Wrongful Entrustment Charges in Ohio and How We Can Help You

If you are the owner of a motor vehicle and you permit another individual to operate it while their license is under suspension, you may face a criminal offense known as Wrongful Entrustment. This violation is not limited to just suspended licenses, however. A wrongful entrustment incident can occur under several specific scenarios involving the person to whom you lend your car:

• The driver operating your vehicle does not hold a valid driver’s license, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a driving permit, or valid non-resident driving privileges.
• The individual’s license is currently under suspension.
• The driver cannot provide proof of financial responsibility or valid auto insurance coverage.
• The person operating the vehicle is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Allowing someone to get behind the wheel under any of these conditions is a significant violation in Ohio. You could be facing a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries legal weight comparable to OVI/DUI charges. When facing a situation of this magnitude in Mahoning County, seeking legal counsel is essential. You need to speak with a skilled Youngstown criminal lawyer who understands local traffic laws. At the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have successfully managed hundreds of comparable cases, guiding our clients toward the most favorable results possible. If you or a family member has been accused of wrongful entrustment, time is of the essence.

The Cases Where You Will Be Charged With Wrongful Entrustment

The scenarios listed above are the primary grounds for these charges, but they are not the only ones. Ohio Revised Code 4511.203 establishes the specific legal boundaries defining when you shall be charged with this offense.

Beyond strangers or friends, you can face prosecution for wrongful entrustment if the alleged driver is a family member related to you by blood or marriage. Furthermore, if the unauthorized driver resides in your same household, this fact can also contribute to a wrongful entrustment case. Because these traffic violations are often linked to impairment issues, consulting a Youngstown DUI attorney can provide clarity on how the prosecution might approach your specific situation.

Under Ohio law, the judicial system treats wrongful entrustment with the same severity as driving under a suspended license. This first-degree misdemeanor can be punishable with the following statutory penalties:

• Imprisonment for up to 6 months.
• Fines reaching up to $1,000.
• Vehicle immobilization for 30 days upon a first offense.
• Vehicle immobilization for 60 days for a second offense.
• Criminal forfeiture of the vehicle if the offender is convicted for a third time.

If you find yourself entangled in these legal circumstances, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. You require comprehensive assistance to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. A dedicated Youngstown criminal lawyer from our group will fight aggressively on your behalf to secure the best possible resolution.

Consult Youngstown Criminal Law Group Now

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have extensive experience handling these specific traffic matters and have helped numerous clients achieve optimal outcomes. Our Youngstown DUI attorney will listen diligently to the details of your case and will ensure that you get the justice you deserve while protecting your rights.

Call 412.387.6901 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.