If you have been arrested for or charged with OVI in Parma, or anywhere in Ohio, it is important that you understand just what an OVI conviction will mean.  You should immediately consult with an accomplished Parma OVI Lawyer. Without the aggressive representation of a Parma OVI Attorney, you are subject to the prosecution’s whims.  A Parma OVI conviction is forever on your record.

Parma OVI Lawyer Robert Stiefvater offers a free initial consultation. He will discuss the penalties you are facing as well as what an established and aggressive Parma OVI Attorney can do for your OVI defense.

It is possible to beat a Parma OVI charge – so don’t delay.  Call now.

What is OVI in Parma, Ohio

The State of Ohio and city of Parma have been cracking down on drunk drivers for years.  They achieve this goal by increasing enforcement and the penalties for an OVI conviction in Parma or anywhere in Ohio.  Drunk driving is used to be referred to as DUI or DWI. Under current Ohio law, the offense is known in Parma and throughout Ohio as OVI (or Operating Vehicle under the Influence). OVI can be either a misdemeanor or felony offense.

OVI is enhanceable. That means that the penalties increase as the number of convictions increase. Every conviction has a mandatory minimum jail sentence. If you are facing your first, second, or third OVI, click here to view the potential penalties. If you are facing your fourth, fifth, sixth or felony DUI/OVI, click here to view the potential penalties. In addition to the listed penalties, an OVI conviction carries 6 points on your license.

OVI Legal Limit

The legal limit for OVI in Parma and throughout Ohio is a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .08 percent. A BAC of .17 or higher is considered a “high tier” and a conviction of a high tierOVI doubles the mandatory minimum jail sentence and creates more restrictions on driving privileges. The same holds true with a refusal to a BAC test. You can also be charged with Parma OVI if you have a prohibited level of controlled substances in your blood. The concentration level varies upon the substance: click for more information on Ohio’s legal limits.

Parma Administrative License Suspension or ALS

Every Parma OVI arrest (as well as throughout Ohio) with a positive test or refusal of a test has an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS). An administrative License Suspension is considered a civil matter. Your license is seized by the arresting agency and all driving privileges are immediately revoked. There is a limited time in which to challenge the ALS that accompanies a charge of OVI.  Contact your Parma OVI Lawyer immediately as the ALS can be appealed, stayed, or terminated.