DUI With Blood Alcohol Over .16%

Law enforcement agencies in Steubenville, Ohio, treat DUI offenses with extreme seriousness to ensure road safety. If you are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is crucial to seek legal help from a qualified criminal defense attorney promptly.

In Ohio, penalties for a DUI are tiered based on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). A BAC of 0.16% or higher falls into a higher-tier offense, which can lead to significant consequences like long license suspensions, substantial fines, and potential jail time. This level of BAC is considered a very high level of impairment. In these situations, it’s vital to have a trusted Steubenville DUI attorney with a strong track record on your side.

What You Need to Know: BAC Testing

If an officer suspects you of a DUI, they will typically ask you to undergo BAC testing. This can involve a Breathalyzer test or collecting blood and urine samples to determine the concentration of alcohol in your system. A BAC of 0.08% or higher is enough to result in DUI charges. However, a BAC of 0.16% or more is treated as a very serious offense. It’s important to understand that in Ohio, these tests generally need to be administered within three hours of the alleged violation. Refusing to take a test can lead to an immediate license suspension.

Penalties Upon Conviction

Here are the potential penalties for a high-level DUI (BAC of 0.16% or higher) in Ohio:

• First Offense: For a first-time high-level offense, you could face mandatory jail time of at least three days up to six months, fines from $375 to $1,075, a driver’s license suspension of one to three years, and mandatory participation in a driver intervention program. A skilled Steubenville criminal lawyer may be able to help navigate these penalties.
• Second Offense: If you are arrested for a second time with a BAC of 0.16% or higher within ten years, the penalties increase. They include imprisonment from 20 consecutive days up to one year, fines between $525 and $1,625, a license suspension from two to seven years, mandatory use of an Ignition Interlock Device, and required attendance at a treatment program.
• Third Offense: A third offense within ten years can result in imprisonment from 60 consecutive days up to one year, fines ranging from $850 to $2,750, a license suspension from three to twelve years, mandatory use of an Ignition Interlock Device, and required enrollment in an alcohol and drug addiction program. A Steubenville DUI attorney can provide critical guidance in these complex cases.

It is crucial to know that penalties can become even more severe if the DUI incident involves bodily injury, death, or significant property damage. In such cases, you could also be sued in civil court.

How to Interact with the Police

• If you are being arrested, try to remain calm and be cooperative.
• It is within your rights to refrain from admitting you have been drinking.
• Avoid making any statements until your Steubenville criminal lawyer is present.

Potential Defense Options

• Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop and whether the police followed proper legal procedures.
• Asserting that you were not the person driving the vehicle.
• Contesting the accuracy and validity of the BAC tests and whether they were conducted within the required time frame.
• Questioning the reliability and calibration of the testing equipment, which might have produced inaccurate results.

How a Lawyer Can Defend You

When you’re facing a DUI charge with a BAC of 0.16% or higher, the experience and skill of your lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. A competent Steubenville DUI attorney will meticulously review all evidence presented by the prosecution to identify weaknesses in their case against you. If the charges are strong, your attorney will explore every possible avenue to mitigate your punishment and work to reduce fines.

For a complimentary consultation with a proficient DUI defense attorney in Steubenville, do not hesitate to contact us online today or call us at 844.PITT.DUI. Our attorneys possess extensive training in all facets of DUI law, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of arrest procedures and BAC testing protocols.