Felony OVI Attorney in Youngstown
Facing A Felony OVI Charge In Ohio? Start Your Defense Now
A felony OVI charge can change everything. You may be worried about prison, losing your license, and how a permanent record could affect your job and family. If you are dealing with a serious drunk driving case in the Youngstown area, you do not have to navigate this alone.
At Law Office of Damian A. Billak, we focus our practice on criminal defense, including representing people charged with felony-level OVI offenses. With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience in Northeast Ohio, Attorney Damian Billak understands how much is at stake. When you hire our firm, you work directly with an attorney who provides personal, hands-on representation.
We are here to answer your questions, explain what to expect in court, and help you take the next step. For a confidential consultation with our felony OVI attorney in Youngstown, you can contact us any time at (330) 862-8582.
Understanding Felony OVI Laws in Ohio
Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19 outlines the specific conditions under which an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence) is elevated to a felony. The law increases penalties significantly when a person has multiple prior OVI convictions, or when there are serious aggravating circumstances.
Prior OVIs
In Youngstown and throughout Ohio, an OVI becomes a fourth-degree felony if you have:
- Three or four prior OVI convictions within the last 10 years.
- Five or more prior OVI convictions within the last 20 years.
Additionally, if you have any prior felony OVI conviction in your lifetime, every subsequent OVI charge will automatically be filed as a felony, regardless of how much time has passed.
Aggravating Factors
An OVI can also be elevated to a felony even without a prior record if certain aggravating factors are present, such as:
- Vehicular Assault: Causing serious physical harm to another person while driving under the influence.
- Vehicular Homicide: Causing the death of another person while impaired.
Why Choose Our Felony OVI Defense
When you are charged with a felony OVI, the attorney you choose matters. Attorney Damian Billak began his career in the Youngstown Prosecutor’s Office. That experience gives our firm insight into how the state evaluates evidence, prepares officers for testimony, and negotiates in serious impaired driving cases.
Damian is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer. These honors reflect long-term commitment to criminal defense work and recognition by peers in the legal community.
For you, they mean your case is handled by someone who has dedicated decades to defending people facing charges that can alter their lives. Clients do not get passed from one attorney to another. You work directly with Attorney Billak, speak with him about your concerns, and receive guidance that is tailored to your history and goals.
Our firm is available 24/7 to respond when something urgent happens, such as an arrest, a bond issue, or a sudden court date.
Guided by Compassion, Committed to Justice
Our Promise to You
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Confidential and Compassionate CounselWe understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Our firm offers confidential and compassionate legal counsel, providing the support you need while aggressively defending your rights.
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Expert Advocacy in Complex CasesOur firm specializes in defending clients facing serious criminal charges. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the law, we provide expert advocacy to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
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Strategic Defense for Your FutureWe approach each case with a tailored strategy, focusing on minimizing the impact on your life. Our priority is to safeguard your future by pursuing every possible avenue for a favorable outcome.
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Relentless Representation in CourtOur team is dedicated to standing by your side in court, fiercely defending your case with unwavering commitment. We fight for justice, ensuring that you receive a fair trial and the best possible defense.
The Ohio Legal Process for Felony OVI
Navigating a felony in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is significantly more complex than a misdemeanor in municipal court.
- Arraignment and Bond: We argue for an affordable bond so you can stay home while we prepare your defense.
- The 20-Year Lookback Audit: We conduct a thorough review of your history. If a prior conviction was entered without counsel, it may be possible to strike it from your record, potentially reducing the current charge back to a misdemeanor.
- Discovery and Forensic Review: We demand all "B-roll" police footage and laboratory data. We use forensic experts to challenge the state's blood or urine testing procedures, which are often prone to contamination or error.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Using his experience as a former prosecutor, Damian Billak negotiates with the state to seek alternative sentencing or reductions that keep you out of prison.
- Trial Advocacy: If the state refuses to be fair, we are trial-tested advocates ready to present your case to a jury of your peers.
Our Approach To Felony OVI Defense
Facing a felony OVI can be intimidating, so the first step is understanding the charge and the evidence involved. The firm carefully reviews the complaint, police reports, and test results while listening closely to your account of the stop and testing process. This detailed review helps identify how the case developed and what challenges may exist from the very beginning.
Drawing on experience as a former prosecutor, Attorney Billak evaluates the case from the state’s perspective while searching for weaknesses. Potential issues with the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, or chemical testing are closely examined. At the same time, your personal priorities—such as avoiding prison or maintaining driving privileges—help shape a defense strategy focused on limiting long-term harm.
Clients can expect clear, direct communication throughout the case. Court dates, plea offers, and possible sentencing outcomes are fully explained so there are no surprises. The firm also recognizes financial concerns, offering competitive fees and flexible payment options. The goal is to provide accessible, experienced felony OVI representation while keeping clients informed and supported at every stage.
Serving Felony OVI Clients In Youngstown—Call Now
Our office regularly represents people charged with serious criminal offenses in the Youngstown area. Our firm offers competitive rates and flexible payment plans that take into account different financial situations. We work to structure arrangements that allow you to secure representation without waiting until things get worse.
Accessibility is at the core of how we work. Clients can reach us at any hour when urgent issues arise, such as a new arrest, concerns about a probation violation, or questions about conditions of bond. When you call with a question about your felony case, you are reaching a firm committed to responsive communication and direct answers.
If you or someone you care about is facing a serious impaired driving charge here, we encourage you to talk with us about your options. An early conversation can help you understand the path ahead and what we can do to assist. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call (330) 862-8582 or fill out this online form.