Cleveland DUI Lawyer

Legal Defense for Your DUI Case in Ohio

Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), is a serious criminal offense. In the state of Ohio, DUI offenses can be penalized by some of the most serious consequences under the law, including mandatory jail time and excessive legal fines.

If you were accused of driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol, it is imperative that you retain representation from a reputable and experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. At Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly, our Cleveland DUI lawyers are ready to defend your rights. Backed by over 75 years of experience, we have what it takes to pursue a positive outcome for you.

Get your free initial case evaluation today. We have been selected as some of the finest OVI lawyers in all of Cleveland by the NAFDD.

How will a DUI/OVI Affect my Car Insurance in OH?

The immediate impact of a DUI conviction—fines, court costs, licenses suspicion—are made even worse when you take into account the negative impact your DUI will likely have on your car insurance rates. There is a good chance you will be dropped by your current insurer since you now constitute a higher risk as a driver.

The convicted may be ordered to file an SR-22 form from their insurer which shows the DMV that they now carry liability insurance. Only then will a person’s license suspension be lifted by the DMV. You may also need to offer proof that you have insurance for up to five years to maintain a valid license.

DUI convictions are unique and insurance companies regard them on a case-by-case basis. If you have been convicted, you could see only a small rate increase if you have an otherwise stellar driving record. Having multiple DUI offenses on your record, on the other hand, can result in much higher increases with the possibility your insurer will drop your coverage.

Call us at (216) 369-1352 today for a free consultaiton!

Ohio First-Time DUI/OVI Penalties

Anyone who has been arrested for a first or multiple OVI offense will need to speak with a skilled Cleveland DUI lawyer who can improve the chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Without the right legal representation, you could be risking the following penalties for a first-offense DUI:

Degree of offense: misdemeanor 1
3 days in jail or DIP (driver intervention program) for up to 6 months
Fines anywhere from $250 to $1,000
Alcohol/drug abuse treatment optional based on judge’s ruling
License suspension Class 5: 6 months to 3 years
Driving privileges granted 15 days after arrest

Ohio Penalties for Multiple DUIs

If this is not your first offense, potential penalties could include immobilization or forfeiture of your vehicle. With our Cleveland DUI attorneys on your side, you may be able to receive restricted driving privileges that will allow you to travel to and from important places such as work.

Second Offense

Degree of offense: misdemeanor 1
10 days jail time or 3 days jail and 3 days DIP for up to 6 months
Fines anywhere from $350 to $1,500
Alcohol/drug abuse assessment and recommended treatment mandatory
License suspension Class 4: 1 to 5 years
Driving privileges granted 75 days after arrest
Restricted plates optional, interlock optional at owner’s expense
90 days vehicle immobilization if registered to offender

Third Offense

Degree of offense: unclassified misdemeanor
30 days jail time or 15 days jail and 55 days HAEM(house arrest with electronic monitoring) and/or CAM (continuous alcohol monitoring)
Fines anywhere from $350 to $1,500
License Suspension class 3: 2 to 10 years
Driving privileges granted after 1 year
Restricted plates optional, interlock required at owner’s expense
Vehicle forfeiture if registered to offender

Fourth Through Sixth Offense

Degree of offense: Felony 4
Up to 120 days in jail or 120 days in prison with an optional additional 6 to 30 months
Fines from $800 to $10,000
Alcohol/drug abuse treatment mandatory
License suspension class 2: 3 years
Restricted plates optional, interlock required at owner’s expense

View some of our firm’s previous OVI case results.

Cases We Handle

OVI & DWI Defense You Can Depend On

Common DUI Defenses in Ohio

Collect Official Paperwork From Your Arrest

Obtain copies of police reports related to your DUI incident. You should also keep any citations, bonding paperwork, court information, license suspension paperwork, and the results from any tests that you have been administered. Keep these documents in safe and secure location. They could be vital to your case.

Remember Specific Details Leading Up to Your Arrest

You should be prepared to explain what you were doing before being stopped by police. If you were drinking, be ready to specify where and how much. Ask yourself: “Did the police explain my rights and the possible consequences of refusing to take a sobriety test?” Try to remember details about how the test was conducted. This includes whether or not you agreed to field sobriety testing, where and when was the test was performed, and what type of test was given (breath, blood or urine)?

Statements Made by Law Enforcement About Your Arrest

Just as a prosecutor will use whatever you say at the time of your arrest against you, your lawyer can do the same to the arresting officer as part of your DUI defense. What an officer said, or didn’t say, might have coerced you into self-incrimination.

Call us today to receive close, compassionate legal assistance that you deserve from our Cleveland DUI lawyers. We will provide you with a risk-free consultation.

Work with a Distinguished & Reputable Legal Team

At Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly, our Cleveland DUI lawyers have experience in handling complex cases at all levels of court, including municipal, state, and federal trials. Prosecutors and judges in the legal community know and respect us for our zealous representation tactics, meticulous investigative techniques, and aggressive defense strategies.

Our Cleveland DUI attorneys have proudly defended thousands of cases and are confident that we can bring the same level of tenacity to help reduce, dismiss, or gain acquittal for your charges.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, we can exhaust every avenue of investigation to determine the strongest way to defend your rights, interests, and freedoms. From dismantling the prosecution to challenging OVI evidence, we know how to use even the most incriminating evidence as leverage to bring your case to a favorable resolution.

Get the Representation You Need for Your OVI Case

Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly understands that you may be faced with the reality of an incredibly life-changing criminal accusation. With our legal team on your side, you will receive the high-quality legal representation needed to get through this time. From license hearings to trial litigation, our Cleveland DUI attorneys can help you successfully navigate the complexities of the justice system. An arrest is one of the most overwhelming times in your life, but we stand ready to provide you with the answers that you need for your peace of mind.

Representing DUI Cases in Cleveland, OH

Memberships

Members of the National College for DUI Defense
Membership in the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD)
Founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Awards

National Advocacy for DUI Defense Top 100 DUI Attorney
National Honors in Trial Advocacy by the Order of Barristers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association

Certified Training

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certified Training
International Association of Chiefs of Police Certified Training
DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Certified Training

Case Results

Your Win Is Our Win

OVI Fourth OVI – Case Dismissed
OVI OVI – Case Dismissed
OVI Multiple Charges – Not Guilty
OVI OVI Charge – Not Guilty

Cleveland DUI Attorneys