Athens First-Offense OVI Attorney

Legal Representation for Operating a Vehicle Impaired First Offense

First-offense OVI arrests are the most common of all those involving impaired driving in Ohio. If you have been arrested as a driver with no prior OVI record, you likely are understandably anxious about the outcome. However, with my help as a highly-experienced OVI defense lawyer, your chances of optimum results will be greatly increased. I have a detailed understanding of the applicable laws, procedures, technology, and forensics involved that can be used to best position your case against the state.

I am certified by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the administration and evaluation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. This means I have the same training as the officer who put you through the field sobriety tests (Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus). Thus, when I review your case I am able to better evaluate both your performance on the tests as well as the officer’s administration of the test. It also means that I am able to more effectively cross-examine the officer at trial.

Request a free initial consultation with me as an Athens first-offense OVI attorney by contacting Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law via email or at (740) 483-0690.

Understanding Your First OVI Charge in Ohio

In Ohio, OVI consists of the following scenarios:

• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher
• Driving with a certain concentration of drugs in your system, such as cocaine, marijuana, and more
• Driving while impaired due to alcohol and/or drugs

When arrested for OVI, you will face both administrative consequences by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as well as criminal court consequences. Generally, a first-offense OVI occurs if you have not been convicted of a previous OVI within the previous 10 years.

Administrative Penalties for Ohio OVI Offenders

Your license will be confiscated upon an OVI arrest if chemical tests reveal that you were driving while over the legal limit. If you refuse to be tested, you will also have your license removed while on the scene. In both cases, you will face a BMV license suspension.

License suspensions can last for one up to three years. Those who have refused testing will face an automatic license suspension of one year. Limited driving privilege may be available through court approval during the suspension. The conditions for obtaining limited driving privileges will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Criminal Penalties for First-Time OVI in Ohio

In cases where your OVI is considered in the “low level” range of a BAC of less than .17 percent, you will face the following penalties upon a conviction:

• A fine ranging from $375 up to $1,075 along with related fees
• Probation of up to five years
• Minimum jail time of three days with up to six months or mandatory participation in a three-day Drivers Intervention Program
• License suspension of one to three years imposed by the judge

A “high level” OVI is one in which your BAC measured .17 percent or higher. In these cases, as well as for those who refused chemical testing, doubled jail time may be imposed as well as being mandated to put restricted license plates on your vehicle.

Choose Andrew H. Stevenson for Your Athens OVI Defense

Every OVI case is different with penalties depending on the facts and circumstances of your situation. I will conduct a thorough investigation of your case in search of legal, procedural, and technical errors or lapses that could cast reasonable doubt on the prosecutor’s assertions.

Your first line of defense when facing the serious charge of a first-offense OVI should be to contact my firm to arrange for a consultation to discuss your options for pursuing an optimum resolution.