Client was stopped for driving 90 mph in a 65 mph zone. The officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol. Client failed the field sobriety tests and was arrested. While the officer was moving client’s vehicle off the road, he noticed a baggie of marijuana sticking out of the dash. Client admitted to smoking marijuana prior to getting pulled over. Client tested .098 on breath alcohol test and .169 for marijuana metabolite in his body. Client was cited for OVI, Speed, No Seatbelt, and Possession of Marijuana.
Client was not a resident of Ohio and had other “driving problems” in client’s home state. Client did not show up for court and did not retain an attorney, so a bench warrant was issued for client to be arrested and a block was placed on client’s drivers license. 13 years later, client contacted me to get the matter resolved. I had client complete the 3 day alcohol school and set his case for a pre-trial. The court did not withdraw the bench warrant.
Client showed up to court at the scheduled pre-trial. Negotiations with the prosecutor resulted in a conviction for OVI with the remainder of the charges dismissed. Client received credit for the 3 day alcohol school, a 1 year license suspension that was back dated to 6/20/00 (so it was over), and a $250 fine. The bench warrant was withdrawn and the license block removed. Client left court house, never to return.