Saturday , June 10 2023
Home / Author Archives: Shawn Dominy

Author Archives: Shawn Dominy

Shawn Dominy
Shawn Dominy is a DUI/OVI lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. He is the former President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the state delegate to the National College for DUI Defense and a long-time member of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. Shawn Dominy authored the books 'Ohio DUI/OVI Guide', 'Ohio Vehicular Homicide Guide', and 'Ohio Vehicular Assault Guide' (Rivers Edge Publishing) and wrote a chapter in the book 'Defending Vehicular Homicide Cases' (Aspatore Publishing, 2012). He has several other published articles, and he speaks regularly at seminars teaching other lawyers about DUI/OVI. Shawn was named by SuperLawyers® as one of the top 50 lawyers in Columbus, Ohio, and he is listed as one of the 'Best Lawyers in America'® for DUI Defense. Shawn is a lifelong resident of central Ohio: he graduated from Olentangy High School and earned his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from The Ohio State University. His office is in Columbus, and he lives in Powell with his wife and daughter. He serves with local community organizations, volunteers regularly at his church, and plays regularly with his German Shepherd. For more information, Shawn’s website is www.dominylaw.com, his blog is www.columbusoviattorneyblog.com,

Everything You Need to Know About a First-Offense DUI/OVI in Ohio

A recent article in Forbes Advisor purports to tell readers ‘everything you need to know’ about a first-offense DUI.  The article discusses definitions, consequences, and options in general terms.  It does not tell readers precise definitions, consequences, and options in a particular state.  The problem is DUI laws are state-specific:  every state has its own DUI laws.  If you really want to know about a first-offense DUI in Ohio (where it’s called ‘OVI’), read on. Read More »

New Ohio Law Will Permit Officers to Stop Drivers Holding Cell Phones

Under current Ohio law, a driver may be charged with Driving While Texting if the driver is stopped for another offense and the officer discovers the driver was texting while driving.  However, a police officer is not permitted to initiate a traffic stop based on the officer’s suspicion that a driver was doing so.  As of April 3, 2023, officers will be authorized to stop a vehicle if the driver is using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic wireless communications ... Read More »

Speedy Trial Law for Ohio DUI/OVI Cases

DUI cases (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) have time limits.  The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution gives everyone the right to a “speedy and public trial”.  In addition to the Constitutional time limits, there are statutory time limits imposed by state legislatures.  In Ohio, the trial for an OVI must generally be held within 90 days.  For cases in which there is a delay in obtaining blood and urine test results, the question is when the speedy trial clock ... Read More »

What Is an Ohio Driver Intervention Program?

Each state has different laws for DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio), and some state laws are more lenient than others.  In some states, a first offense is merely a civil sanction.  In other states, a first offense carries mandatory jail time.  In Ohio, the sentence for a first offense OVI does include a mandatory jail term, but that jail term may be avoided by completing a Driver Intervention Program (DIP). Read More »

Supreme Court of Ohio Addresses Constitutionality of Vehicle Forfeiture for DUI/OVI

In Ohio, one consequence of repeat DUI convictions (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) is immobilization or forfeiture of the vehicle driven by the defendant at the time of the offense.  Those sanctions are imposed if the vehicle is in the defendant’s name.  For a second offense within ten years, the vehicle is immobilized for 90 days.  For a third offense (or more) within ten years, and for a sixth offense (or more) within 20 years, the vehicle is forfeited.  The Constitutionality ... Read More »

Driving High and THC Levels

A recent New York Times article answers this question:  “I know all about the dangers of driving while drunk.  But is driving while high on marijuana as dangerous?”  The author discusses the possible dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana.  Studies on marijuana-related driving impairment have produced inconsistent results, so the true danger is unknown.  What is known is THC blood levels are not correlated with driving impairment. Read More »