Painesville Multiple DUI Lawyer

Painesville Multiple DUI Attorney

When you already have a DUI conviction on your criminal record, any subsequent DUI charges in Painesville can come with severe consequences. A Painesville multiple DUI lawyer can help you protect your future by developing a powerful defense on your behalf, scrutinizing evidence, and advocating for your rights during hearings and trials.

Fortress Law Group, LLC: Experienced DUI Lawyers

The legal team at Fortress Law Group, LLC has over 15 years of experience defending against criminal charges. Our lead attorney, Matthew C. Bangerter, Esq., is a former Assistant Prosecutor and has spent years navigating complex criminal cases throughout Ohio. With our shared understanding of DUI laws and local courtroom procedures, you can trust our experienced legal team to build a personalized legal strategy that advocates for your freedom.

Understanding Multiple DUI Charges in Ohio

In Ohio, the offense commonly known as “driving under the influence (DUI)” is charged as “operating a vehicle impaired (OVI),” though many people use DUI and OVI interchangeably. An OVI can occur in Ohio if you are driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%.

Drinking and driving can slow reaction speed and inhibit decision-making, causing devastating accidents across the country. In 2023, there were 12,429 drunk-driving fatalities across the country. Additionally, in just one year, Ohio had about 15,000 OVI arrests. Painesville drivers are more likely to be arrested for an OVI or involved in an OVI crash on routes such as State Route 44 or Route 2.

OVI Lookback Period in Ohio

OVIs in Ohio are prosecuted harshly, and local laws work to deter repeat behavior through serious penalties. In Ohio, local judges and law enforcement have a “lookback period” of 10 years, meaning any previous OVIs on your record from the last 10 years before can impact your current charge.

However, the lookback period can be increased to 20 years if you have been convicted of an OVI in Ohio at least six times within the last 20 years. If you have a felony OVI Conviction, your offense will have a lifetime lookback period.

Penalties for Multiple OVI Convictions in Ohio

Whether or not your OVI in Painesville is classified as a felony or misdemeanor will depend on the unique circumstances associated with your charge, as well as any prior OVI convictions on your record. While many subsequent OVI charges are categorized as misdemeanors in Ohio, a sixth OVI charge or a charge exhibiting extreme recklessness or damage can result in a felony.

If you’re convicted for multiple OVIs in Ohio, you can face penalties such as:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• House arrest with electronic monitoring or continuous alcohol monitoring
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Enrollment in drug or alcohol education programs

Why You Should Hire a Multiple DUI Lawyer in Painesville

Even if you have faced DUI charges before, it is imperative that you seek legal representation from an experienced OVI lawyer who can protect your future and advocate for your rights. If you’re facing an OVI charge with prior charges already on your record, a Painesville multiple DUI lawyer from Fortress Law Group, LLC, can help you by:

• Protecting Your Rights. After an OVI arrest in Painesville, law enforcement searches for evidence through interrogations, searches, and seizures. A lawyer can safeguard your rights, preventing law enforcement from obtaining illegal or unnecessary evidence against you. A defense attorney can also work to protect your rights throughout all hearings and trials.
• Developing a Defense Strategy. Every OVI case in Ohio is different. This means you need a personalized, powerful legal strategy that is tailored to the unique aspects of your multiple DUI charges. The team at Fortress Law Group, LLC, can leverage its legal knowledge while scrutinizing evidence the prosecution collects to defend you.
• Negotiating for a Favorable Outcome. Ultimately, a Painesville multiple DUI attorney can help you achieve an outcome that allows you to move forward after your second or subsequent DUI charge. They can pursue the most favorable outcome for your case and advocate for reduced or even dismissed charges.

FAQs

Can You Refuse a Chemical Test in Ohio?

No, you can’t refuse a chemical test in Ohio if you are arrested for an OVI. Ohio has an implied consent law, meaning that as a driver, you consent to any chemical testing, including blood, urine, breath, or other drug and alcohol tests, if you are arrested for an OVI. Refusing a chemical test can lead to immediate license suspension and additional penalties.

When Is an OVI a Felony Offense in Ohio?

OVIs can become a felony offense in Painesville, Ohio when they involve aggravating factors, or if it is a defendant’s sixth conviction in the last 20 years. Aggravating factors could include an excessive BAC above 0.17% or causing an accident that results in serious injury or death. Even if you have prior OVI convictions in Ohio, you will not automatically be charged with a felony unless it is the sixth DUI charge in the past 20 years.

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Multiple OVI Offenses in Ohio?

Jail sentences for a second or subsequent OVI in Ohio can range from several days to multiple years. The jail sentence for repeated OVI misdemeanor charges is 10 days for a second offense, 30 days for a third offense, and 60 days with the potential for additional time for the fourth and fifth offenses. A sixth offense carries a felony sentence of 60 days to 30 months in prison. These sentences can be raised depending on the circumstances of the offense.

How Long Is Your License Suspended in Ohio for an OVI Offense?

Your driver’s license is typically suspended between one and seven years if you are convicted of an OVI in Ohio. However, having multiple OVI convictions may lead a judge to impose a higher license suspension. Additionally, if you are arrested for an OVI and test over the legal BAC limit or refuse a chemical test, your license will automatically be suspended. You should hire a multiple DUI offense lawyer to help you through your license suspension hearing.

Reach Out to a Painesville Multiple DUI Attorney For Guidance

Committing multiple DUIs can elevate the charges and penalties you can face. Not only can you be sentenced to jail, fines, or re-education, but multiple DUI convictions stay visible on your criminal record for years to come. Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC to schedule a case consultation and learn more about how we can build a powerful defense for your unique case.

Painesville Multiple DUI Lawyer Reviews

Meet Your Attorney

Matthew C. Bangerter

Founder, Fortress Law Group, LLC

Matthew draws on his unique background as a former Assistant Prosecutor and his scientific expertise in molecular genetics to bring unparalleled precision and strategy to criminal defense in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges, serious felony indictments, or federal prosecution, he builds defense strategies rooted in forensic evidence analysis, cutting-edge legal theory, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your constitutional rights and positioning you for the strongest outcome in court.

Call (440) 659-1315