Category Archives: DUI/DWI
Does an OVI show up on a background check?
In Ohio (and probably most other states) the run-of-the-mill DUI or OVI is a misdemeanor traffic offense. That means it is not a criminal offense. Notice the italics in traffic and criminal. They are in italics because those are terms of art. That means they have a specific legal definition. Traffic offenses are codified… Read More »
Will I go to jail for my First Offense OVI in Ohio?
One of the main philosophies of our justice system is deterrence. The idea is to impose enough of a punishment for crimes to make others (who haven’t yet committed a crime) think twice. This happens in two ways. First, some laws have mandatory penalties. Anyone who reads the law should know what will happen… Read More »
2020 Sucked. How to NOT Have a “Crappy” New Year in 2021.
The last time I was in Las Vegas gambling (maybe 6 years ago), I was on a streak in Blackjack. It wasn’t a hot streak. It was cold. It was frigid. It was frozen in deep cryo-freeze. I was losing every hand, every time I sat down. It didn’t matter if it were a… Read More »
Of Wine and COVID
Governments have gone to great lengths to shutdown bars due to COVID. But no matter the agenda, they can’t shut down drinking. And the irony is that bars are “non-essential” (according to the government), but liquor stores are considered essential businesses. And liquor sales are skyrocketing. So, folks are still drinking alcohol (and apparently… Read More »
What should I do during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Shutdown?
Here in Ohio, criminal courts are all but closed due to the Ohio coronavirus shutdown. That means that most courts are only handling things they deem as absolute necessities—like new arrests for violent offenses. The rest of the criminal dockets seem to be frozen in time. The Ohio Supreme Court has issued an order… Read More »
5 Things to do the day after an OVI or DUI
1. Relax and Breathe. This may seem overly simple. But it’s important. An OVI or DUI is a traumatic experience. It is easy to let the negative thoughts take over. “I’m an idiot. I’m an alcoholic. My life is ruined. I’m going to lose my job. What am I going to tell my wife/husband/kids,”… Read More »
Top 10 Things Not to Say When Stopped For OVI (DUI)
We’ve heard and seen a lot over the years of defending OVI cases in Ohio. There are a few things that almost certainly make matters worse during or after an OVI or DUI stop. Just remember, everything is being recorded. All too often people become their own worst enemies. As we approach the summer… Read More »
The 360 Degree Approach to DUI Defense
There are lots of attorneys who handle DUI’s. And, for better or worse, there are lots of people who need attorneys for DUI’s. But all too often, people view DUI as a one-dimensional problem. It’s an easy mistake to make. Just find an attorney to handle the DUI problem, and the rest will take… Read More »
Why this Columbus drunk driving lawyer believes OVI blood tests are unconstitutional
Supreme Court to decide whether DUI tests without warrants are an invasion of privacy As a practical matter, OVI (drinking and driving defense) is one of the most complex areas of law. As a drunk driving lawyer in Columbus, I should know. There are scientific issues, factual issues, Fourth Amendment issues, and (perhaps most… Read More »
Two DUI checkpoints planned in Columbus tonight
The Franklin County DUI Task Force has announced two sobriety checkpoints from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, April 8, within the same two-mile stretch. Both checkpoints will be set up along Livingston Avenue. East Columbus: Livingston Avenue east of Brice Road Reynoldsburg: Livingston Avenue west of State Route 256 If you’re going out… Read More »
