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Do you know how to fight a traffic ticket in Columbus Ohio?

We’ve all been there. We know we weren’t speeding. We did signal when changing lanes. We have never run a stop sign in our lives, and we didn’t this time either. Or maybe we cannot take the hit to our driving record and expect to keep our job. The penalty points would put us at risk for having our driver’s license suspended. A ticket would raise our insurance rates to the point where we would need to cut other essentials from our budget. A driver’s reason for fighting a traffic ticket issued in or around Columbus varies, but the process is pretty standard. Based on my experience advising and representing Ohio drivers, I describe the three essential steps below. Reckless driving, which Ohio state law labels reckless operation, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are treated somewhat like criminal offenses. Drivers charged with reckless operation or of operating a vehicle while intoxicated do not have the option of simply signing a ticket and paying fines in lieu of going...
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Tips on Choosing an OVI Defense Lawyer for your Columbus Drunk or Drugged Driving Case

 First Tip: Do not go through a drunk or drugged driving case in central Ohio without securing advice and representation from an experienced Franklin County defense attorney. Police, prosecutors, and judges take the charge of what state laws call operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) very seriously. If you do not have a dedicated OVI attorney in your corner, you can face stiff penalties even if the evidence against you is not very strong. Which defense lawyer you choose is up to you, of course. But following these next three tips should guide you to a Franklin County OVI attorney who will do the best job possible. Tip: Prioritize Experience Police must follow strict rules when doing traffic stops or operating DUI checkpoints, while conducting field sobriety tests, and when requesting and handling breath, blood, and urine samples. Similarly, prosecutors have limits on how they can use all types of evidence that purportedly “prove” an OVI defendant was diving under the influenc...
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WHAT TO DO IF POLICE SUSPECTS ME OF OVI DURING A TRAFFIC STOP?

Acting appropriately during a traffic stop can reduce your risk of being taken into custody under suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI). Nothing you say or do will guarantee that a police officer or state trooper will not suspect you of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, you can protect yourself from major inconveniences or criminal charges. Based on my many years of practice as a  Columbus Ohio OVI defense attorney and traffic ticket lawyer, I can say that doing the following four things can lower a law enforcement official’s suspicion of drunk or drugged driving. Remain Calm Getting pulled over triggers stress and makes some drivers angry. Controlling those natural and understandable reactions will help you take the next three steps. Importantly, keep your hands visible at all times. Do not reach into the glove compartment for your vehicle registration and proof of insurance until explicitly asked to do so. An officer or trooper who canno...
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IS AN AGGRAVATED DUI A FELONY IN OHIO

 A DUI (also known as operating a vehicle impaired (OVI)) in Ohio is an offense that is often going to have a range of consequences that vary depending on particular factors. With strict driving laws in Ohio, taking the time to understand what kind of DUI charge you are facing can be extremely important. Typical penalties that one might expect from a DUI charge can include fines, potential jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and probation among others. Read also: When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Ohio For an aggravated DUI, you can expect to see more severe penalties based on the circumstances. Note: The following is not legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Reach out to the Maher Law Firm today to speak with a Columbus Ohio DUI attorney. What is Aggravated DUI in Ohio? While there is no “aggravated OVI” in Ohio, certain circumstances surrounding your case can add to the potential penalties you face.  These aggravating factors can include: Having a hi...
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What do I do if I Lost My Speeding Ticket in Ohio?

 In the aftermath of receiving a speeding ticket in Columbus Ohio, you might find yourself in a situation where you lost your copy of your ticket. If this happens, you will undoubtedly want to know how to proceed with either paying for your speeding ticket or how to move forward in contacting an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to help you. Below, we answer a few of the most common questions that come from an individual who is asking “what if I lost my speeding ticket and what do I do next?”. What Do I Do If I Lost My Columbus Ohio Speeding Ticket? Occasionally, drivers misplace or lose a speeding ticket. It happens. If you have lost or misplaced your speeding ticket, you will want to be as proactive as possible. Columbus Ohio speeding ticket cases will not just disappear because your copy of the ticket was lost. You will want to get a new copy of your speeding ticket as soon as possible or find your case using court online docket searches. According to the Ohio State Patrol’s web...
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REFUSE TO TAKE A CHEMICAL TEST?

 Living in Ohio, it is important to understand your rights in relation to driving and the associated laws that might impact how you choose to respond to certain situations such as being pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence. In terms of being pulled over and asked to submit to a chemical test if you are suspected of a DUI or OVI, you are expected to submit to a test. Under Section 4511.191 of the Ohio Revised Code, the law of “implied consent” requires drivers to submit to tests when lawfully arrested or pulled over. As outlined by this section of the Ohio Revised Code, the officer must have reasonable grounds to have stopped the driver who they believe to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With an understanding of how Ohio state law can work, it’s time to take a look at what happens when you refuse to take a chemical test. What Happens When You Refuse to Take a Chemical Test Let’s briefly outline what can happen when you are pulled over under suspicio...
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Can I lose my Ohio nursing license if I get convicted of DUI/OVI?

Medical and professional licensing boards enforce their own rules regarding criminal convictions and substance abuse. Any person such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or lawyer who requires a state-issued license to pursue their career could be at risk for having that license suspended or revoked after they get convicted of driving under the influence. Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast answer to this question.  Cases are reviewed by the appropriate board and determined on a case-by-case basis. This content has been taken from - https://www.columbusdefensefirm.com/can-i-lose-my-ohio-nursing-license-for-dui/
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