DUI Attorney in Willoughby, OH

If you were arrested and charged with a DUI or OVI, it’s important that your rights are protected from the very beginning. You don’t have to give a statement until you consult with a Willoughby DUI lawyer. With a variety of serious consequences and a criminal conviction on the line, it’s best to retain a lawyer as soon as possible.

Call the law office of Lallo & Feldman, at (440) 953-0362 for immediate and aggressive defense services after a DUI or OVI arrest. We maintain office in Lake County to better serve our clients throughout Northeast Ohio. You can also contact our attorneys online to request a free consultation.

Strong And Effective Drunk Driving Defense Strategies

At Lallo & Feldman, we examine your case and your charge from all possible angles in order to avoid conviction. Did the police officer have reasonable cause to stop you? Were the breath and sobriety tests administered appropriately? We also explore driver intervention programs and other methods that can reduce your charge and fines and prevent your insurance costs from skyrocketing.

The average cost of a first-time DUI or OVI conviction can easily exceed $5,000. Our knowledgeable team of attorneys will tirelessly work to reduce these costs and prevent a conviction.

Even if this is not your first drunk driving charge, we can work to help you keep your driving privileges and avoid automatic enhancement of the charge and penalties.

DUI And OVI Defense For Commercial Drivers

If you drive for a living, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is critical to your ability to do your job and provide for your family. At Lallo & Feldman we will work to keep you on the road and employed.

What to Do if You Are Arrested for DUI

If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated, comply with orders from police but do not discuss anything related to your charges. You are required to provide basic forms of identification. If the police ask you where you were that night or if you have been drinking, exercise your right to remain silent. 

Anything you say can be used against you later on. As soon as you are released, contact an attorney to begin preparing your defense. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf in court to prevent you from saying anything incriminating. Once you speak with your attorney and provide a detailed account of events, your lawyer can decide on the ideal defense strategy for beating your charges. 

Potential Penalties for a DUI Conviction 

A DUI conviction in Ohio carries penalties that can have immediate and lasting consequences. Even a first offense can lead to mandatory consequences such as time in jail or participation in a driver intervention program, fines, and a license suspension that can last up to three years. Courts also have the authority to impose probation terms and order substance abuse treatment.

Repeat convictions can lead to enhanced penalties with longer jail or prison sentences, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and the possibility of vehicle immobilization or forfeiture. Felony DUI charges bring mandatory prison terms, steep fines, and lengthy license suspensions. A conviction can leave you facing higher insurance costs and challenges securing future housing and employment. 

Effective Defense Strategies for Beating DUI Charges

DUI charges remain a serious issue across Ohio. In 2022, authorities recorded 14,448 OVI arrests, with marijuana and other drugs contributing to nearly a quarter of cases. Convictions decreased in 2022 and 2023, but drivers in neighborhoods like Downtown Willoughby, Bellflower, and Lost Nation can still face strict penalties for impaired driving.

The right legal defense strategy can help you beat your charges. One area that your attorney can explore is how and why you were pulled over in the first place. The police cannot pull you over without a valid reason. Law enforcement is trained to look for specific signs that a driver is impaired. These include acts like swerving, suddenly stopping, or driving way over or below the speed limit. 

If you were randomly pulled over or stopped because you were out late at night or in a certain neighborhood, your attorney can argue that you were unlawfully detained. Any evidence that was collected in violation of your constitutional rights could be suppressed. Without compelling evidence to prove their case, prosecutors may have no choice but to drop charges. 

Why You Should Hire a DUI Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges, your top priority should be to hire a DUI lawyer. An attorney with experience handling DUI cases can rely on their years of experience to protect you from facing serious DUI penalties. Ohio’s DUI laws carry harsh penalties, but they also outline the elements of an offense that must be proved by prosecutors. 

Your lawyer can take decisive steps to shield you from the consequences of a conviction by finding weaknesses in the state’s case. Once your attorney finds weaknesses or inconsistencies, they can be leveraged to support your defense. 

Attorneys are also skilled negotiators who can seek resolutions to your case that protect your freedom and driving privileges. If you have questions about your case, your lawyer can provide you with guidance and perspective. Having legal representation can reduce the chances that you face a serious criminal conviction that limits your freedom and future. 

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a DUI in Ohio?

A: The cost of an attorney largely depends on the lawyer’s years of experience, reputation, and how much time and resources they put into your case. Attorneys who have a track record of winning cases often charge more for their services. New lawyers with less court experience may charge lower rates. Defense attorneys generally charge by the hour or have a flat fee rate based on the complexity of the case. Reputable lawyers should disclose their billing practices early on. 

Q: How to Get a DUI Dismissed in Ohio?

A: You can get a DUI dismissed in Ohio by working with a criminal defense attorney who understands the law and how to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative of events. DUI cases can be dismissed when there are constitutional violations of your rights. If evidence is suppressed and the prosecution can not move forward with their case, your attorney can take steps to have your charges reduced or dropped. 

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for the First DUI in Ohio?

A: Confinement in jail for a first-time DUI is a real possibility. Your attorney can take steps to have your charges reduced or dropped so you do not lose your freedom. Ohio has a three-day minimum for anyone convicted of a DUI, but judges can suspend all or part of the jail portion. The maximum jail time for a first offense is up to six months. 

Q: Can a DUI Be Reduced to a Lesser Charge in Ohio?

A: Yes, a DUI can be reduced to a lower-level offense when your attorney prevents the prosecution from proving its case. A defense attorney can take steps to have evidence suppressed. If the breathalyzer used during your arrest was not carefully calibrated, your attorney can call into question whether the evidence is reliable. 

Facing DUI Charges? Call Lallo & Feldman Co. Today

A DUI arrest in Willoughby can threaten your license, your finances, and your freedom. Convictions carry penalties that range from fines and mandatory programs to possible jail time, leaving lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Having the right defense attorney can make the difference in protecting your future.

At Lallo & Feldman Co., we have defended clients in Lake County since 1979 with a focus on trust, loyalty, and hard work. Our team knows how to examine the evidence, challenge police procedures, and pursue strategies aimed at reducing or dismissing your charges. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your rights.