Drunk Driving (DUI / OVI Defense) Lawyer in Norwalk, OH

Fighting Back Against Drunk Driving Charges in Norwalk

Norwalk prosecutors move fast to build OVI cases, but you do not have to face them alone. In Ohio, what many people call “DUI” is legally charged as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired), and the penalties can be just as severe. With more than 30 years of courtroom experience, Attorney Pat Farrell knows how to dismantle the state’s evidence by challenging breath tests, traffic stops, and police reports. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Norwalk OVI defense lawyers focus on protecting your rights, preserving your license, and reducing the impact of these charges. We represent clients in Norwalk Municipal Court and throughout Huron County, giving us the local knowledge to anticipate how judges and prosecutors approach OVI cases.

Ohio DUI / OVI Laws Explained

Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Drivers can also be charged if their chemical test results show a prohibited concentration of alcohol or drugs.

Common OVI situations include:

• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher (.02% for drivers under 21 and .04% for CDL holders)
• Refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful arrest (this triggers an administrative license suspension and, if you have a prior OVI within 20 years, it can be charged as a separate offense)
• Driving while impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Marijuana-related OVI charges based on blood or urine test results
• OVI resulting in accidents, injuries, or fatalities that can escalate to serious felonies

Types of OVI Charges We Defend in Norwalk

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we defend clients against the full range of OVI charges in Norwalk Municipal Court and throughout Huron County, including:

• First-Time OVI
• Repeat OVI
• Felony OVI
• High BAC or “Super OVI” (.17% or higher)
• CDL OVI (Commercial Drivers)
• Underage OVI
• Underage Drinking & Possession of Alcohol
• OVI-Related Accidents and Injury Cases
• Marijuana OVI and Other Drug-Related Impairment Charges
• Breath & Field Sobriety Test Challenges
• OVI with Refusal (refusing breath, blood, or urine tests)
• OVI with Child Endangerment (minor in the vehicle)
• OVI License Suspension Appeals
• Out-of-State Driver OVI

How DUI / OVI Cases Are Handled in Norwalk Courts

In Norwalk, Ohio, drunk driving cases are typically first heard in the Norwalk Municipal Court, which handles misdemeanor offenses such as first-time OVI charges, underage OVI, or cases involving refusal of a breath test. More serious charges, such as felony OVI or cases involving accidents with serious injury or death, are transferred to the Huron County Court of Common Pleas for felony prosecution. Repeat offenses and high BAC “super OVI” may still be misdemeanors unless other factors elevate them to a felony.

Attorney Patrick M. Farrell has decades of experience representing clients in both the Norwalk Municipal Court and the Huron County Court of Common Pleas. His familiarity with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors allows him to anticipate how cases are handled and develop effective defense strategies tailored to Norwalk and Huron County.

How OVI Cases Are Prosecuted in Norwalk and Huron County

Prosecutors typically rely on a wide range of evidence, including:

• Police reports and officer testimony
• Breathalyzer or Intoxilyzer results
• Blood or urine test results from state-approved labs
• Dashcam and body camera footage
• Field sobriety test performance
• Witness statements
• Prior OVI convictions (used to enhance penalties or create higher-level charges, not to prove the current case)

Most misdemeanor cases are handled in the Norwalk Municipal Court, while felony OVI charges or cases involving serious injury or death are heard in the Huron County Court of Common Pleas.

How We Defend Against DUI / OVI Charges

Our Norwalk OVI defense attorneys tailor every defense to the unique facts of your case.

Defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
• Contesting the accuracy of breath or blood test results
• Reviewing whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly
• Examining maintenance and calibration records for testing devices
• Demonstrating that prescription or medical conditions influenced test results
• Negotiating for reduced charges or limited driving privileges (OVI cases are generally not eligible for diversion programs in Ohio)

Penalties for OVI in Ohio

The penalties for OVI vary depending on the number of prior offenses and whether aggravating circumstances exist.

• First Offense: 3 days to 6 months in jail, fines from $375 to $1,075, and license suspension up to 3 years
• Second Offense: 10 days to 6 months in jail, higher fines, license suspension up to 7 years, and mandatory treatment
• Third Offense: 30 days to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2,750, suspension up to 12 years, and ignition interlock requirements
• Felony OVI: Lengthy prison terms, permanent license revocation, and mandatory treatment programs

Collateral Consequences of an OVI Conviction

• Criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged in Ohio
• Insurance rate increases or loss of coverage
• CDL disqualification for commercial drivers
• Loss of career opportunities in professions requiring background checks
• Immigration challenges for non-citizens
• Restrictions on international travel

Why Early Action Matters in Norwalk OVI Cases

Prosecutors in Norwalk often begin building their case immediately after an arrest, relying on test results, police video, and witness statements. By contacting Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. early, you give yourself the best chance to challenge the state’s case before it gains momentum. Our team works to secure favorable evidence, challenge unreliable testing, and negotiate for reduced or dismissed charges whenever possible.

Protect Your Future with a Norwalk OVI Defense Lawyer

What happens next depends on the steps you take today. If you are facing DUI or OVI charges in Ohio, prosecutors may already be preparing their case using breath test results, police reports, dashcam footage, field sobriety tests, and witness statements. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Norwalk DUI and OVI defense lawyers know how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage. We carefully examine whether the traffic stop was lawful, question the accuracy of chemical testing devices, and expose weaknesses in police procedures. Our team uses proven strategies to reduce or even dismiss charges whenever possible. Protect your future by putting an experienced defense team on your side and contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

​​Call or Text: 216-661-5050 • Contact: Send Us a Message • Email: cindy@patfarrelllaw.com

‍