Should I Just Plead Guilty to an OVI in Ohio?

No, you should never just plead guilty to an OVI charge without first consulting with an experienced criminal OVI defense attorney. While entering a guilty plea at your arraignment might seem like the quickest way to resolve your case, it results in a conviction with severe long-term consequences that could have been avoided with proper legal representation. Most Courts recognize the long-term consequences and don’t allow defendants to plead guilty without talking to a lawyer first.

Being charged with an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There are many defenses available, and many factors can affect the accuracy of alcohol or drug test results.

Why Pleading Guilty Immediately Is a Mistake

You’re Giving Up Your Rights

When you plead guilty to an OVI, you’re waiving your right to explore and challenge the evidence, or lack of evidence, against you. This means you’re accepting the full penalties without exploring whether:

• The traffic stop was legally justified
• Field sobriety tests were administered correctly and in compliance with the proper standards
• Breathalyzer equipment was properly calibrated
• Your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest

Penalties of an OVI Conviction are Harsh

 OVI penalties are severe and may include:

• First offense: Up to 6 months of jail time and up to $1,075 in fines
• License suspension for a first offense: 1 year up to 3 years
• Ignition interlock device: May be required for certain situations
• Increased insurance rates: Often doubles or triples your premiums
• Permanent record: Affects employment, housing, and professional licenses

Common Defenses That Could Reduce or Dismiss Your Charges

Medical Conditions Can Affect Test Results

Many medical conditions can produce false positives on breath tests or affect your performance on field sobriety tests:

• Acid reflux: Can cause mouth alcohol, skewing breathalyzer results
• Diabetes: Can produce acetone that registers as alcohol
• Inner ear problems: Can affect balance during field sobriety tests
• Medications: Many prescription drugs can interfere with test accuracy

Challenging the Evidence

An experienced attorney will examine every aspect of your case, including:

• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you
• If proper procedures were followed during testing
• Whether breathalyzer equipment was maintained and calibrated correctly
• If your Miranda rights were read at the appropriate time

Procedural Violations

Police must follow strict procedures during OVI arrests. Any deviation from these procedures could result in evidence being suppressed or charges being reduced.

What Actually Happens After an OVI Arrest

The Process Varies Based on Your Cooperation

If you were cooperative during the arrest and weren’t considered a risk, the officer may have issued a citation and allowed a friend to drive you home. However, if you were uncooperative or the officer believed you posed a danger, you likely spent time in custody and were taken to the station for additional testing.

Administrative License Suspension (ALS)

If you refused to take a blood, urine, breath, or field sobriety test, you automatically triggered an ALS, which suspends your license for one year on a first offense. This happens regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted of the OVI.

Don’t Make It Worse

One of the biggest mistakes people make after an OVI arrest is driving while under suspension. This additional charge will only make your situation worse, and judges don’t look favorably on defendants who continue to drive illegally.

Why You Need an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney

Every Detail Matters

An experienced criminal defense attorney will want to know everything about your case:

• What you ate and drank throughout the day
• Any medications you were taking
• Your medical history and current health conditions
• Prior injuries that might affect your balance or coordination
• The exact sequence of events during your arrest

All of these factors can impact the accuracy of sobriety tests and breathalyzer results, potentially providing grounds for challenging the evidence against you.

Protect Your Future with an OVI Plea Bargain

Even if you’re convicted, a skilled attorney can often negotiate with prosecutors to:

• Reduce OVI to a lesser charge by entering a plea bargain
• Minimize penalties and fines
• Explore alternative sentencing options
• Protect your driving privileges
• Prevent the conviction from impacting your employment

It is in your best interest to hire an experienced OVI attorney to represent you.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Discuss Your OVI Case with Others

After an OVI arrest, avoid talking about your case with friends, family, or coworkers. People often want to tell their side of the story, but these conversations can create additional evidence that prosecutors might use against you.

Don’t Drive on a Suspended License

If your license is suspended pending your case, do not drive. Getting caught driving on a suspended license related to an OVI will make your situation significantly worse and anger the judge handling your case.

Don’t Wait to Get Help

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Important evidence needs to be preserved, and there are strict deadlines for challenging administrative license suspensions.

Facing OVI Charges in Ohio? Hire an OVI Defense Attorney

Being charged with an OVI doesn’t mean you’re guilty. You have rights, and there are defenses available that could result in reduced charges or even dismissal of your case.

At SS+D Law, our experienced OVI defense lawyers have successfully defended hundreds of OVI cases throughout Ohio. We understand the complex technical and legal issues involved in OVI prosecutions, and we know how to challenge the evidence against you.

Don’t plead guilty without exploring all your options. 

The consequences of an OVI conviction can follow you for years, affecting your employment, housing, and personal relationships.

Contact SS+D Law today for a confidential consultation. 

We’ll review the specific facts of your case and explain your legal options. Don’t wait — your future depends on the decisions you make now.

Call us immediately at 937-222-2500 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Time is critical in OVI cases, and we’re here to provide the aggressive representation you need.