Why You Should Always Have a Lawyer for a DUI Case

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, do you need to hire a Dayton DUI attorney?

The answer is yes. It is in your best interests to hire an attorney when facing a DUI (driving under the influence) or OVI (operating a vehicle while under the influence) charge.

Why is it so important? Being convicted of a DUI carries heavy fines, jail time, driving suspension, and other penalties. It also carries a lot of weight when it comes to decisions by employers, insurance companies, and landlords.

Situations That Complicate DUI Cases

In the state of Ohio, a first-time DUI offense is charged as a first-class misdemeanor. Faced with this, a lot of defendants choose to plead guilty. That’s their choice. But, it’s not always a wise choice to make.

You need to hire an attorney if there’s any doubt about the charges. Some common situations include:

• A BAC below 0.08%
• Questions about BAC accuracy
• Problems with field sobriety tests
• Procedural issues with the arrest

You should also hire an attorney when there are aggravating circumstances with the DUI charge.

• Charged with DUI with a child in the vehicle
• Extremely high BAC
• Causing an accident or causing injuries

These sorts of aggravating circumstances can lead to much harsher penalties. According to an experienced DUI attorney Dayton OH defendants facing such complications need legal representation.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Ohio?

The state of Ohio has mandatory penalties for anyone convicted of a first-time or subsequent DUI. The penalties do depend on the level of inebriation.

If you chose to take a breathalyzer test and the blood alcohol content (BAC) results came back below 0.17%, you will be charged with a lower tier DUI charge. The penalties that come with this type of conviction include:

• Jail time between three days and six months.
• License suspension between six months and three years
• Fines between $375 and $1075

If the breathalyzer test comes back with a BAC of 0.17% or higher, or if you refuse to take a test, you will be charged with a higher tier DUI charge. The penalties that come with this type of conviction include:

• Jail time between six days and six months
• Fines between $375 and $1075
• License suspension between six months and three years
• Mandatory yellow “party” license plates
• Ignition interlock device installed at the judge’s discretion

For a second or subsequent offense, the penalties only get worse. That’s why you need experienced DUI lawyers in Dayton Ohio at your side.

How Can an Experienced DUI Attorney Help?

Local DUI attorneys understand how to defend against DUI charges. They understand the various methods of BAC testing and what can go wrong with those tests. They can question the validity of testing in your case.

An experienced attorney also understands the procedures police officers must follow when making a DUI arrest. If the police did not follow proper procedures, the attorney can bring this out in court. It can lead to dismissal or reduction in charges.

According to a DUI lawyer Dayton Ohio residents also need legal representation to get the return of driving privileges. It’s hard to get to work when you can’t legally drive. An attorney can bring forward information that may get your driving privileges restored.

When you need experienced DUI and OVI lawyers Dayton residents can rely on the attorneys here at Barr Jones & Associates LLP. Call our office today.