How does a DUI conviction affect you?  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.DaytonDivorceLaw.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.  At DaytonDUI, we often get referrals from divorce attorneys who are seeking to protect their clients from harm in divorce court by aggressively fighting a DUI charge.

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 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. 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

Related articles

• Arrested for OVI in Xenia, Ohio? (daytondui.com)
• Case Look-Up Information in the Kettering Municipal Court (daytondui.com)
• 2011 OVI Statistics (from the Ohio State Highway Patrol) (daytondui.com)
• Driving Under Suspension in Ohio (daytondui.com)
• Arrested For OVI in Miamisburg? West Carrollton? Miami Township? (daytondui.com)
• DUI and Ohio Boating Laws (daytondui.com)

If you have been arrested for OVI in Fairborn, Bath Township, Beavercreek or Beavercreek Township, your misdemeanor OVI case will be heard in the Beavercreek/Fairborn Municipal Court, 1148 Kauffman Ave. in Fairborn, Ohio.  If you need to find information about a case in the Fairborn Municipal Court you can search HERE for case information or visit the court’s web site HERE.

Charles M. Rowland II, a life-long resident of Beavercreek,  has represented the accused drunk driver in the Fairborn Municipal Court for over fifteen years.  Charles Rowland dedicates his practice to OVI law and has some of the most impressive credentials for OVI attorneys in the state of Ohio.  If you find yourself in need of criminal representation in the Fairborn Municipal Court, contact Fairborn DUI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II today!  You can reach Charles Rowland at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384), 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263), or 24/7 on the after-hours DUI Hotline at 937-776-2671, by texting DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500 or by visiting www.FairbornDUI.com, or www.BeavercreekDUI.com.

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• Arrested at Wright-Patterson AFB? (daytondui.com)
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• Arrested for DUI in Xenia or Bellbrook? (daytondui.com)
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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

• Wright State University’s Student Code of Conduct
• University of Dayton’s Student Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct
• Central State University’s Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Wittenberg University Student Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Cedarville University’s Student Handbook
• Wilmington College Student Code of Conduct
• Urbana University Student Handbook

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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Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (1-888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  Immediate help is available by filling out this CONTACT form.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting follow DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and you can access updates by becoming a fan of Dayton DUI/OVI Defense.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@CharlesRowland.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

Related articles

• DUI And The College Student (daytondui.com)
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If you want to receive updated information on sobriety checkpoints,  enhanced traffic enforcement, saturation patrols and other important developments that affect you, sign up for text alerts on the main page of this blog.  Text alerts will be sent directly to your mobile device/smartphone in the location you choose in the Miami Valley.  In the past month we have alerted our followers to the State Route 35 traffic initiative and three local sobriety checkpoints.  You should also know that we respect your trust and we will never send you irrelevant information and/or advertisements.  This service is free and available to the general public.

You can also put DaytonDUI on your Android Smart phone via the DaytonDUI app.  The app helps you know your rights and know yourself by providing a drink tally so that you do not overindulge.  You can send safe drinking tips to friends or use the app to find the nearest taxi for a safe trip home.  The app brings you the best of DaytonDUI’s video and audio content and gives you a chance to take pictures and record memories so that you can aid in your own defense.  Our sincere desire is to make our roads a safer place.

Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (1-888-769-5263).  For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671.  Immediate help is available by filling out this CONTACT form.  For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500.  Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting follow DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and you can access updates by becoming a fan of Dayton DUI/OVI Defense.  You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@CharlesRowland.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.

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