers today. Your case will receive thorough attention and dedicated support.
