Painesville Underage DUI Lawyer

Painesville Underage DUI Attorney

Impaired driving laws in Ohio are strict and work to both protect drivers and deter individuals from dangerous repetitive behaviors. Because of this, drivers under the age of 21 face even stricter limitations and penalties when operating vehicles while impaired. If you or your child is facing an underage impaired driving charge here in Painesville, it’s crucial that you seek legal guidance from an experienced Painesville underage DUI lawyer.

Why Work With Fortress Law Group, LLC

Fortress Law Group, LLC, is a trusted criminal defense firm built on the core values of integrity, compassion, and courage. Our lead attorney, Matthew C. Bangerter, Esq., has spent years fiercely representing residents of Ohio against complex criminal charges, including underage DUIs. We understand how frightening it is to be charged with an underage DUI, which is why we work to provide compassionate, tailored legal representation that protects your rights and your future.

Understanding Ohio’s Underage DUI Laws

While often referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), drinking and driving charges in Ohio are legally known as operating a vehicle impaired (OVI). For OVIs involving underage drivers, impaired driving charges are known as operating a vehicle after underage consumption (OVUAC).

While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for the average driver who is 21 years of age or older is 0.08% in Ohio, it is only 0.02% for underage drivers. Additionally, a police officer has the right to arrest an underage driver if they have any alcohol in their system and observe reckless or dangerous driving. According to research, 29% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in crashes in 2020 had been drinking.

Penalties for Impaired Driving While Underage in Ohio

The consequences of drinking and driving in Ohio can be severe, especially if you are an underage driver. This is because a conviction can not only come with criminal penalties like the loss of your license and jail time, but it can also come with rehabilitative penalties and negative impacts on your future opportunities. If you hire an underage DUI lawyer, they can pursue minimized negative penalties and help you navigate license hearings.

Because Ohio looks to deter poor behavior while also aiming to rehabilitate underage individuals with troubled pasts, underage OVI penalties are often treatment-based. An OVUAC charge can lead to penalties meant to encourage change and rehabilitation, such as a drug or alcohol education, an alcohol or drug treatment program, community service, or probation.

While these penalties may be frustrating, they are often a better alternative to traditional jail sentences. When pursuing minimized penalties, a lawyer can advocate for these instead of jail time.

In addition to the potential criminal and rehabilitative consequences that come with an OVUAC, having an underage DUI on your criminal record can also impact future opportunities, such as:

• Employment. A DUI arrest and conviction are visible to all potential employers. This may make it difficult to find employment, especially for jobs involving driving or certain professional licenses.
• Education. A criminal record can impact a student’s educational future by disqualifying them for certain scholarships, student housing, or admissions.
• Housing. Landlords often use background checks when evaluating a potential tenant. Generally, OVI convictions lead to a greater number of application denials and higher security deposits.
• Finances. Beyond the fines included with the average underage OVI penalty, a conviction can impact your financial situation by increasing auto insurance premiums.
• Future Charges. Future OVI charges are subject to higher penalties if you already have a conviction on your record.

Why You Should Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer

An OVUAC conviction is often a younger person’s first experience with the justice system. This can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re trying to deal with complex laws and life-changing consequences on your own. Working with a Painesville underage DUI lawyer can help you navigate your charges with confidence, from when you are first arrested through sentencing.

At Fortress Law Group, LLC, our team has helped countless Ohio residents defend against underage impaired driving charges and protect their future. We understand just how daunting charges of this nature can be, which is why we leverage our comprehensive legal knowledge, experience, and passion for justice to advocate for your rights, regardless of how complex your case may seem.

FAQs

Can Parents Face Criminal Charges If Their Child Is Convicted of an Underage DUI in Ohio?

In Painesville, Ohio, parents can legally give underage children alcohol in their residence and under supervision. However, they may face criminal charges if they provided alcohol but were negligent about supervising their child, and that child then operated a vehicle while impaired. Additionally, supplying alcohol to underage drivers who are not your kids can also lead to liability in an OVUAC case.

What Is the Implied Consent Law in Ohio?

Ohio’s implied consent law is a law that states drivers give implied consent to submit to chemical testing if they are driving in Ohio and are arrested for an OVI. This rule applies to all drivers, including teenagers and adults under the age of 21. Refusing a chemical test can lead to additional penalties, such as immediate license suspension.

Will an Underage OVI Case Be Handled in Juvenile Court in Ohio?

Typically, an underage OVI case can be handled in juvenile court if the driver is under 18. However, if the defendant is over 18 but under the age of 21, they may have their case tried in an adult criminal court. A Painesville underage DUI attorney from Fortress Law Group, LLC can help you better understand your rights and how your case will be prosecuted during an underage OVI case in Ohio.

What Factors Can Increase the Penalties for an Underage OVI in Ohio?

Many factors can lead to increased penalties for underage OVIs in Ohio. Common factors include if your BAC was above 0.02% or egregiously high, if you caused an accident that led to severe bodily injury or death, if you have prior OVUAC or OVI convictions, or if you refused a chemical test. A lawyer can help you understand what penalties you may face and develop a strategy to mitigate the harsh consequences.

Learn How a Painesville Underage DUI Attorney Can Help

Defending against OVI or OVUAC charges can be one of the most stressful experiences a teenager or young adult experiences. Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, to learn how our experienced attorneys can build a personalized strategy to defend you against heavy penalties, safeguard your rights, and protect your future.

Painesville Underage 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