DUI Under 21/Juvenile

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DUI And The College Student

May 14th, 2012
Wright State University quad pool

If you get a DUI while attending an Ohio college or university the effects can be devastating.  It is vital that you speak to an attorney prior to making any legal decision that can affect your future.  Too many frightened and overwhelmed students choose to just plead guilty not knowing the life-long consequences their actions can have.

In a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey, 44% of college students reported binge drinking at least once in the two weeks prior to being surveyed.  19% reported frequent binge drinking, and more than half of those admitted to drinking and driving in the 30 days prior to being surveyed. It is not surprising that college students are arrested for DUI in high numbers.  Charles M. Rowland II has helped college students in and around Dayton since 1995.  His experience includes representing students before Judicial Conduct Boards, and having full hearings before institutional investigative bodies.  He as also served as an adjunct professor for the Wright State University Honors Program and as a city prosecuting attorney in Greene County and has represneted students from most, if not all, of the local colleges and universities.  He can help you inside and outside the courtroom to achieve a fair resolution to your case. When the stakes are this high, it is important to discuss your options with a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in representing college and university students.

On Campus Punishment. All colleges and university take alcohol and drug issues seriously.  If your school chooses to inject itself in your criminal case, the institutional punishment that you will face is spelled out in your Student Code of Conduct.  The decision to take action can depend on factors such as:

  • your previous history with the police,
  • your previous history of institutional infractions
  • the location of your offense (on-campuse or off?),
  • any publicity surrounding your case,
  • your age (did you obtain the alcohol legally?),
  • what major or program you are involved in,
  • whether you are a student-athlete,
  • whether you are involved in a fraternity/sorority,
  • whether you are a “scholarship” student,
  • a prior history of alcohol problems on campus,
  • any property damage,
  • how bad you make the school look to the larger community,
  • injuries to you or others;  and
  • the severity of the impact on the college community

If you have a federal scholarship and you are convicted of ANY drug offense, including a State misdemeanor marijuana charge, you will lose your scholarship for at least one year, and you could lose it permanently. Early reinstatement is possible if certain criteria are satisfied.  Begin your research by looking at your Student Code of Conduct.  Listed below are links to the Student Codes of Conduct of many of the Miami Valley Colleges and Universities

Institutional penalties for drug and/or alcohol offenses may  include: loss of scholarships and federal financial aid; loss of student housing; loss of college-related privileges (attending campus events, library use, etc.; temporary and/or permanent suspension), and you may be put on a probationary period.  The worst offenses may result in permanent expulsion from the school.  Some of these punishments may be levied even if the case does not result in a conviction for DUI.  Some schools show a great deal of leniency and understanding, others are notorious for harsh reactions. Charles is familiar with the special circumstances surrounding a DUI arrest in college.  He knows how awful it is to inform your parents that you were arrested and will work hard to educate and empower you and your family about your case.  He can help with issues caused by family being far away.  He can help get you driving privileges.  He will tell you about costs in a fair and up-front manner.  He will spell out your options about obtaining a “free attorney” either through the local Public Defender’s Office or via your campus pre-paid legal program.  Charles, and the entire staff of DaytonDUI will make you a priority.

Underage Consumption. Underage possession or consumption of beer or intoxicants is a serious crime in Ohio.  The charges are first-degree misdemeanors carrying a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000.00 fine.  Worse yet, a conviction may leave you with a “criminal record” which is much more serious than a fine or costs.  Fear, shame or guilt may compel you to want to plead guilty to put the charge behind you, but that decision may have long-lasting and unintended consequences.  If you are under 21 years old, drinking alcohol is illegal in the State of Ohio.  Ohio Revised Code 4301.69(E)(1) provides that “No underage person shall knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public or private place. No underage person shall knowingly be under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public place.”

The same section provides for three recognized exceptions to the law, they are set forth below:

  1. If the person is in the “presence of their parent, legal guardian or spouse who is over 21 years old;”
  2. If the alcohol is consumed as part of a recognized religious service; and
  3. If the alcohol is prescribed for medical treatment.

Section 4301.69(E)(2), sets forth a diversion program for underage offenders.  It states, “[i]f the child completes the diversion program to the satisfaction of the court, the court shall dismiss the complaint and order the child’s record in the case sealed under sections 2151.356 to 2151.358 of the Revised Code. If the child fails to satisfactorily complete the diversion program, the court shall proceed with the complaint.”  A child is ineligible for diversion if he or she has previously been diverted.  O.R.C 4301.69(A)-(C) also contain harsh penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors or providing them accommodations in which the “owner or occupant” allows a person to remain while the person is possessing or consuming alcohol.  Many times police will target the owner of a home, apartment or dorm room wherein minors are drinking.  If you are under 18 at the time of your arrest, your case will be prosecuted in the Juvenile Court.  Person under 21, but older than 18 will have their cases heard in the Municipal Court.  Often, resolving the matter in court is not the end of the process.  Most university students face a disciplinary hearing before a university review board or student government panel.

Long-term Ramifications. In addition to dealing with any penalties you may face in school, you have to be mindful of the long-term impact of a DUI conviction.  Most employers now routinely do a background check on candidates.  The job market is increasingly competitive and having a DUI on your record may be the difference in beginning your career or being unemployed.  If the career you are pursuing requires obtaining a professional license, it is even more important to fight your charge. Whether you are pursuing a career in medicine, law, nursing accounting or another profession, the licensing board will scrutinize your criminal record before granting you licensure.  Dayton, being a hub of the aerospace and defense industries, has a large number of employers who will require that applicants be eligible for high level security clearances.  Other jobs may require you to obtain fleet insurance, drive a company car or secure a commercial driver’s license.  A DUI can be a major obstacle.  Parents sometimes tell us that their children should pay the price if they are arrested for drunk driving while at college. Often parents do not realize how steep that price can be.

DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Springboro, Huber Heights, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Centerville and throughout Ohio.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324. “All I do is DUI”

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Unintended Consequences of an Ohio DUI Charge

January 6th, 2012

A drunk driving charge can affect you in ways that you may not expect. Listed below are some of the more vexing issues associated with an Ohio DUI (OVI).

1. Child Custody – If you are involved in a custody dispute, or have a vindictive spouse who would like to start one, a DUI/OVI conviction can be used against you in domestic relations court.  Automatic suspensions may make it difficult to exercise visitation with your children.  You may also find a court who will refuse to let you transport the children due to a DUI/OVI conviction, thereby increasing the cost or difficulty in seeing your kids.  Visit www.OhioDivorceAttorney.com for issues involving child custody. MADD has advocated putting a provision in every divorce decree calling for immediate suspension of parental rights if the parent if found to be driving while intoxicated.

2. Adoption – Some investigating agencies will use a DUI/OVI conviction against a party seeking to adopt children.

3. Car Insurance - Some companies will drop you if you have a drunk driving conviction and others may deny claims.  Others raise rates dramatically and still other companies force you to buy “high risk” insurance.  You can expect higher costs and less coverage for your dollar.

4. Employment – Given the societal stigma of a DUI/OVI, many companies will terminate an employee who is charged or convicted of an OVI.  Particularly vulnerable employees include those who drive company cars, those who drive between states for their jobs, those who are covered by fleet insurance and those who have management jobs.  In this tough job market you want to check your employment handbook for any reporting obligations a DUI/OVI require.  You have to decide if the employer needs to know, or, if they will be placated by telling them that you are aggressively fighting your charge.

5. Professional Licenses – Are you a doctor, lawyer, nurse, daycare worker, cosmetologist, private security, barber or any other many other workers required by your state to hold a professional license?  Do you hold a security clearance?  Holders of a professional license may face a range of sanctions for a DUI/OVI conviction, including mandatory alcohol counseling, fines, probationary discipline, license review, denial of a license or revocation of an existing license.  Obviously, you should fight your DUI/OVI charge with vigor to avoid these devastating results.

6. Civil Lawsuits – If you are involved in a drunk driving accident you become a target for victims of personal or property damage.  Many times the societal approbation against drunk driving will motivate someone to seek revenge to assure that you are punished for your negligent and reckless behavior.

7. Pilot’s License – Those holding an FAA Airman’s Certificate are subject to reporting and disclosure requirements.  A DUI is a “motor vehicle action” pursuant to section 61.15 of the FAA Aviation Regulations.

8. Military Induction – The ramifications of a DUI/OVI may prevent or delay induction into the military.  Recruiters are loathe to interfere with an order of any court.

9. Educational (College) Problems – Many colleges, depending on the facts of the case and whether or not the DUI was on school property, will haul you before a disciplinary committee when you are convicted (in some cases charged) with a DUI/OVI offense.  These sanctions are further complicated if you are applying to a college or university.

10. Travel - Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act may prevent entry into Canada following an OVI conviction. [see previous articles on this topic]  You may also face travel restrictions if you engage in travel to sensitive places.

11. Immigration Issues – DUI/OVI is not a crime of violence but may still carry immigration issues.  Make sure your attorney can get advise from a competent immigration attorney.

12. Commercial Drivers – See the numerous articles I have written on the plight of professional drivers who face the loss of their careers even when driving a non-commercial vehicle on their own time.

13. Teachers and Education Majors - First the good news, usually an OVI arrest will usually not result in disciplinary action – BUT IT CAN!  In Ohio, a Teacher, Principal, or School Administrator, who is licensed by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), may face Disciplinary Action for being arrested for DUI.  The circumstances surrounding the arrest may garner publicity if you are a well-known or long-tenured educator.  The internal politics of your school may cause a fellow teacher, a school board member or a member of the public to contact the Ohio Department of Education to trigger an investigation.  If an investigation is initiated, the Ohio Department of Education will not wait for an outcome, but will proceed to impose discipline independent of the outcome of your case.  Factors that may affect your DOE investigation may include whether the offense is a repeat offense, whether the offense involves illegal drugs and/or whether the case results in a conviction.   While there are no hard and fast rules, the more mitigation you are prepared to present to the DOE, the better the chance to avoid discipline and keep your job.

14. Enhancement – A DUI/OVI in Ohio is never expungeable and will follow you for 6 years for enhancement purposes.  This means that if you are convicted of a second OVI within 6 years you will face harsh enhanced penalties.  A DUI/OVI will also require you to submit to a chemical test (no-refusals) for 20 years following a conviction.

Given all the above, many times the most difficult aspect of a DUI/OVI is telling those people you love you have been charged.  The National Highway Transportation Administration, MADD, The Century Council, schools and colleges all spend millions of dollars on educational programs and television commercials stigmatizing the act of drunk driving.  DUI clients are perceived as guilty without a presumption of innocence afforded to most defendants.  Furthermore, it causes stress and financial concerns in families that can cause minor fissures to become major cracks.  If you find yourself charged with a DUI/OVI please contact a competent criminal defense attorney who can protect you from this many-tentacled beast.  Charles M. Rowland II has dedicated his practice to representing the accused drunk driver.  Contact him immediately at 937-879-9542 or 1-888-ROWLAND

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Posted in DUI & College, DUI & Military Issues, DUI & Pilots, DUI & Teachers, DUI Felony, DUI Penalties, DUI Trucking & CDL, DUI Under 21/Juvenile, Ohio Traffic Law

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Consequences of a Fake ID

December 10th, 2011

Fake IDs Have Real Consequences

Seal of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Source

If you are under the age of 21 years of age and you either (a) use someone else’s identification to buy alcohol, or (b) alter your identification to purchase alcohol, you will find yourself facing a multiplicity of consequences.  O.R.C. 4510.33 carries a one year license suspension.  You will be required to retake the driver’s license examination if the license is altered.  You will also be required to pay a reinstatement fee to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  You can file an appeal within 20 days of the mailing of the notice in the municipal or county court, or if under the age of 18 years, in the juvenile court in whose jurisdiction such person resides. You must agree to pay the cost of the proceedings and allege error by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in the suspension of the license or in one or more of the matters within the scope of the hearing.  For more information on a Violation of Liquor Law, visit the Ohio BMV HERE.

A serious offense requires a serious attorney.  I have been fighting driving under suspension charges for over sixteen years. By fighting hard in the courtroom and negotiating intelligently outside of it, we work to avoid a conviction or mitigate the worst provisions of this charge.  Check me out by clicking on the “About Me” section of this blog and contact me at (937) 318-1384. I practice in Dayton, Springfield, Xenia, Miamisburg, Beavercreek, Vandalia, Huber Heights, Fairborn and I appear in all courts throughout the Miami Valley.

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Underage Consumption in Ohio

November 1st, 2011
Power-control theory of gender and delinquency

Underage possession or consumption of beer or intoxicants is a serious crime in Ohio.  The charges are first-degree misdemeanors carrying a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000.00 fine.  Worse yet, a conviction may leave you with a “criminal record” which is much more serious than a fine or costs.  Fear, shame or guilt may compel you to want to plead guilty to put the charge behind you, but that decision may have long-lasting and unintended consequences.

If you are under 21 years old, drinking alcohol is illegal in the State of Ohio.  Ohio Revised Code 4301.69(E)(1) provides that “No underage person shall knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess, or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public or private place. No underage person shall knowingly be under the influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public place.”

The same section provides for three recognized exceptions to the law, they are set forth below:

  1. If the person is in the “presence of their parent, legal guardian or spouse who is over 21 years old;”
  2. If the alcohol is consumed as part of a recognized religious service; and
  3. If the alcohol is prescribed for medical treatment.

Section 4301.69(E)(2), sets forth a diversion program for underage offenders.  It states, “[i]f the child completes the diversion program to the satisfaction of the court, the court shall dismiss the complaint and order the child’s record in the case sealed under sections 2151.356 to 2151.358 of the Revised Code. If the child fails to satisfactorily complete the diversion program, the court shall proceed with the complaint.”  A child is ineligible for diversion if he or she has previously been diverted.

O.R.C 4301.69(A)-(C) also contain harsh penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors or providing them accommodations in which the “owner or occupant” allows a person to remain while the person is possessing or consuming alcohol.  Many times police will target the owner of a home, apartment or dorm room wherein minors are drinking.

If you are under 18 at the time of your arrest, your case will be prosecuted in the Juvenile Court.  Person under 21, but older than 18 will have their cases heard in the Municipal Court.  Often, resolving the matter in court is not the end of the process.  Most university students face a disciplinary hearing before a university review board or student government panel.  At Brown, Rowland, Babb & Campbell, we know how to help you in court and how to help you stay in school.  Call us toll-free at 1-888-769-5263 for immediate assistance.

 

For a link to the full text of O.R.C. 4301.69, please click.

 

 

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Top Ten Rules for Partying in Ohio

September 21st, 2011
Ohio state welcome sign, along US Route 30, en...

As the summer comes to an end, coeds will be returning to colleges and universities across Ohio and more than a few may find themselves stumbling upon a party or two.  But do you know the rules for avoiding an arrest and partying safely?

Rule #1: Don’t Drink and Drive

Ohio has some of the most stringent drunk driving laws in the county.  A first-time offender faces 180 days in jail and a one thousand seventy-five dollar fine, loss of their driver’s license for up to three years and enhanced penalties upon subsequent convictions.  A DUI (called an OVI in Ohio) is not subject to expungement, meaning it will be on your record forever, and subjects an offender to a six (6) year look-back period for enhancements and up to twenty (20) years for enhanced punishments for refusing an officer’s request to provide a breath, blood or urine sample.  In addition to the penalties you will face in court, you may face suspension from your school or other discipline. (Ohio Revised Code 4511.19)

Rule #2: Don’t Drink If You Are Under 21

It is illegal in Ohio for anyone under 21 to purchase, possess or consume an alcoholic beverage.  A conviction of Underage Consumption is a first degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $1,000.00 and/or up to six months in jail.  Despite efforts to lower the drinking age, the law remains rigidly enforced.  Athletes, students on scholarship and students who live in on-campus housing may face additional harsh penalties for underage drinking and be particularly vulnerable to the penalties that are sure to follow an arrest.  Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.69 contains most of the information concerning underage alcohol possession and use. Penalties are in Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.99.

Rule #3: Don’t Furnish Alcohol to Minors

Furnishing someone under 21 with alcohol is a first degree misdemeanor.  If you are providing the alcohol, make sure you know where it is going.  You may be responsible if an underage person consumes the alcohol and face harsh punishments.  Ohio regularly receives funding for programs aimed at curbing underage drinking and uses these funds to go after people providing the booze.  The bigger your party the more likely it is to draw attention from law enforcement.

Rule #4: Don’t Use a Fake ID

Just possessing  a fake ID is illegal in Ohio and is classified as a first degree misdemeanor.  Using the fake ID to purchase alcohol is punished by a mandatory $250.00 fine and may result in a 3 year driver’s license suspension.  A popular enforcement method is for police officers to serve as vendors in drive-through establishments:  “COPS IN SHOPS”

Rule #5: Don’t Drink Where You Shouldn’t

Ohio has an open container law.  It is a minor misdemeanor to possess in public an open container of an alcoholic beverage.  You are subject to a fine of up to $150.00 (a minor misdemeanor).  Possession of alcohol while in a car bumps the charge up to a fourth degree misdemeanor and subjects the offender to 30 days in jail. 4301.62 Opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor prohibited at certain premises.

Rule #6: Don’t Be Drunk In or Near a Car

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 4511.194 (effective Jan. 1, 2005), it is illegal to be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. “Physical Control” is defined as being in the driver’s seat of a car and having possession of the vehicle’s keys.  Physical Control does not require that the vehicle have ever been driven or even started.  Under the statute, having the keys within reach will satisfy the definition of having “physical control.”   The crime is one of potentiality, (i.e. you are so close to driving that we will punish you) and speaks to the growing neo-prohibitionist tendencies in Ohio law.

Rule #7:  Don’t Be Disorderly

Disorderly conduct can occur from simply being intoxicated in public.  Officers are given a great deal of discretion in determining what constitutes disorderly behavior.  Disorderly conduct occurs when one recklessly causes inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to another due to offensive conduct. Disorderly conduct also occurs when one makes unreasonable noise in such a manner as to violate the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or to be detrimental to the life and health of any individual.  While normally a minor misdemeanor ($150.00 fine) a disorderly conduct can be enhanced to a fourth degree misdemeanor (30 days jail/$250 fine) if an officer tells you to stop the behavior and you persist. See O.R.C. 2917.11 Disorderly Conduct.

Rule #8: Don’t burn stuff

Intentionally setting fire to property that might endanger other or their property, in fact damages the property of another and/or preventing police, fire or EMS personnel from doing their job is a violation of O.R.C. 2909.01 to 2909.0.  Students at public universities in Ohio who are found guilty of these crimes will lose all state-funded financial aid for two years.

Rule #9: Disperse When Instructed

Failure to disperse is also a crime in Ohio.  You should begin walking away and/or go indoors upon such an order. You must obey all lawful orders given by such persons at an emergency site.  A recent revision in the law makes a failure to disperse in situations such as campus area riots an offense for which you can be arrested and jailed. If you actively hamper police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other public officials while they are doing their jobs you subject yourself to the charge of Misconduct During An Emergency.

Rule #10 Don’t Riot

The party is getting out of control.  If more than five people are engaging in disorderly behavior the party may be deemed a riot under Ohio law.  Your participation in a riot may subject you to criminal penalties. If there is violence involved the rioting gets bumped up to aggravated rioting.  Aggravated rioting is a felony level offense.  Those found guilty of rioting and aggravated rioting must be dismissed from their university and are not permitted to enroll in any state-supported institution of higher education for one year.

DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, and throughout Ohio.  He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense.  Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook, www.facebook.com/daytondui and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

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Posted in DUI & College, DUI Under 21/Juvenile, Ohio Criminal Law, Physical Control

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