First-Time OVI Defense
Don't Let a Drunk Driving Charge Ruin Your Future
While being convicted of any crime is undesirable, a conviction for OVI will remain on your criminal record for life. You need strong and reliable representation from a Columbus OVI attorney who knows how to fight your charges and keep you from a conviction. Your freedom and future are on the line, so call The Meranda Law Firm LTD to get the support and counsel you deserve.
Our founding attorney, Zachuary Meranda, is intimately familiar with state law as it pertains to OVI—he is certified in DWI Detection, Standardization Field Sobriety Testing, and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARISE) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. We understand OVI law better than most and can provide you with a solid defense!
What Can I Face for My First OVI?
Although only a misdemeanor offense, there is a chance you will be sent to jail for even your first OVI. Your penalties could also be offset by other mitigating or aggravating factors particular to your arrest.
In general, consequences for a first-time OVI conviction include:
- 3 days to 6 months in jail
- Fines of $250 to $1,000
- License suspension for 6 months to 3 years
- Enhanced penalties for blood alcohol level of over 0.17
Other aggravating factors which can increase your punishment include having a minor child present, causing an accident in which another driver was injured, driving on a suspended license, or causing property damage.
Since this is your first OVI charge, you can likely work with a lawyer to negotiate lesser penalties or dropped charges altogether, especially if your blood alcohol level was borderline. It may also be possible to have your charge lowered to wet reckless, which is a charge of reckless driving with alcohol present.
Take the First Step by Calling Us
Our Columbus OVI lawyers have more than 15 years of experience and can fight to clear your name or secure the best possible ruling. We believe in standing up for our clients, regardless of the circumstances involved in their cases. With a firm grasp of OVI laws in Ohio, we should be your number one choice for representation. Call on our Columbus OVI attorneys today to start working on your defense.
Are you ready to discuss your case with our firm? Be sure to give us call!
Free initial case evaluations available!
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!- Pfeifer
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He is a very good lawyer and always knows what he is talking about. He knows his stuff and no matter how bad the crime is he will get you out of it and he will always give you his all.- Jenna Taynor
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Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.- Anonymous
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Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.- Anonymous
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous
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I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.- Anonymous
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A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
