Criminal Defense

At Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews, we defend clients against a wide variety of criminal charges and traffic violations, including:

  • Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) offenses, including high-test charges and charges alleging physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol
  • Misdemeanors, such as petty theft, reckless driving, illegal possession of an unregistered firearm, and trespassing
  • Juvenile offenses, such as underage drinking or alcohol possession, theft, drug offenses, and vandalism

The firm’s senior criminal defense attorney, Daniel J. Funk, is a former city prosecutor, giving him valuable insight into the inner workings of the Ohio criminal justice system. With every case he takes on Dan is able to bring to bear his considerable experience trying cases before Ohio juries, as well as his in-depth knowledge of local judges and prosecutors.

Everyone accused of a crime deserves to have an attorney in their corner who will fight for them and ensure that their rights are protected at every turn. Even with minor criminal charges, you may be facing significant penalties that can impact your future ability to get a job or pass a background check. Your freedom may also be at stake. With so much on the line, it is essential that you consult an experienced criminal defense attorney early in the process. We represent our clients with compassion and integrity, while aggressively advocating on their behalf to obtain the best possible outcome.

We also believe that communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship and take great pride in our accessibility and responsiveness. We understand how stressful it can be to face criminal charges and not to know what is going on with your case. We will be by your side every step of the way, keeping you well-informed of the status of your case. We will listen to your questions and concerns and work closely with you to prepare a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and the circumstances of your case.

Specific Offenses

Our criminal defense attorneys stand ready to step in and advocate on your behalf.

OVI

We represent individuals charged with driving under the influence. Whether it is your first OVI charge or your fifth, we have significant experience defending against all types of Ohio drunk driving charges. The penalties for individuals charged with drunk driving in Ohio will always vary, based on certain factors, including your blood alcohol content, age, and past criminal history.

Even if a driver has no other brushes with the law, a first-time OVI offense carries stiff penalties. First-time offenders can face jail time, fines, license suspension, required completion of driver education courses and up to six points on their driver’s license.

The consequences for subsequent OVI charges in Ohio are similar to first-time offender penalties — but much higher. Drivers with more than one drunk driving charge will be mandated to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicles (and are responsible for paying the requisite installation and maintenance costs).

A felony OVI carries much steeper consequences than a misdemeanor drunk driving charge in Ohio. Drivers found operating a vehicle while under the influence will likely face felony OVI if they have been:

  • Previously convicted of an unrelated felony, or
  • Convicted of a third, fourth or subsequent OVI within the last six years, or
  • Convicted of five OVIs within a 20-year period

Along with criminal penalties, if convicted of felony OVI you could face loss of employment opportunities, suspension of your professional license, steep auto insurance rates or even modification of your present child custody order.

Juvenile Offenses

In Ohio, individuals under the age of 21 found driving with a .02 blood alcohol content or higher will face Operating a Vehicle after Underage Consumption charges (OVUAC). Penalties for a first OVUAC offense may involve jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, yellow license plates, and completion of a treatment program. The penalties are much steeper for subsequent OVUAC offenses.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors in Ohio are divided into five classes. First degree misdemeanors include petty theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle, and are punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $1000, or both. Second degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $750, or both, and include offenses such as manufacturing or selling drug paraphernalia, or obstructing official business.

Third degree misdemeanors, such as loitering for the purpose of prostitution, are punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Fourth degree misdemeanors, including criminal trespass, are punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of as much as $250, or both. Minor misdemeanors, such as disorderly conduct and reckless driving, are punishable by a fine of up to $150. There is no jail time for minor misdemeanors.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with a crime or offense, let us be your advocate. Call 330-499-6000 today.