First Offense OVI Attorney in Youngstown

Charged With Your First OVI In Youngstown? Don't Wait to Secure Your Defense

A first drunk driving arrest can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about your license, your job, and your future, and you probably have no idea what will happen in court. This is exactly when having a first offense OVI attorney in Youngstown on your side can make a real difference.

At Law Office of Damian A. Billak, we focus on guiding people through criminal charges in this area, including first-time OVI cases. With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Damian Billak has helped many people face their first charge in Youngstown Municipal Court and other nearby courts.

If you've been arrested for the first time, you need a first offense OVI attorney in Youngstown who knows how to fight back. Contact the Law Office of Damian A. Billak at (330) 862-8582 or reach out online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you protect your future.

Understanding First Offense OVI Laws in Ohio

Under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, you can be charged with Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) even if you were not "driving" in the traditional sense; simply being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired is enough for an arrest. For a first-time offender in Youngstown, the charge is typically a misdemeanor of the first degree. 

Ohio categorizes these offenses based on the concentration of alcohol or drugs in your system:

• Low Test OVI: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% but less than .17%.
• High Test OVI (Aggravated): A BAC of .17% or higher. This "aggravated" status effectively doubles the mandatory minimum jail time.
• Underage OVI (OVUAC): For drivers under 21, the legal limit is a strict .02%.
• OVI Based on Drugs: You can be charged based on the presence of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, or prescription medications, even without alcohol.

It is vital to distinguish between a criminal OVI and a "Physical Control" violation. A Physical Control charge involves being in a vehicle while impaired but without the intent to move it. While it still carries penalties, it does not result in points on your license and is often a favorable goal for plea negotiations.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of First Offense OVI in Ohio

The penalties for a first OVI are mandatory, meaning the judge has limited discretion to reduce them unless the charges themselves are amended.

Mandatory Criminal Penalties

• Mandatory Jail:
  • Low Test (.08–.169 BAC): 3 days (can be served in a Driver Intervention Program, DIP)
  • High Test (.17+ BAC) or Refusal: 6 days (3 days jail + 3 days DIP)
• Fines: $375 to $1,075 for all first offenses
• Court License Suspension: 1 to 3 years for all first offenses
• License Points: 6 points for all first offenses
• Party Plates / Ignition Interlock:
  • Low Test: Optional
  • High Test or Refusal: Mandatory restricted (yellow) plates

Collateral Consequences

Beyond court-ordered sanctions, a conviction carries a heavy burden that follows you into your daily life:

• Employment: Many Youngstown employers will not hire individuals with an OVI on their record, especially for positions involving driving or professional licensing.
• Insurance Costs: You can expect your premiums to double or triple, and you will likely be required to carry high-risk SR-22 insurance.
• Travel Restrictions: An OVI conviction can make you "criminally inadmissible" to countries like Canada, even for a first offense.
• Permanent Record: In Ohio, an OVI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed. It remains on your criminal record forever.

How We Defend First Offense OVI Charges in Youngstown

Every first OVI case begins with a traffic stop, a police investigation, and usually some form of chemical testing. The details of each step matter. Our role is to examine how your case was handled, identify legal issues, and build a defense strategy that fits both the facts and your goals.

We start by reviewing why you were stopped and how the officer conducted the investigation. This includes looking at dash camera or body camera footage when available, as well as police reports. If field sobriety tests were used, we consider whether instructions were clear, whether conditions such as lighting or road surface could have affected performance, and whether the officer followed accepted procedures.

We also pay close attention to breath, blood, or urine testing. The accuracy of these tests can depend on the machine used, maintenance records, timing, and how samples were handled. In some cases, legal or factual issues related to testing can affect what evidence the court will consider. Even when the evidence appears strong, there may be room to question how it is interpreted or whether it supports the most serious version of the charge.

Not every first offense OVI case goes to trial. Often, a key part of our work involves discussing the case with the prosecutor, explaining your background, and evaluating whether there is room to seek reductions or sentencing terms that limit long-term harm. 

Because Attorney Billak is a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, he brings many years of courtroom experience to these discussions. Our goal is to guide you through each option, whether that involves challenging evidence, negotiating, or preparing for a contested hearing, so you can make informed decisions.

Protect your license and your record by calling a Youngstown first offense OVI lawyer immediately. At the Law Office of Damian A. Billak, we offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to begin working on your defense. Dial (330) 862-8582 or contact us through our contact form to see how we can help.