DUI More Than a Decade of Experience. Hundreds of Cases Handled and Won

Youngstown DUI Lawyer

Legal Counsel for Operating a Vehicle Impaired in Ohio

If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI or are already facing DUI charges, take immediate action to ensure your rights are protected. You may be facing a range of consequences, such as jail time, the loss of your driver's license, large monetary fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and the required installation of an ignition interlock system. Do not take on DUI charges alone. Enlist our help at the office of Rhys Brendan Cartwright-Jones.

Rhys is a skilled Youngstown OVI lawyer who is backed by over twenty years of experience and zealously stands up for clients facing allegations of drunk driving or driving under the influence. He is also a former prosecutor who worked in Mahoning County. This experience gives him unique insight into how prosecutors handle these types of cases.

Arrested for drunk driving? We can help you understand the potential Ohio OVI penalties you face upon conviction and work to defend you against them. Get a FREE consultation now!

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20 Years of Experience

What Is the Difference Between OVI and DUI in Ohio?

There are many terms for driving under the influence such as: DUI, DWI, & OMVI. However, in the state of Ohio the term is known as OVI or Operating a Vehicle Impaired. This means having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while operating a motorized or non-motorized vehicle. Let us help you fight the moving violation charges you are facing. With more than twenty years of experience, our skilled Youngstown OVI attorney can fight to ensure that your rights are upheld from start to finish.

Ohio OVI Penalties

First-Offense OVI

A fine ranging from $375 to $1,075
License suspension from one to three years
Jail time ranging from three days to six months

Second Offense OVI

A fine ranging from $575 to $1,625
License suspension from one to seven years
Jail time ranging from ten days to six months

Third Offense OVI

A fine ranging from $850 to $2,750
License suspension from two to 12 years
Jail time ranging from 30 days to one year

Driver's License Suspension in Ohio

There are a variety of driver's license suspensions in Ohio and most are brought on by a drunk driving arrest. You must take immediate action if you wish to fight your driver's license suspension. It may be possible to secure a restricted license that still allows you to go to work and other necessary travel. A Youngstown OVI attorney from our firm can represent you at the administrative hearing and advise you concerning possible outcomes and how they will impact you.

Challenging Law Enforcement Findings

One part of addressing a DUI arrest is gathering information on the traffic stop and any tests that were performed to establish your blood alcohol level. We use our extensive experience with OVI cases to aggressively fight any violations of your civil rights that may have occurred during the traffic stop. In some cases, we may be able to challenge the reason for the stop in the first place. Also, breath, blood, and urine tests are notoriously unreliable, and we can explore the possibility of false positive results.

What is a Habitual Offender?

A habitual offender is defined as someone who’s violated certain laws repeatedly over a certain period of time. In Oregon, three convictions over the past five years and those convictions can be for crimes such as:

DUI (which in Oregon is called DUII, or driving under the influence of intoxicants);
Driving with a suspended or revoked license;
Reckless driving; or
Homicide (including manslaughter, murder, negligent homicide, or vehicular homicide).

However, the number and convictions vary from state to state. So it’s prudent for anyone to check their respective state’s habitual offender laws to be sure.

What Are the Consequences of Being Labeled as a Habitual Offender?

Being labeled as a habitual offender can lead to serious legal ramifications. Among them being:

License revocation. While a license can be revoked with a single offense, the penalty is harsher with repeated offenses. For example, Oregon will revoke your license for five years if you’re a habitual offender.
Harsher penalties can vary from state to state, however in many states, being a habitual offender can lead to much harsher sentences. For example, a habitual DUI offender in Florida was sentenced to ten years and ten months in prison for a fatal DUI. Multiple DUIs can also lead to increased fines, vehicle confiscation, or an even longer license revocation period.
Automatic Felony DUI charges are also a possibility. If you have multiple DUI convictions (or even just one prior DUI in New York), you could automatically face a felony DUI charge if you’re caught driving drunk again.

Understanding DUI in Youngstown: Local Insights

Facing a DUI charge in Youngstown can be daunting, especially with the strict penalties enforced by Ohio law. As a resident, you might be familiar with the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, where many DUI cases are heard. The court's proximity to downtown Youngstown means that navigating the legal system can be overwhelming without proper guidance.

One of the significant challenges for Youngstown residents is the potential loss of driving privileges. With limited public transportation options, losing your driver's license can severely impact your daily life, from commuting to work to running essential errands. Our firm understands these local challenges and works diligently to help you secure a restricted license, allowing you to maintain some level of mobility during this difficult time.

Additionally, local law enforcement agencies, such as the Youngstown Police Department and the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, are known for their rigorous DUI enforcement. Even a DUI charge can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. Our team is well-versed in the procedures and tactics used by these agencies, enabling us to build a robust defense tailored to your specific situation.

At Rhys Brendan Cartwright-Jones, we leverage our deep understanding of the local legal landscape to provide you with the best possible defense. Whether it's challenging the validity of a traffic stop or questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the complexities of a DUI charge in Youngstown.

Discuss Your DUI Case with Our Firm Today

We are equipped to handle your charges in state and federal court, and we can take it to appeals if needed.

If you are facing charges for OVI, contact us online to set up an appointment in Northern Ohio or Western Pennsylvania. We offer free consultations!

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the difference between OVI and DUI in Ohio?

In Ohio, the term OVI stands for Operating a Vehicle Impaired, which is equivalent to what is commonly known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in other states. OVI refers to operating any motorized or non-motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Legal representation is key in understanding and defending against these charges.

Can I challenge the results of a breath, blood, or urine test in Ohio?

Yes, breath, blood, and urine tests used to measure blood alcohol content in Ohio can be challenged for their reliability. An experienced OVI attorney can investigate the accuracy of the testing equipment, the administration of the test, and other factors that may lead to false positives, potentially weakening the prosecution's case against you.

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Mr. Rhys Cartwright-Jones saved my husband's job.

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Rhys get things done in a timely and correct manner.

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