The penalties for a DUI/OVI in Cincinnati can be severe. The penalties can increase if you have a firearm in the vehicle or on your person. Your gun ownership rights may also be impacted if you drink and drive.
Our legal team at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers includes a former prosecutor and a former police officer. They bring their knowledge about the criminal justice system to their legal practice. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers are equipped to handle the most complex DUI and gun ownership cases.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 for a free consultation with a Cincinnati DUI defense attorney. We are available 24/7 to discuss your DUI and gun charges with you.
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How Our Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You With DUI and Gun Ownership Matters
Driving and driving is against the law in Ohio. Being convicted of DUI impacts many aspects of your life. You face jail time, fines, license suspension, DUI probation, and other penalties for a DUI conviction. However, having a firearm in the car while you are impaired makes matters worse.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team has a successful track record representing individuals in criminal court. We are fierce trial lawyers and skilled plea negotiators. Our lawyers have top ratings with The National Trial Lawyers, Avvo, and Super Lawyers. We fight for your rights and best interests during all phases of your criminal case.
When you hire our top-rated DUI attorneys in Cincinnati, you can trust we will:
- Investigate the circumstances that led to your DUI charges to determine if the police violated your constitutional rights
- Challenge the results of breathalyzers and chemical tests when applicable
- Work with expert witnesses to gather evidence when necessary
- Review the state’s evidence against you to identify weaknesses, if any
- Explain your legal options, including accepting a plea bargain or going to trial
- Negotiate the best terms for a plea agreement given the facts of the case
- Prepare for trial and argue your case in court if that is the best way to protect your interests
Depending on the circumstances of your DUI case, you could lose your firearm rights. You may also face additional jail time for having a firearm in your vehicle at the time of an OVI.
Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our DUI lawyers in Cincinnati, OH.
DUI Convictions and Ohio Gun Ownership
Many DUI charges are misdemeanors. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI without aggravating circumstances, you will likely retain your right to own firearms. However, if you are charged with a felony DUI in Cincinnati, your gun ownership rights could be at risk.
Some aggravating factors that could increase an OVI to a felony OVI include:
- Multiple DUI convictions
- Engaging in gross negligence
- Causing a fatality or severe injury
- Having an exceptionally high blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Causing substantial property damage
Ohio gun laws restrict the gun rights of individuals convicted of felonies. Some individuals may have their gun rights restored by petitioning the court.
Arrested for DUI While in Possession of a Gun in Ohio
Ohio Revised Code §2923.15 prohibits anyone from carrying or using any firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, you could be arrested for DUI and charged with Using Weapons While Intoxicated. The charge of Using Weapons While Intoxicated is a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to the penalties for DUI, a penalty for a conviction for this offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Having a firearm in a vehicle when you are arrested for DUI in Cincinnati could also result in a charge under Ohio Revised Code §2923.16. The code prohibits a person from knowingly transporting or having a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle if the person is under the influence of a drug of abuse, alcohol, or a combination of both. Improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and six to 18 months in prison.
Even though you have a concealed weapons permit, you can still be charged with and convicted of these additional offenses if you are arrested for DUI with a firearm in the vehicle. Receiving a gun charge with a DUI offense complicates the drunk driving case. It is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to discuss your options for a defense.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Cincinnati DUI Defense Attorney
Working with an experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer is crucial if you want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding a DUI conviction. We focus solely on criminal defense at Suhre & Associates. Call now for your free case review from a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer.
