Underage OVI Lawyer in Willard, OH

Experienced Legal Help for Drivers Under 21 Facing OVI Charges

Ohio has a strict “zero tolerance” law for drivers under the age of 21. An underage OVI charge in Willard can have lifelong consequences, including license suspension, fines, higher insurance rates, and a record that may not be sealable, depending on the charge and age. Even a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.02 is enough to trigger an OVUAC offense, which is far below the legal limit for adult drivers. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we know how damaging an underage OVI conviction can be for students, young workers, and families. Attorney Pat Farrell has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and has successfully defended underage clients in Norwalk Municipal Court, the Huron County Court of Common Pleas, and courts throughout Huron County. If the driver is under 18, the case is typically handled in the Huron County Juvenile Court, and procedures/penalties differ from adult court.

If the driver is under 18, the case is typically handled in the Huron County Juvenile Court, and procedures/penalties differ from adult court. His familiarity with local prosecutors and judges gives our clients an important advantage when building a strong defense.

Underage OVI Laws in Ohio

Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19(B), drivers under 21 face an OVUAC (underage OVI) charge if their BAC is at least 0.02 percent. This standard is far stricter than the 0.08 limit for drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 21 can also be charged with standard OVI at 0.08% or higher (or for impairment), in addition to OVUAC.

An underage OVI can involve:

• A BAC of 0.02 or higher while operating a vehicle under 21
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test, which triggers an administrative license suspension and can enhance penalties (especially with certain priors)
• Repeat alcohol or drug-related driving offenses before turning 21

Penalties for underage OVI can include:

• Fines and court costs
• Mandatory license suspension for at least 90 days
• Probation, community service, or alcohol education programs
• A record that may not be sealable, depending on the charge and age, that may affect college admissions, scholarships, and employment

How Underage OVI Cases Are Handled in Willard Courts

Depending on the severity, underage OVI cases are typically filed in Norwalk Municipal Court for misdemeanor matters, and elevated to the Huron County Court of Common Pleas for felony charges.

Attorney Patrick M. Farrell has extensive experience defending Willard residents facing underage OVI charges in Willard Mayor’s Court, Norwalk Municipal Court, and the Huron County Court of Common Pleas. His familiarity with how local prosecutors build these cases and his ability to challenge test results, traffic stops, and field sobriety evidence provide a strong foundation for defenses that protect the futures of young drivers.

How Underage OVI Cases Are Prosecuted in Willard

Underage OVI misdemeanors tied to Willard are prosecuted in Norwalk Municipal Court, while cases with multiple priors or serious injury/death are charged as felonies in the Huron County Court of Common Pleas. Cases that involve multiple prior convictions, a prior felony OVI, or accidents causing serious injury or death are prosecuted as felonies in the Huron County Court of Common Pleas.

Prosecutors in Willard often rely on:

• Breath, blood, or urine test results
• Field sobriety testing and officer testimony supported by dashcam or body-worn camera video
• Witness statements and 911 recordings
• Certified records of prior OVI or juvenile alcohol-related offenses

Because underage OVI cases involve a much lower BAC threshold, prosecutors often pursue them aggressively. Without experienced representation, young drivers face penalties that can impact their education, employment, and ability to maintain a driver’s license.

How We Defend Against an Underage OVI Charge

Our Willard OVI defense attorneys tailor each defense strategy to the facts of the case and the age of the client. Possible defense approaches include:

• Challenging the stop or arrest when probable cause was lacking
• Attacking the accuracy of chemical tests due to instrument calibration, chain of custody, or procedural errors
• Questioning field sobriety testing when conditions or medical issues may have affected performance
• Negotiating outcomes that focus on treatment, education, or reduced penalties rather than harsh long-term consequences

Penalties for Underage OVI in Ohio

Penalties depend on the BAC level, prior record, and whether aggravating circumstances are present:

First Underage OVI

A first OVUAC is typically a fourth-degree misdemeanor, with penalties that can include:

• Up to $250 in fines
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 2 years
• Court-ordered treatment or alcohol education program

Repeat Underage OVI

• Harsher fines and longer jail sentences
• Extended license suspension or revocation
• Possible elevation to the Huron County Court of Common Pleas if felony-level conduct is alleged

Collateral consequences may include college disciplinary actions, scholarship loss, CDL disqualification for those planning careers in commercial driving, and long-term increases in insurance premiums.

Early Action Can Change the Outcome

Underage OVI cases move quickly in Willard courts. Prosecutors secure test results, police reports, and prior records immediately after arrest. The sooner you act, the more options you have to protect your license, education, and future opportunities. Attorney Patrick M. Farrell’s decades of experience in Willard and Huron County courts mean he can anticipate the prosecution’s approach and develop a defense that fits your case.

Protect Your Future After an Underage OVI Arrest in Willard

The decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life. Prosecutors are already preparing their case, and without strong legal representation, you risk losing your license, damaging your record, and limiting your future opportunities. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our underage OVI defense lawyers serving Willard and Huron County know how to challenge the evidence, protect young drivers’ rights, and fight for reduced or alternative penalties whenever possible. Do not wait until it is too late. Your future is on the line. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

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

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