Any motorists in Columbus can be arrested and charged with DUI for driving under the influence of drugs or driving beyond the allowable level of drugs in their blood and urine sample. Although there is no federal DUI law, it is still considered as federal offense based on the
Assimilated Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C 13(a) that provided federal courts to have jurisdiction on acts committed on federal property which constitute an offense under the laws of the State where the act was committed.
This means, a person can be arrested for DUI in Columbus and prosecuted on federal court for the offense committed on federal property, be subjected to punishment provided under state law. In addition to the punishment authorized by the state law, the defendant can have additional one year term of imprisonment.
DUI under the influence of a drug abuse
If a person is charged with DUI for being under the influence of a drug abuse, it is not a defense that the drug was taken pursuant to prescription. Why? Because, the prescribed drug is taken voluntarily and comes with a strict warning not to operate a vehicle or other heavy machineries.rnIn certain cases, it is possible to claim that there was an unanticipated reaction to the medication, thus, it is involuntary. Under this situation, there must be a supporting document indicating the medication was taken as prescribed and with the absence of a warning or instruction thereof. This situation calls for you to seek a qualified Ohio criminal defense attorney.
DUI with prohibited level of drugs in their blood and urine (drugged driving)
On the other hand, being charged with drugged driving, the defense usually indicates the drug was taken according to the prescription of a licensed health professional. Again, supporting documents must be shown signifying such drug was not taken beyond its limit and was only following the prescriptions.
The Conviction
For DUI first offense, it carries a mandatory 3 day jail sentence or 3 days approved Driver Intervention Program (DIP). Basically, if a driver is convicted first time in Columbus, the judge will give him option to either to complete the DIP or spend 3 days in jail.
In each DUI case, there must be 2 simultaneous strategies. The first is litigating the case and prepare for a trial. Second is preparing for the mitigation once the case is resolved with a plea agreement. This is where you will need the services of a Columbus criminal defense lawyer
Finding a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Columbus Ohio
If you have been arrested for DUI in Columbus and facing prosecution in federal court, hire an experienced
drunk driving attorney who can expertly assist you in the proceedings. Criminal defense attorney Columbus will help shed light whether a DIP or 3 day jail sentence is in your best interest as part of the mitigation strategy in your case.
But how do you find top criminal defense attorneys in Ohio? Finding the best can be a tough job; clients are probably looking for two things: cost and quality. And when it is combined, it sums up to one question
“Who is the best criminal defense attorney I can afford?”
Remember, there is no official list of the best criminal defense attorneys. What is essential is to get a Columbus Ohio
criminal defense attorney who is expert in the area of defense you need.