DUI-Related Offenses

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a severe charge on its own, but it can often be accompanied by other related offenses. If a driver causes an accident, injures someone, damages property, or tries to escape the scene, the legal consequences of a DUI become much more serious. The specific charges a driver might face depend on the unique details of the incident, and the penalties become harsher as more offenses are committed. Some common charges associated with a DUI include hit and run, fleeing from the police, public intoxication, and violations of implied consent laws.

Public Intoxication

In Ohio, it is illegal to be in a public space and show clear signs of intoxication from alcohol or drugs in a manner that presents a danger to yourself or others. Public intoxication is generally identified by the following behaviors:

• Causing annoyance to people nearby
• Endangering oneself
• Endangering others

By law, a “public place” is any area that the public can access. This includes privately owned locations open to the public, like a gated community or the common areas of an apartment building. If you cause a disturbance in one of these areas while intoxicated, you could be charged. A skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case. Public intoxication is typically a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, but repeated offenses can lead to more significant penalties, including fines and potential jail time.

Hit and Run

When a person realizes they have caused an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their first thoughts might be about the serious consequences of an arrest. This fear can lead some individuals to flee the scene in the hope of avoiding punishment. This action, commonly known as a hit and run, ultimately leads to much more severe penalties. Judges and prosecutors view this crime with extreme seriousness.

The severity of a hit and run offense is determined by the specific factors of the case. If the accident only resulted in property damage, the driver could face a first-degree misdemeanor, which may lead to up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. It’s wise to consult a Steubenville DUI attorney in these situations.

However, if the accident causes injury to another person, a hit and run charge can become a felony. The penalties for a felony hit and run are far more significant, involving longer prison sentences and higher fines depending on the seriousness of the injury.

In the most tragic scenarios where an accident results in a death and the driver flees, the charge becomes a third-degree felony. A conviction for this offense can lead to a prison term of up to five years and fines as high as $10,000. Having an experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer by your side is essential to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the legal process.

Fleeing the Police

Seeing flashing lights and hearing a siren behind you after causing an accident can be a terrifying experience. In a moment of panic, many people may be tempted to flee, especially if they know their use of drugs or alcohol contributed to the incident. However, running from an accident and leading police on a high-speed chase will result in severe charges for fleeing the police. This is an offense that law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors take very seriously. A Steubenville DUI attorney can help you understand the legal implications of such actions and develop strong defense strategies to protect your rights.

Even if there is no accident, simply failing to stop when a police officer signals you to pull over can lead to charges for eluding the police. In Ohio, a signal can be a hand gesture, a verbal command, or the use of sirens and emergency lights. Ignoring any of these signals can result in charges of fleeing and eluding. A Steubenville criminal lawyer can explain the nuances of such a charge.

Typically, fleeing from the police is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. However, if a driver tries to flee and creates a substantial risk of serious physical harm to persons or property, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony. This can happen during a high-speed chase that endangers other drivers. The punishment for this felony can include up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to these serious penalties, a conviction for fleeing the police will also result in a driver’s license suspension. A Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you understand these charges, explore possible defenses, and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Implied Consent Law

Ohio’s Implied Consent Law states that anyone who operates a vehicle is considered to have given consent to a chemical test of their blood, breath, or urine if arrested for a DUI. While drivers can refuse a field sobriety test, refusing a chemical test after a lawful arrest has consequences. Before penalizing a driver for refusal, the officer must inform them of the penalties for doing so. If the officer fails to provide this warning, it can be a point of defense. Refusing the test will lead to an administrative license suspension, which is separate from any criminal penalties. A first refusal results in a one-year license suspension, while subsequent refusals lead to longer suspension periods.

If you are facing any of these charges in the Steubenville area, it is vital to secure the services of a Steubenville DUI attorney who is skilled in DUI law and legal procedures. Sean Logue and his dedicated associates at Logue Law are experienced attorneys who have the expertise needed to handle your case. They will fearlessly challenge the prosecution and tenaciously fight for the best possible outcome for you. Contact them for a free initial consultation at (844) PITT-DUI or reach out online here. Logue Law proudly serves Steubenville, other areas in Ohio, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, offering unwavering support and steadfast advocacy.