Felony OVI Lawyer in Cleveland, OH
Experienced attorneys dedicated to protecting your rights in assault and battery cases.
Experienced Legal Help for Felony Drunk or Drugged Driving Charges
A felony OVI in Ohio brings the most serious OVI penalties on the books. If you have multiple prior OVI convictions or a prior felony OVI, you are looking at mandatory incarceration, years-long or lifetime license consequences, vehicle forfeiture, and thousands in fines. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we understand what is at stake and fight to limit the impact of these charges. Attorney Pat Farrell has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and has successfully defended clients facing enhanced and felony OVI charges. We represent drivers in Cleveland Municipal Court, the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, and courts throughout Cuyahoga County, giving us the local knowledge to anticipate how prosecutors and judges approach serious OVI cases.
Felony OVI Laws in Ohio
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is a criminal offense. Repeat convictions cause penalties to escalate sharply.
An OVI can become a felony if, for example:
- It is a fourth offense within ten years or a sixth offense within twenty years. This is commonly charged as a fourth-degree felony.
- You have a prior felony OVI. A new OVI can be charged as a third-degree felony with higher mandatory time.
Felony OVI sentencing can include:
- Mandatory local incarceration or prison terms
- Substantial fines
- A Class Two judicial license suspension ranging from three years to life
- Restricted license plates
- Ignition interlock in alcohol cases
- Vehicle forfeiture if the vehicle is registered to the offender
In certain felony OVI cases, Ohio law also allows additional mandatory consecutive prison time when the charging document specifies five or more prior OVIs within twenty years or a prior felony OVI.
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How Felony OVI Cases Are Prosecuted in Cleveland
Felony OVI cases are typically filed or elevated to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Prosecutors often rely on:
- Breath, blood, or urine test results and the testing records
- Field sobriety tests and officer testimony supported by dashcam or body-worn camera video
- Witness statements and 911 recordings
- Certified records of prior OVI convictions used to enhance sentencing
Because prior convictions increase mandatory penalties, repeat and felony OVI prosecutions are aggressive. Without skilled representation, you risk severe and lasting consequences.
How We Defend Against a Felony OVI Charge
Our Cleveland OVI defense attorneys build a strategy that matches the facts, the testing method used, and your prior record. Possible approaches include:
- Challenging the stop, detention, or arrest if reasonable suspicion or probable cause was lacking
- Attacking chemical test results due to instrument maintenance, calibration, chain of custody, or timing issues
- Questioning field sobriety testing due to procedure errors or medical conditions
- Litigating prior conviction use when records are incomplete, inaccurate, or procedurally defective for enhancement
- Negotiating outcomes that protect driving privileges where possible, including limited privileges, treatment-based alternatives, and tailored sentencing plans
How We Defend Against
Don’t leave your future to chance. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin crafting a robust defense strategy. We are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the legal expertise you need to fight back against the charges.
When facing criminal charges, having a dedicated and experienced defense team by your side is crucial. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we understand the stakes involved and are committed to building the strongest defense possible for you. Our team will work tirelessly to analyze every detail of your case and ensure your rights are protected.
We recognize that each case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to fit your specific situation. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating the complexities of criminal law, and we will guide you through every step of the legal process. With our support, you can feel confident in your defense and the choices you make.
Your freedom and reputation are on the line, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our commitment to you goes beyond just legal representation; we aim to be your trusted ally during this challenging time. Together, we will work towards the best possible outcome.
Take action now and let us help you reclaim control of your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your strongest defense.
Penalties for Felony OVI in Ohio
Felony OVI penalties vary with your history and the level charged, but typical statutory ranges include:
Fourth-Degree Felony OVI
- At least 60 days of local incarceration or at least 60 days in prison, with the court authorized to impose an additional 6 to 30 months in prison
- Fines generally $1,350 to $10,500
- License suspension of 3 years to life
- Vehicle forfeiture if registered to the offender, and restricted license plates or ignition interlock in alcohol cases
Third-Degree Felony OVI (often when there is a prior felony OVI)
- Mandatory 60 or 120 days in prison, plus a definite prison term of 6 to 30 months; if a repeat-offender specification is charged, add an additional mandatory 1 to 5 years consecutive
Specification-Based Additional Time
- When the state alleges five or more priors in twenty years or a prior felony OVI, courts may impose additional mandatory consecutive prison terms on top of the base felony sentence
Collateral consequences can include skyrocketing insurance rates, CDL disqualification, employment loss in driving-sensitive roles, immigration complications for non-citizens, and mandatory alcohol or drug treatment.
Why Choose Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.?
At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we prioritize your rights and freedom. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized defense strategies that yield results.
Your Defense Starts Here
Don’t leave your future to chance. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin crafting a robust defense strategy. We are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the legal expertise you need to fight back against the charges.
When facing criminal charges, having a dedicated and experienced defense team by your side is crucial. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we understand the stakes involved and are committed to building the strongest defense possible for you. Our team will work tirelessly to analyze every detail of your case and ensure your rights are protected.
We recognize that each case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to fit your specific situation. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating the complexities of criminal law, and we will guide you through every step of the legal process. With our support, you can feel confident in your defense and the choices you make.
Your freedom and reputation are on the line, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our commitment to you goes beyond just legal representation; we aim to be your trusted ally during this challenging time. Together, we will work towards the best possible outcome.
Take action now and let us help you reclaim control of your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your strongest defense.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Facing legal challenges? Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
