Although it may seem like a common and straightforward charge, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (OVI) is a felony. Known in some states as DUI or DWI, an OVI charge can lead to a relatively lengthy legal process. To ensure that you understand the charges you are facing, as well as your legal rights, it is important to retain an attorney who specializes in OVI cases as soon as possible.
Why hire an OVI attorney?
Driving under the influence is a risk to the driver and everyone else on the road. Since driving under the influence puts so many lives at risk, you may be facing a number of charges that could result in jail time and/or hefty fines. Hiring an experienced OVI attorney can help you reduce your charges or sentence. In some cases, an attorney can even have an OVI charge dropped entirely.
An experienced OVI attorney will have a solid understanding of state and local OVI laws. This is essential to help you understand the charges he faces and his options during each stage of the criminal process. OVI attorneys also study legal precedents that will strengthen your case. Without an attorney on your side, the chance of your sentence being reduced or charges dropped is very slim.
Although never advisable, some cases can be handled without legal representation. Often these are cases where it is the individual’s first offense, there were no injuries or fatalities, and there is substantial evidence to support the charge.
If you are facing charges that include any of the following, an OVI attorney should be contacted as soon as possible:
• You have been arrested by an OVI before.
• Another person was injured or died as a result of your OVI.
• You are a commercial driver.
• You believe you are innocent of the charges, or believe the charges should be reduced to reckless driving or physical restraint.
What to look for an OVI attorney
When hiring an OVI attorney, you want someone who has experience with local OVI law. This will ensure that you have representation that has specialized knowledge of all aspects of an OVI charge, including breathalyzers, blood tests, and chemical testing procedures.
An OVI attorney will also have experience handling a variety of cases involving OVI arrests and other drunk driving offenses. They will have a history of:
• Reduce or eliminate jail time;
• Negotiation of plea agreements;
• Eliminate a revoked license and reduce OVI charges to landlord offenses.
Your OVI/DUI defense begins as soon as you are pulled over. When he is arrested, he should immediately contact an OVI attorney who can advise him of his options.
