The Bowen, Scranton, & Olsen, LLC, Underage OVI Defense Difference
When your child faces an underage OVI charge, your world stops. These are serious charges that can have long-lasting effects on a young life. We are here to help you through this difficult time. We are the underage OVI attorney team at Bowen, Scranton, & Olsen, LLC.
We are proud to be a highly respected OVI defense firm. Based in Columbus and serving in the Franklin County area, our team has over 40 combined years of legal experience. One of our key strengths is that our staff includes former prosecutors. Their insight allows us to anticipate the state’s strategy and build a strong defense for your child. We are ready to fight for your child’s future.
What Happens When Teenagers Or Underage Adults Get An OVI?
The process following an arrest for underage OVI can be confusing and intimidating. You may not know what comes next. We want to prepare you for the steps involved in an OVI case. The legal journey starts immediately after the arrest. Here is a general outline of what happens after an arrest:
- Arrest and detention: Law enforcement stops your child and places him or her under arrest.
- Chemical testing: Your child takes a breath, blood or urine test to measure alcohol content. For minors, the limit is 0.02%.
- Booking: Your child goes to the police station for fingerprinting and photographs.
- Arraignment: The first court appearance. The judge informs your child of the charges. Your child can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pretrial hearings: Your OVI lawyer meets with the prosecutor to discuss the case evidence.
- Motions to suppress: We may file motions asking the court to exclude certain evidence, such as improperly obtained test results or statements.
- Trial or plea: The case concludes with a trial or a negotiated plea agreement.
We step in quickly to protect your child’s rights from the very start. Our job as underage OVI lawyers is to simplify this complex legal process for you. We take the lead so you can focus on supporting your child.
What Is The Penalty For Underage OVI In Ohio?
An underage OVI conviction in Ohio carries serious criminal penalties, even for a first offense. Ohio has a zero-tolerance policy for minors. Possible criminal penalties for a first minor DUI offense include:
- Driver’s license suspension from 90 days to two years
- Fines of $250 to $1,000
- Although rare for a first offense, jail time is a possibility
- Court-supervised probation
- Participation in an alcohol or drug program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Restricted yellow or red license plates
Our criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to seek a dismissal, a reduction of charges or a lighter sentence. Our goal is to minimize the impact on your child’s future.
The Many Unexpected Consequences Of An Underage OVI
The impact of an underage drunk driving conviction extends beyond the courtroom. The noncriminal effects can be just as damaging to your child’s future. These are the hidden penalties that can follow a young person for years:
- Suspension or expulsion from high school or college
- Rejections from colleges, universities, technical schools and other advanced programs
- Denials for certain federal student loans or scholarships
- Difficulty finding employment
- Termination from a current job
- Increased car insurance costs
We know that the stakes are high. That is why our underage OVI attorneys work diligently to prevent these harsh consequences. We can investigate the traffic stop, challenge the legality of the breath or blood test, and question the field sobriety tests.
Is A DUI Or OUI Worse?
Many people use the terms driving under the influence (DUI), operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and operating a vehicle under the influence (OUI) interchangeably. However, all of these terms refer to the same thing: operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Ohio law uses OVI. The charge your child is facing is officially an underage OVI.
Do We Really Need A Lawyer For An Underage OVI Case?
You and your child absolutely need a criminal defense lawyer. Do not make the mistake of facing the court system alone. Your child’s freedom, future and opportunities depend on a favorable resolution to this case. We urge you to take this situation seriously and retain strong legal counsel immediately.
Our lawyers’ experience as former prosecutors gives us an edge. They know the inner workings of the system. They know what evidence the state needs to prove its case and what weaknesses exist in their arguments. This knowledge allows them to craft proactive defense strategies.
Take Action To Protect Your Child’s Future
At Bowen, Scranton, & Olsen, LLC, we are ready to provide the aggressive and compassionate defense your child deserves. Do not wait to secure qualified representation. Contact us now to schedule a consultation. To contact our firm, please call 614-254-6517 or send us an email to consult a DUI/OVI attorney on our criminal defense team.