When you are accused of OVI in Massillon or the Stark County, Ohio area, you need an aggressive attorney on your side. You need a Massillon OVI lawyer. Attorney Gigiano began his career as a DUI prosecutor in 1993, spending over one year in a single docket courtroom that handled nothing but DUIs, driving under suspension and other jail-carrying traffic matters. His success in handling such matters led to his work prosecuting felony DUIs, homicide traffic matters and other felony offenses. In 1999, Attorney Gigiano began defending individuals, putting his vast criminal and traffic law experience to use. He won his first criminal defense trial, and continued his success in getting a number of DUI offenses dismissed, felony OVI reduced to misdemeanors, and avoiding jail time for clients in serious traffic matters, including homicide traffic. Years ago, one could simply convince the prosecutor that the client was deserving of a deal. Those days are all but gone, as the traffic defense attorney must first expose the weaknesses in the State’s case to earn serious consideration. The prosecutor, faced with a potential loss, may finally offer a deal worth considering, giving the client a choice between a plea bargain reduction or going for the win at trial. Taking your chances by simply pleading guilty and throwing yourself on the mercy of the court is taking chances with your freedom, and consequently, your job and your family.
OVI stands for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The creation of this offense began in the early 1980s, with the passage of the OMVI law (operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs). OMVI was later replaced by OVI. Ohio OVIs carry serious consequences, beginning with a minimum of three days in jail and, for repeat offenders, carrying the potential sentence of years in prison. Only three days? Just plea to the first one? What if you were really not guilty of this one? What if you get another one next year because your designated driver left with someone else at that bar, leaving you to drive yourself home? Now, the penalties increase, all because you got the first one “over with,” instead of fighting the injustice that you were handed. What if this happens a few more times (significant other/spouse gets mad at you and calls a friend to take him/her home, leaving you to drive home while intoxicated)? Now, instead of just a lengthy local jail sentence, you become a convicted felon and get shipped off to a far away prison, losing your job and any chance of ever finding a job as good as the one you had. All this can happen because that first DUI seemed so easy to put behind you. All because you were convinced this could never happen again.
Attorney is an experienced Massillon OVI lawyer who practices in the courts in Stark County, Wayne County, Summit County, Medina County, and other nearby county courts. Call Attorney Gigiano now at 330-336-3330 to learn how he can help you.