Last updated on January 6, 2025

If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI and are faced with either revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, you must act now. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side during the administrative hearing that will determine whether suspense or revocation of your driver’s license is appropriate in your case.

Our qualified firm is based in Cleveland, Ohio, representing clients throughout Cuyahoga County and statewide, including Columbus, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown, and Canton. You only have a limited time to act, and the clock is ticking. You are facing a possible driver’s license suspension, fines or jail time, as well as steep increases in your car insurance. Call 216-777-4181 toll-free to speak with one of our attorneys; it may not be too late to get your driver’s license reinstated.

DUI/OMVI Charges

A blood alcohol content of .08% is a per se violation – you can be arrested for driving under the influence regardless of driving behavior. You can also be charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired (OMVI) regardless of your BAC if law enforcement observes traffic violations or other signs of impaired driving, or if you are under the influence of drugs. OMVI can apply to an automobile, boat, motorcycle, snowmobile, Jet Ski or any motorized vehicle – even a lawn tractor.

Penalties For Driving Under The Influence

Ohio’s laws are harsher for the drunk driver than ever before. A conviction carries substantial penalties and consequences:

First Offense

• Three days in jail or a three-day driver intervention program
• Administrative license suspension (ALS) of 90 days
• Court license suspension: Depending on extenuating circumstances, the judge can suspend your license for up to five years.
• Fines of $200 to $1,000
• Refusal of a blood alcohol test for first-time DUI results in automatic suspension of your license for one year, with no possibility of reinstatement.

Subsequent Offenses

Penalties rise fast for second, third or fourth offenses:

• Jail time of 10 days up to 1 year and/or house arrest
• License suspension of 180 days up to permanent revocation
• Fines of $300 to $10,000
• Vehicle immobilization and impounded license plates
• Mandatory alcohol or drug treatment
• Possible forfeiture of your vehicle

If you are an immigrant and you are not a U.S. citizen, a DUI conviction may be considered a deportable offense. Contact our office to learn more about immigration consequences before pleading guilty to any criminal charge.

DUI-Related Offenses

Serious penalties, up to jail time or vehicle forfeiture, also apply for:

• Driving while your license is suspended or revoked
• Driving without insurance
• Allowing someone with a suspended license to use your vehicle
• Driving a vehicle ordered immobilized and/or with impounded plates

Diligent DUI Defense

Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, L.P.A. Co., will aggressively pursue any grounds for dismissal of the charges (such as police misconduct, results of field sobriety or BAC Breathalyzer tests). If we conclude that fighting the charges in court is inadvisable, our firm will seek to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges (such as reckless driving). We will fully advise you of your legal rights and explain the judicial process and your options. We will stand by you at your court appearance and your ALS license hearing.

Contact a Cleveland DUI lawyer who will fight for you. Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, L.P.A. Co., proudly serves clients in Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo, Cincinnati, Canton and statewide. Our firm also provides nationwide representation for immigration cases in Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle and other cities throughout the country. Free initial consultations are available toll-free, so call us today at 216-710-6700. You can also reach us via this simple email form.