DUI / OUI DRUNK DRIVING
DEFENSE ATTORNEY

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James Burdon: Ohio DUI / OUI Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

If you are facing serious charges related to drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you need the best defense attorney in the area – James Burdon. The penalties for DUI, even a first-time offense, are severe. He has helped countless Ohio residents respond to serious drunk driving charges. James Burdon is an experienced trial attorney who has prepared and presented criminal defense at all levels of the state and federal courts.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
DUI / OUI – Drink Driving Offense

What is DUI or OUI?

DUI is shorthand for "Driving Under the Influence." It is also known as OVI which stands for "Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence." A person is guilty of OVI if he or she operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any chemical or controlled substance to the extent that his or her mental faculties are impaired or when the operator's blood alcohol level (BAC) exceeds .08 percent.

Breathalyzer, Blood, Urine & Sobriety Tests

One of the most frequently asked questions is do I have to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test? The answer is no you don’t, but refusal to submit to a test upon the request of a law enforcement officer is admissible in any criminal proceeding against you as evidence of your consciousness of guilt and may result in a one (1) year driving suspension.

DUI / OVI Penalties

The penalties for DUI are severe. Possible punishment depends on the level of your BAC and the number of DUI convictions you have had within the past six (6) years. The following chart outlines the penalties for DUI.

 

No. of Offenses in 6 Years	Possible Jail Time	Mandatory Jail Time	Possible Fine	License Suspension	Driving Privileges After	Restricted Privileges
1st	6 months	3 days	$250 - $1000	6 months to 3 years	15 days	Optional
2nd	6 months	10 days	$350 - $1500	1 to 5 years	30 days	Optional
3rd	up to 1 year	30 days	$550 - $2500	2 to 10 years	None	Optional
4th Offense or more	FELONY OFFENSES

Your license will be immediately suspended if you refuse to take a breath, blood or urine test upon request. If you agree to take the test, your license will be immediately suspended if you have an alcohol level of .08 or greater or .02 if you are at least 18 but less than 21 years old. Penalties are more severe, even if it is your first offense, if your alcohol level is .17 or higher.

Furthermore, your insurance company may discontinue your coverage or at the very least assign you to a high risk category resulting in a substantial increase in your premiums. In addition to the penalties listed above, the law provides for immobilization or seizure of your vehicle after multiple convictions of DUI.

Can I fight my DUI arrest?

James Burdon’s comprehensive understanding of Ohio DUI law and an intimate knowledge of the courts and the legal system, results in the best possible outcome for his clients. He is successful in obtaining acquittals and reduced charges at and before trial. Even with cases involving unfavorable evidence, James Burdon has been successful in obtaining a minimum sentence.

Representing Clients Across Ohio

Akron criminal defense attorney, James Burdon, has been successfully representing individuals charged with criminal offenses for the past thirty years. Although based in Akron, Ohio, Mr. Burdon represents clients in the municipal, state and federal courts throughout Ohio, including Summit, Stark, Portage, Cuyahoga, Wayne, Mahoning, Carroll, Guernsey, Columbiana, Lake, and Franklin counties.

The Delaware Building :: 137 S. Main St., Ste 201 :: Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone (330) 253-7171 :: Fax (330) 253-7174