George C. Luther Drug Crimes Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Each year over one million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement officers are stepping up their enforcement of the drunk driving laws, largely in response to the public outcry for tougher penalties and lobbying groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

If you have been charged with OVI/DUI you should seek legal help immediately, preferably at the time you are being arrested. Ohio DUI attorney George Luther is available 24 hours a day and can help you make important decisions during the arrest that will affect the outcome of your case.

For over 30 years, DUI lawyer George Luther has dedicated his entire law practice to criminal defense including defending drunk driving charges. Mr. Luther knows the drunk driving laws and defenses that can make a difference in getting the best result in your case. Each year Ohio and other states enact stronger DUI laws with more severe penalties. If you are convicted of driving under the influence you will lose your license, be placed in jail or a driver intervention program, and fined a substantial fine. Your car may be impounded and your insurance rates will either rise or be cancelled. You will acquire a criminal record that could affect your present and future employment opportunities. You will receive points on your driving record which could result in another suspension for having too many points within a two year period.

There are two statutory offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The first is commonly known as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI), or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OVI). This charge is based on the officer’s observations of your driving (weaving, etc), slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the results of a field sobriety test performed at the time of the stop.

If the officer reaches an opinion that it is not safe for you to drive a motor vehicle you will be charged with driving under the influence. You do not have to be intoxicated to be charged with this offense. In most cases the officer will error on the side of making an arrest.

The second offense is referred to as a “per se" violation, which is driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Since 2002 it has been illegal in all 50 states to drive with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher. In Ohio, if you test 0.17% or higher you are considered in a higher tier, which carries more severe penalties.

Ohio criminal law attorney George Luther will help in getting your vehicle returned if has been seized, defend any drivers license suspension or get driving privileges restored as soon as possible so you don’t lose your job. DUI attorney George Luther will review all police reports, file the appropriate motions to suppress evidence, conduct all hearings, and jury trial in an effort to keep you from being convicted of driving under the influence. Mr. Luther’s goal is to have the charged dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense.