Akron Second OVI Offense Lawyer
Any OVI charge is a severe offense in Akron and across Ohio. However, the penalties become harsher with each repeat offense within a 10-year timeframe. Repeat offenses result in heightened legal consequences because they reflect a lack of compliance with state law regarding impaired driving.
If you are arrested for your second OVI offense within six years of your first OVI offense, you will face increased penalties. Since the lookback period in Ohio is ten years, any offense within this timeframe will count against you. At VanHo Law, we know how serious these penalties can be, so we are here to help.
Attorney VanHo is a recognized and respected trial lawyer who knows what to look for in OVI arrests to uncover potential weaknesses. His team can conduct an intensive investigation into all aspects of your case that may help minimize the consequences of a conviction.
Arrange for a consultation with our Akron second-offense OVI attorney at VanHo Law by calling (330) 681-1120. You can also contact us online to get started.
Penalties for a Second OVI Offense in Akron
If you are convicted of a second OVI offense, you face the following penalties:
- Between 10 days to six months in jail
- $500 to $1,625 in fines and fees
- License suspension between one to seven years
- Vehicle impounded for 90 days
- Court-ordered drug or alcohol assessment
- Two-year license suspension for refusing the chemical test
Consequences of a Second OVI with a BAC Over .17 Percent
When an individual receives a second OVI charge with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .17 percent, the legal penalties become significantly harsher. In this scenario, the courts will classify the offense as a "high tier" OVI, resulting in stricter consequences to deter dangerous behavior.
Potential penalties include a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 20 days, which can increase to as much as 60 days, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, fines are escalated. License suspensions are also lengthened, with mandates for a minimum of one year and no eligibility for driving privileges for the first 45 days.
Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, a high BAC second OVI can lead to increased insurance premiums and challenges in securing employment or housing due to the serious nature of the conviction. These consequences underscore the importance of seeking experienced legal counsel to navigate the situation and explore all possible defense strategies.
How Our Akron Second Offense OVI Attorney Can Help
When building a defense for an OVI charge, we can investigate several critical factors that may impact the outcome.
The legality of the initial traffic stop is paramount; we can assess whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over. We may also examine the administration of sobriety tests to determine if they were conducted appropriately according to established protocols.
This includes evaluating the conditions under which the tests were conducted, as weather or traffic conditions can influence a driver's performance. While these tests are widely used, they are far from foolproof and can be influenced by many factors, such as medical conditions, fatigue, or nervousness.
Our team can review the calibration and maintenance records of the breathalyzer or other testing equipment used, as discrepancies could challenge the accuracy of the results.
We may also review any witness statements or surveillance footage that can corroborate your behavior or refute the officer's observations. Furthermore, considering medical conditions or medication effects that could mimic impairment may provide grounds for a solid defense.
By thoroughly investigating all aspects of your arrest, we can craft a defense plan potentially challenging the evidence and work towards an optimum resolution
Reserve your consultation appointment with our Akron second offense OVI lawyer by contacting us at (330) 681-1120.