Have you been convicted of a DUI charge? Are you concerned about whether or not you can navigate the legal system concerning fees, court hearings and blood tests? You may need to find DUI lawyer or attorney in your area. Drunk driving convictions are one of the most common issues facing the United States today and one that sees people attempting to find DUI lawyer, attorney or legal assistance in their immediate area. If you are unfamiliar with blood alcohol content testing or the consequences of a charge, read below to learn more.
What Is A DUI?
A DUI is a criminal charge for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances or over-the-counter medication. While there are alternate terms used in different states, such as an OVI, the basic meaning is the same — law enforcement in Ohio primarily use the term OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) while other states use the term DWI. The best DUI attorney can see you better navigating the legal system and properly addressing each term and specification as you go along.
How Is A DUI Detected?
There are multiple methods used to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver’s system. Law enforcement must have probable cause to pull you over, whether you were swerving, running a red light or witnesses confirmed you were driving erratically. Even if you submit to a blood alcohol content test, you are still able to challenge the results in court. Breathalyzer tests, blood tests and urine tests must all be properly administered — otherwise they may be inadmissible when presented.
What Is Blood Alcohol Content?
A blood alcohol content test (shortened to BAC) is used to determine the amount of alcohol present in your bloodstream at the time of arrest. In Ohio the BAC limit is .02% if you are under the age of 21 and this can be coupled with a breathalyzer or urine test. Remember that the BAC limit depends on which state you are currently living in as well as where you’re charged — an OHIO criminal attorney, for example, would be the prime option if you are arrested in the state of Ohio.
What Are Consequences For Being Charged?
Being charged with a DUI can affect everything from future employment to your ability to apply for loans. The state of Ohio sees nearly 45,000 people possessing five or more OVI convictions, according to the Ohio Department Of Public Safety, and there are two people who share the state record of over 20 OVI convictions. After an OVI conviction is established your driver’s license may be suspended pending an Administrative License Suspension hearing at your local courthouse.
Who Can Help Me With A DUI Charge?
A DUI lawyer can assist you if you’ve been charged for a DUI, DWI or OVI. Finding a good attorney is the most essential step, as there are multiple processes involved with assessing a charge. Some circumstances can see a plea bargain of ‘wet reckless’, or a conviction of reckless driving involving alcohol, accepted in the state of Ohio. A plea bargain in the case of an OVI might occur when the amount of alcohol is borderline illegal or if there was no accident. Contact your local law firm and find DUI lawyer or an attorney who can help you today.