OVI Defense Attorneys in Cleveland

Drunk driving carries harsh and lasting penalties. A conviction for OVI in Ohio reaches into every part of your life – your finances, your license, your employment, your reputation in the community and perhaps your freedom. Underage drivers, commercial drivers or drivers with prior convictions face even tougher consequences.

Goldberg Dowell & Associates fights drunk driving cases. We are prepared to go to trial to challenge the grounds for your arrest. We work to preserve your driving privileges. We make every effort to prevent a conviction or mitigate the long-term impact of a OVI arrest.

For a free initial consultation, call our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers at 216-384-9778 or contact us online

Ohio OVI Lawyers

In 37 years of criminal defense practice, trial lawyer Michael J. Goldberg has handled countless cases of operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). In other states this might also be called a DUI, or driving under the influence, or DWI, driving while intoxicated. He and his legal team provide the proven representation you need, regardless of your circumstances:

• Even a first arrest for drunk driving can be punished by a few days in jail, license suspension, fines and other penalties, plus the criminal record and a steep increase in car insurance rates.
• A second or third offense carries enhanced penalties. In addition to longer jail time and loss of license, you may be forced to put yellow OVI license plates on your car and install an ignition interlock.
• Under-21 drivers and truck drivers (CDL license holders) can be charged at a lower rate of intoxication and face very serious driver’s license sanctions. A second OVI conviction will essentially end a commercial driving career.
• A fourth OVI is a felony crime punishable by serious prison time.

Aggressive DUI Defense in Northeast Ohio

Attorney Michael Goldberg knows how to analyze the prosecution’s case to challenge the evidence and cross-examine the arresting officer. He explores all defense angles: probable cause for the traffic stop, validity of field sobriety tests, the calibration and maintenance of the Breathalyzer and the officer’s conduct throughout the process.

Through motions, hearings and trial, we will force the state to prove its case. By exploiting the flaws, Michael Goldberg has obtained acquittals, dismissal of charges, reduction of charges, deferred convictions and other favorable outcomes for his clients.

The potential penalties for driving under the influence depend on low test (.08 or more) versus high test (0.17 or more), prior convictions, age and aggravating factors.