It can be difficult to know the best way to handle certain situations. If you have been accused of drunk driving, you may wonder how you could possibly escape the predicament without facing severe consequences. Of course, the details of your case could play a major part in how you choose to approach your defense against OVI allegations in Ohio.
Though the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your defense presentation could impact the outcomes of your case. Depending on your specific case, you could end up with beneficial results ranging from reduced charges to having them dropped completely. However, the exact outcomes may not be predictable.
Possible defense strategies
The manner in which you choose to approach your defense can hinge on a variety of factors. Some possible avenues that could suit your case and that you may want to consider include the following:
- You felt afraid that you would suffer serious harm if you did not drive away from your location.
- Someone forced you to drive.
- You honestly did not believe you were intoxicated at the time you were driving.
- You had to drive in order to avoid a worse outcome.
- An officer tricked you or encouraged you to consume alcohol and drive, also known as entrapment.
- Someone spiked your drink or you otherwise did not know that you consumed alcohol before driving.
You may also have the ability to utilize other defense strategies. For example, if the officer did not act appropriately during the traffic stop or did not properly administer field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test, you may have the opportunity to challenge any results of those tests. Additionally, breath test machines do not always provide accurate results, and you could also challenge the results on that basis.
Knowing your options
Before you decide on a defense strategy, you may find it useful to closely assess the details of your situation and understand how state law may come into play. In these cases, it can prove immensely beneficial to have someone on your side who has extensive knowledge regarding this type of legal situation. Enlisting the help of an attorney could allow you to gain reliable and applicable insight into your case and your available defense avenues.
Though facing this type of situation may seem intimidating and stressful, you may want to remember that taking an active approach to your case may help you feel more in control.
