Category: Traffic Offenses

Whether its your first time getting a ticket or if you have been stopped multiple times there is very little that is as frustrating as an officer stopping your car and you leaving with a ticket. Traffic matters can be as serious as a DUI or a hit and run case, or as small as a stop sign violation. It is best to know what defenses, if any, you have available to you before you go to court. Some traffic offenses can carry serious penalties beyond mere monetary fines. Some offenses can carry jail time, loss of your driving privileges, increased insurance premiums, or other ramifications that are long lasting.
Our attorneys have experience handling everything from a speeding ticket trial to a more serious felony DUI or hit and run case. Additionally, we have successfully tried cases in multiple courts. They know how each of the courts operate and can advise you on what to expect. They have experience in reviewing discovery to determine whether there are valid defenses, and in negotiating with the prosecutors to reach satisfactory outcomes for their clients when no defense seems apparent. We have tried cases successfully to both juries and to judges.
Our attorneys approach with their clients is to be thorough in looking at the State’s discovery and talking over what defenses exist. They will go over all possible outcomes; including what he thinks the most likely outcome will be. After giving their recommendation they will discuss options and aggressively represent you to try to obtain your goals.
Please look at the specific page of interest for further information.

In Ohio there is no distinction between driving under the influence (DUI) and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI). A person in Ohio is presumed to be operating a vehicle under the influence if his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08. There are heightened penalties if his or her BAC is above 0.17. This does not mean that a person cannot be charged if their BAC is below a 0.08 either. In fact, it frequently happens.

A DUI is perhaps the most common serious offense an individual will be charged with. That being said, there are serious consequences for even being charged with a DUI. If you fail the breath test there is an automatic driver’s license suspension and you will not be eligible for driving privileges until fifteen days have passed. If you refuse the test you will not be eligible for privileges for thirty days. If you are convicted of a DUI you will have an automatic license suspension that could last for years. You face a mandatory three days in jail and maximum of 180 days for a first offense. You face a mandatory fine that can exceed $1000. Your driver’s license will be assessed six points and your insurance premium will likely increase significantly.

There are ways to successfully defend these cases. There is a possibility of succeeding in a motion to suppress, which could throw out the results of any tests that were conducted. Additionally, there may be a way to challenge the tests at a trial. An experienced lawyer can spot issues and discuss your options with you. Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous DUI cases; felony and misdemeanor, drug and alcohol, elevated and low tier, and first offense or subsequent offenses. We have succeeded at having the charges dismissed, and successfully negotiated charges with prosecutors.

One of the more serious traffic offenses is for driving under a suspended license. This is a first degree misdemeanor, and carries the possibility of 6 months in jail, $1000 fine, and points on your license. Additionally, this makes it even harder to get your license back as your reinstatement fees with the BMV increase. An experienced attorney may be able to find reasons for these charges to be dismissed, or help negotiate the case so that the charge is reduced.

Our attorneys have experience handling these cases in most courts throughout Southwest Ohio. We have succeeded in having them dismissed and reduced on numerous occasions. If you have been charged with driving under a suspended license you should contact our office to schedule an appointment.

People who drive without a license face penalties if they are caught. Likewise, an individual who allows an unlicensed driver to drive their vehicle can get in trouble with the law. These penalties can range from a fine to potential jail time of up to six months. Typically, the best defenses in these cases involve motions to suppress. In other words you are arguing that the officer lacked probable cause to conduct a traffic stop. An experienced attorney will be able to identify issues and possible defenses, as well as be able to negotiate on your behalf when it is in your best interest.

Our attorneys have handled numerous cases of this nature in virtually every court in Southwest Ohio. We are frequently in all the courts in Montgomery County and the surrounding area. We can advise you on how to proceed. If you have been charged with this offense please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.