DUI Lawyer in Westlake, OH
Arrested for DUI in Westlake, OH? Read Our Guide to DUI Laws in Westlake
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KEY TAKEAWAYS...
- Been arrested for suspected DUI in Westlake, OH? Our partner lawyers understand the legal process to help you win your case.
- Time is of the essence, and don’t attempt to handle the case on your own.
- DUI penalties can be severe with stiff fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.
- Your future, liberty, job, and quality of life are at stake.
- You can challenge evidence presented by the prosecutor, question witnesses, and make plea deals.
- There are various defense strategies available for DUI cases in Westlake.
- DMV must be petitioned for temporary reinstatement of your driver’s license after being charged.
- It is important to hire experienced attorney who understands Westlake’s DUI laws to protect your rights.
DUI Lawyer in Westlake, OH, Ready to Fight for Your Rights!
Understanding the DUI Laws in Westlake, OH
Individuals suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Westlake can be stopped on any street or highway. It is not unusual to see traffic stops along major streets and thoroughfares due to the concentration of a relatively high number of entertainment joints in these areas.
When a law enforcement officers stop you, they may ask you to take a roadside sobriety test and/or breathalyzer. The results will be used in court as evidence against you.
Typically, you will be considered impaired if:
- Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08 or above.
- The traffic officer is convinced you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even if your BAC is below 0.08.
- You physically appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in the opinion of the traffic cop.
Your driver’s license is immediately suspended if you fail or refuse to take a sobriety test. Depending upon the circumstances, your license will be suspended for seven days (for first-time offenders) and up to 60 days (for subsequent offenses). Your license will also be suspended with immediate effect upon being charged.
The first thing you must do if you are charged with DUI in Westlake is to petition the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for temporary reinstatement of your driver’s license. However, you must remember that ignition interlock devices will be installed on your car if you want to obtain a restricted license.
Things can be even worse if you are on probation when you are charged with a DUI offense in Westlake. In such cases, the new charge will affect your probation negatively. Therefore, getting in touch with a DUI lawyer in Westlake as soon as possible is critical.
How to Win a DUI Case in Westlake, OH
Most DUI cases in Westlake are won and lost based on the facts presented in the courtroom. We understand that you are undoubtedly feeling stressed and worried. However, there are several ways to win a DUI case in Westlake:
- Challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor, find holes in their argument, question witnesses who may have seen you driving while intoxicated, and make a plea deal or negotiate a reduced sentence.
- Prove that the traffic officer violated your constitutional right or used an unfair sobriety test, which can result in the evidence being thrown out of court.
- Challenge the reason for the stop and poke holes in police procedures.
- If you were involved in an accident but weren’t in the car when the arresting officer arrived, they have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were the driver.
- Your defense lawyer may challenge the breath test machines or other devices used to administer the sobriety test. It is no secret that breathalyzers can sometimes create false positives based on a person’s diet, medical conditions, or radio frequency interference.
The bottom line is that it is important to have someone on your side who understands the intricate details of DUI laws in Ohio to present you in court and ensure your rights are adequately protected.
Understanding the Penalties of DUI in Westlake, OH
- Hefty fines;
- Loss of driving privileges;
- Community service Installation of an ignition interlock device;
- Forced enrolment to alcohol addiction treatment classes;
- Ignition interlock;
- You may also be charged with manslaughter if you kill someone while committing DUI/DWI.
Hire the Best Westlake DUI Attorney
What Field Sobriety Tests Are Allowed in Westlake?
One of the most common methods used by police officers to determine if a driver is impaired is through field sobriety tests. These tests are commonly administered at DUI checkpoints and during traffic stops. Common field sobriety tests in Westlake, OH, include:
- Walk-and-turn test;
- Reciting the alphabet backwards;
- One-leg stand test;
- Finger-to-nose test;
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test;
- Counting backwards.
These tests are usually referred to as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). It is important to remember that you have the right to refuse a field sobriety test without facing legal consequences. Refusing a field sobriety test can help protect your rights if you are charged with a DUI later down the line.
Experienced DUI Lawyer Westlake, OH - Don't Face DUI Charges Alone!
If you have been charged with a DUI in Westlake, OH, it is important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you build the best strategy for your case and ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Our partner lawyers have extensive background and knowledge of Westlake’s DUI laws and years of experience handling DUI cases in the city.
They will use their expertise to fight your charges and get the result that is best for your situation. Contact us below to speak to a highly experienced DUI lawyer near you.
Get the DUI Help You Deserve!
We are ready to fight for your rights. When your freedom is on the line, you need a Westlake DWI defense lawyer.
Our Highly experienced DUI lawyers have expertise in the following criminal law cases as well:
- Felonies
- Firearm offenses
- Fraud
- DWI cases
- Violent crimes
- White collar crimes
- Theft/burglary
- Drug crimes
- And many more!