If you've been charged with a DUI or OVI infraction, you probably have a lot of questions about the legal process, your rights and responsibilities, and what will happen next. The law can be complicated, but the more you know, the more confident you will feel as you navigate the justice system and work to resolve the situation. Below, criminal defense attorney David S. Washington, Jr. in Hamilton, OH, answers some common DUI/OVI questions.

Answers to Common DUI/OVI Questions

Will I Lose My Driver's License?

Unfortunately, yes. Every state requires a driver charged with DUI/OVI to lose their license for a period, even in cases of first-time offenses. In Ohio, a first-time offender can have their license suspended for anywhere from one to three years; that timeframe increases with repeated offenses. But it's important to understand that it's possible to get specific driving privileges reinstated even with a suspended license. The details of your arrest, such as your blood alcohol content (BAC), can have an impact on how quickly certain privileges are reinstated.

Will I Have to Go to Jail?

Maybe. Ohio law states that a first-time DUI/OVI offender must serve 72 hours of jail time, but this could be waived if the offender agrees to and satisfactorily completes a court-ordered driver intervention program. For a second offense, there is a minimum of 20 days, but no less than six months, behind bars; a combination of imprisonment and house arrest may be allowed, depending on the details of your arrest.

Should I Plead Guilty?

This decision is ultimately up to you, and some people choose this route over fighting the charges against them. But in many cases, fighting the charges may be in your better interest. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can build a case that casts doubt on the prosecution's story, and that could be all it takes to get reduced charges or complete exoneration.

How Can a DUI/OVI Arrest Impact My Life?

When deciding how you want to plead, it can be helpful to know some of the ways a DUI or OVI arrest could affect your life. In addition to obvious penalties like license suspension and jail time, your car insurance rates will typically go up, and you will have a criminal record moving forward. A criminal record can potentially prevent you from getting a job, securing housing, or qualifying for certain public assistance programs.

Let David S. Washington, Jr., review your case with you and help you explore your legal options. For more than two decades, he has been representing area clients in all manner of criminal law cases. Call (513) 751-1400 or visit his website to arrange a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney today.