Experienced DUI and OVI Attorney for Clients in Summit and Portage Counties
When you’re charged with a DUI or OVI in Ohio, you need an experienced DUI and OVI Attorney on your side. Individuals who are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Ohio can face multiple penalties. If convicted, they can lose their driver’s license, go to jail, or be charged large fines. After two or more DUI convictions, individuals may be forced to put yellow license plates on their vehicles, marking the drivers as DUI offenders.
When facing an OVI/DUI charge, you need the right representation for the best possible outcome.
Whether you have been charged with DUI or any other crime, Attorney Pidala will work diligently to help mount the strongest defense possible. She’ll put her 30 years of experience to work to defend your case in court or negotiate a favorable plea limiting the harm done to your wallet, your driving record, and your license.
Was Your DUI Arrest Valid?
When individuals contact Pidala Law Office, Sherry will ensure that their rights are protected at every step of the process. Attorney Pidala considers first if your arrest is valid. For an arrest to be valid, the arresting officers need to have performed every step of the arrest correctly. She will challenge all arrests by asking critical questions such as:
- Did the police officer have sufficient reason to stop the vehicle? This is legally termed “reasonable suspicion” and is based on the officer’s observations that the individual committed a violation of the law. These observations may include speeding, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, or crossing the yellow center line.
- Did the police officer have a valid reason to ask the driver to step out of the vehicle to perform roadside tests (also called field sobriety tests)? Again, did the officer have “reasonable suspicion,” based on their observations up to that point, that the individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs? This is a cumulative process and includes both the officer’s observations before the stop (e.g. crossing the yellow centerline) and after the stop. After the stop, the officer may observe an odor of alcohol coming from the person’s breath, slurred speech, or lack of coordination when removing his license from his wallet.
- Did the police officer properly instruct the client on how to perform the roadside tests? It is important that the individual pay close attention to and follow all the instructions, including the first ones, which will likely be to stand with one’s hands at his/her side, with their feet together and not begin the test until the officer instructs the individual to do so.
- Did the police officer properly administer the roadside tests? The officer must follow state-mandated procedures to properly administer these tests.
- Did the police officer properly score the tests?
- Upon completion of the roadside tests, did the police officer have sufficient information based on his observations to make a valid arrest? This is legally termed “probable cause” to arrest. Again, this is a cumulative process and includes ALL of the police officer’s prior observations including prior to the stop, immediately after the stop, and during the field sobriety testing.
- If the arrested individual took a breath test, was that machine properly calibrated? Based on the answers to each of these questions, Sherry will vigorously defend your case or negotiate a result to minimize the outcome and penalties potentially associated with the charges.
You Need Fast, Aggressive Representation When Facing an OVI/DUI Charge
Do not wait to protect your rights. If you wait to get an experienced DUI attorney on your side, you risk jail time, excessive fines, or the loss of your license. All of these can greatly disrupt your work and your personal life. CALL Pidala Law office today, so Sherry can start assessing your case.
Are You Facing Traffic Citations in Ohio?
Traffic citations have real consequences. Points on your license can affect your insurance rates, and large fines hurt anyone’s wallet. Pidala Law Office can mount your defense and negotiate the best possible terms when you’re facing Ohio traffic citations. Don’t just assume your rights were protected. Let Sherry make sure and minimize the damage citations can inflict on you.
Charged with a Crime in Ohio?
No matter what crime in Ohio you’re charged with, you have rights. An experienced criminal defense attorney, Attorney Pidala, investigates every piece of evidence of your case to ensure your rights are protected at every step of the process. She aggressively mounts the best defense to defend you in court, or she negotiates a plea deal to minimize your jail time and/or fines. Don’t risk spending unnecessary time in jail or worse. Sherry has 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of those charged with crimes such as burglary, larceny, shoplifting, and assault and battery.
