THE STRENGTH YOU NEED
People accused of crimes as well as parents whose children are facing criminal charges all have the same basic need: the help of a lawyer who will advocate effectively and minimize the consequences involved. In short, they need strength.
I am Andrew H. Stevenson, Attorney at Law. From offices in Lancaster and Athens, Ohio, I provide strong defense solutions for clients against a range of criminal charges. My Ph.D. in criminology and more than 20 years of criminal defense experience give me unique knowledge and insight regarding forensic evidence and the scientific aspects of my clients’ cases.
OVI DEFENSE
DRUNK DRIVING CHARGE DEFENSE IN OHIO
There are two different criminal charges people usually face with respect to drinking and driving: (1) driving with an alcohol level over the legal limit (.08 for breath and blood; .11 for urine); and (2) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are driving and test over the legal limit, you will most likely be charged with both offenses.
However, if you do not take a blood alcohol test, test under the limits or test positive for drugs, you will be charged with the under the influence offense.
I am a criminal defense attorney who can help you fight any of these charges. I have more than 20 years of experience defending clients against drunk driving and other criminal charges from offices in Lancaster and Athens, Ohio.
DETAILED DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE FOR DWI, OPERATING A VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED CHARGES
In most cases, an effective OVI/DUI defense begins with a Motion to Suppress in order to challenge the:
- Constitutionality of the stop
- Administration of the field sobriety tests (the walk and turn, the one-leg stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus or eye test)
- Administration of your blood alcohol test
- Reliability of your specific blood alcohol test
These issues are litigated in an evidentiary hearing, at which point your case may be dismissed. If your case proceeds, the trial becomes the focus: trial preparation, collection of favorable defense witnesses, evaluation of the officer’s report and video of your stop, and cross-examination of the officer.
The severity of the penalties associated with conviction varies by the number of times an individual has been convicted of drunk driving/OVI in the past six years or in his or her lifetime. Penalties for a first-time offense range from 72 hours of confinement in jail or a driver intervention program to six months in jail, a $375 to $1,000 fine, and a six-month to three-year license suspension. However, the penalties substantially increase for those with prior convictions.
If your license has been suspended, you can retain the right to drive to and from work and for other necessary reasons while your case is pending. There is, however, a mandatory suspension period of all driving rights that ranges from 15 to 90 days depending upon whether or not you took the alcohol breath test and the number of prior convictions you may have. Speaking with an experienced OVI/DUI lawyer may help in eliminating the charges you are facing.
DRUG CRIMES
GET THE PROTECTION YOU NEED AGAINST DRUG CRIME CHARGES
If you are facing charges involving a drug-related crime, you need a strong defense from an experienced attorney. With the potential for fines, jail time and other serious consequences, as well as damage to your reputation in the community and your future prospects, you cannot afford to take these charges lightly.
As a lawyer providing drug crimes defense for Lancaster and Athens, Ohio, clients, I have more than 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge that I can use to provide you a strong defense in difficult times.
I defend clients against drug charges ranging from simple misdemeanor marijuana possession to trafficking and cultivation of marijuana and methamphetamine manufacturing. I can defend you against the charges you are facing.
USING EVERY RESOURCE TO DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
I do not take my clients’ cases lightly. Rather, I use every option available to fight for my clients, including:
- Forensic evidence: I have training and experience in evaluating and defending toxicology experts and other technical evidence.
- Errors in police procedure: Many drug crime cases can be defeated by uncovering errors in the police investigation, arrest or interrogation. I have vast experience exploring these factors to suppress evidence and get the cases against my clients dismissed.
- Case preparation: I have a long-standing reputation for being over-prepared for my clients’ defense. I always take the time to come up with the best strategy possible in the courtroom based on each unique situation.
- Sound strategy and courtroom advocacy: I use my experience to determine whether a plea bargain is the best option or whether it is better to fight the case in court. I know the law and the procedures involved to get the best outcome possible.
COLLEGE CRIMES
REPRESENTING OHIO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ATHENS
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE
If you are a college student facing criminal charges, or if you are a parent of an Ohio University student facing charges, I can help.
When a college student is charged with a crime, there is a lot at stake. The potential of expulsion or losing a scholarship, jail time, fines and severe limitations for future career prospects all come into play. Now is the time to get the strongest defense available.
I am a dedicated attorney with more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, a Ph.D. in criminology and extensive knowledge regarding forensic evidence. I combine this knowledge and training with a charismatic courtroom presence, intense commitment and effort, and thorough preparation in every one of the cases I handle.
I know how serious it is when a college student faces criminal charges. Read my message to parents and my message to students. My goal is to defeat the charges and protect your family’s future.
THE THREE MAIN COLLEGE CRIMES
Although a “college crime” can be any crime committed by someone in college, and I can provide defense against any type of criminal charge, the three most common charges I handle for college students are:
- Alcohol charges: Binge drinking is almost a rite of passage — it is so common in college. However, this time-honored tradition often leads to serious criminal charges, including DUI, underage consumption, disorderly conduct and other charges. In fact, the other two crimes on this list often start with excessive alcohol consumption.
- Sex crime charges: Sexual assault or date rape is the most common sex crime allegation against college students. These charges can also lead to suspension and expulsion from the university. The emergence of “yes means yes” laws also makes it vital that you have a strong and experienced attorney on your side. I also defend clients against importuning, gross sexual imposition and other sex-related charges.
- Drug crime charges: I defend college students charged with possession of drugs (marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills, heroin, amphetamines, etc). I also represent clients accused of trafficking, cultivation and other drug crimes.
“Mr. Stevenson cared about our son as a person. He listened. He was available, responsive and kept us informed. Mr. Stevenson’s knowledge of the court system and specifically our community contacts was invaluable to assisting with our defense. He believed and advocated for our young son to give him a second chance. We were fortunate to have found someone who cared as much as we did.”
∙ Helen
DEALING WITH THE UNIVERSITY
Students accused of sexual assault or other crimes may also face suspension or expulsion from Ohio University. Title IX mandates that colleges and universities take sexual assault accusations seriously, and they do. As a result, if your criminal case is not handled properly, you may also face consequences with the university. I can help.