The legal consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Ohio range from fines and criminal sanctions to driver’s license suspension. But the collateral costs – higher insurance rates, difficulty getting to work and restrictions on employment opportunities – can be every bit as harsh.
More drivers are being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI), according to the latest statistics released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Law enforcement officers statewide made more than 23,000 OVI arrests in 2011, an increase of seven percent over 2010. So far in 2012, drunk driving arrests have increased more than 11 percent over the first six months of 2011.
In the Cincinnati metro and southwestern Ohio, OVI cases are up more than 15 percent over last year. One cited reason behind stepped-up enforcement is that motor vehicle crash fatalities are on the rise.
In Hamilton County, traffic stops of all types have also increased by 15 percent over last year, and OVI arrests have more than doubled. Noting that his force was recently downsized, one Highway Patrol Post Commander commented that calls by citizens to the OSHP tip line are one reason why arrests for drunk driving have spiked.
Fighting a Questionable DUI Arrest
With increased volume in processing of blood-alcohol tests and heavier reliance on subjective observations of alleged OVI violations, accused drivers must be aware of their rights to due process. An Ohio OVI/DUI lawyer can explain how the prosecution’s burden of proof and standards of evidence might improve a client’s prospects for reduction or dismissal of charges.