Â
A Parma DUI lawyer advocates for people who are accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. A DUI conviction can result in the loss of a license, fines, increased insurance premiums, and other legal consequences that can have a serious impact on your life.
The details that surround a traffic stop, chemical test, and arrest can make a significant difference in the resolution of your case. Lallo & Feldman Co. has experience with DUI cases and can work to protect your rights and legal interests if you have been charged with a DUI in Ohio.
Since 1979, Lallo & Feldman Co. has provided legal representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and workers’ compensation matters throughout Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio. Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom and litigation experience to every case, and they are committed to protecting clients’ rights at every stage of the legal process.
From misdemeanor DUI charges to more serious criminal allegations, we work to help clients navigate complex legal challenges and pursue favorable outcomes.
In Ohio, driving under the influence is known as an OVI, which stands for Operating a Vehicle Impaired. Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19 makes it illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. This law also sets the prohibited alcohol and drug concentration limits.
A person may be charged with an OVI if the results of a chemical test meet certain limits or evidence from a law enforcement officer shows that a person was impaired. Breath, blood, and urine test results, field sobriety tests, driving actions, and officer observations may be used as evidence in an OVI case. The circumstances of the traffic stop, investigation, and arrest may also affect how an OVI case progresses.
Penalties for an OVI vary depending on the number of prior convictions, the BAC level, and other circumstances of the case, such as whether an accident took place. Punishments may include jail or prison time, fines, probation, driver’s license suspensions, alcohol treatment or counseling, and ignition interlock device requirements.
Penalties for OVI can increase for subsequent offenses and with the presence of aggravating circumstances. The conviction can also result in increased insurance rates and other collateral consequences beyond the legal system. It is important for those charged with an OVI to be aware of the potential penalties in order to determine the seriousness of the charge and understand the available options.
An OVI arrest can have an immediate effect on a driver’s license. A driver arrested for an OVI is subject to Ohio’s implied consent law, which provides for chemical testing and administrative license suspensions.
An Administrative License Suspension, or ALS, can be imposed against a driver who either refuses to submit to a chemical test or submits to a chemical test and registers an illegal concentration of alcohol and/or drugs. An ALS is effective at the time of the arrest and is independent of any later criminal penalties a court may impose. The driver may be eligible for limited driving privileges during the pendency of the case, depending on the circumstances.
The outcome of an OVI case often depends on the evidence collected during the traffic stop and subsequent investigation. Examples of common evidence may include officer observations, dash camera or body camera video, field sobriety test results, and results of a chemical test from a breath, blood, or urine sample.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the maintenance and calibration of testing equipment, or the manner in which the evidence was handled. As each OVI case is fact- and circumstance-specific, a review of the available evidence is an important component of any charge evaluation.
Yes, a person may be charged with an OVI even if a breath test result is below 0.08% when law enforcement believes the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Police observations, driving actions, field sobriety tests, and other information are also considered as part of an OVI investigation. The specific circumstances of the stop and arrest may become a factor in the evaluation of a case.
Many OVI cases in the Parma area are heard in the Parma Municipal Court. The court that hears an OVI case depends on where the offense occurred and the specific charge alleged. OVI cases can be assigned to court appearances such as an arraignment, pretrial hearing, or motion hearing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that state troopers made 14,636 OVI arrests in 2024. The annual number of OVI arrests in Ohio demonstrates that impaired driving enforcement remains a focus for law enforcement agencies. An arrest does not mean that an individual is guilty, but the statistic does demonstrate that OVI enforcement remains a significant focus for Ohio law enforcement agencies.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 540 fatal crashes involving impaired driving in Ohio during 2025. Impaired-driving crashes remain a significant traffic safety concern throughout the state and are a major focus of law enforcement and public safety initiatives.
Alcohol and drug impairment can affect reaction time, judgment, coordination, and other abilities necessary for safe vehicle operation. As a result, Ohio continues to devote substantial resources to OVI enforcement, education, and prevention efforts.
An OVI charge can have serious immediate and long-term consequences, including driver’s license suspension, fines and fees, increased insurance costs, and effects on employment and other areas of daily life.
Although the charges may appear simple, an OVI can raise issues about the evidence against you, the testing and arrest procedures, and events that occurred before the police became involved.
Penalties can vary by circumstance and previous record. It is important to take the time to understand the charge and legal process, so that you can make informed decisions as your case moves forward. Each case is different and should be judged based on its individual facts.
Lallo & Feldman Co., L.P.A. serves those charged with an OVI in Painesville and across Lake County. Schedule a consultation today to hire a DUI lawyer.
Call Now: (440) 953-0362
