DUI & Bowling Green Students

A Bowling Green DUI Lawyer Can Make a Difference

A top Bowling Green DUI lawyer can make a big difference when a BGSU student is charged with a DUI or other criminal offense. When college students are charged with a DUI, they often go to their first court appearance and plead guilty. They may talk to their friends and other college students and figure that the punishment won’t be that big of a deal. Unfortunately, they don’t stop to consider all the consequences of a DUI.

For example, pleading guilty to a drinking and driving charge without a Bowling Green DUI Lawyer carries the following penalties: (a) 3 days in the Wood County Jail up to a maximum of six months; (b) a fine ranging from $375 to $1075; (c) Substance abuse counseling at a Bowling Green Ohio DUI treatment facility; (d) mandatory Ohio DUI license suspension between six months and three years; (e) probation with the Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court; and (f) the possible imposition of special Ohio DUI license plates and an ignition interlock device to be used if the BGSU student is given driving privileges during his suspension.

There are significant long term consequences as well, beyond the punishments outlined above. Most Bowling Green DUI lawyers can tell you that a DUI cannot be expunged from your record under Ohio law and it does not drop off of your record after three years. In fact, Bowling Green DUI lawyers know that an Ohio DUI will NEVER come off of the student’s driving record. Rather, it will follow them for life and could jeopardize the student’s future employment prospects for certain professions.

In addition, Bowling Green State University students who are charged with DUI, OVI, or other criminal offenses without consulting a Bowling Green DUI lawyer face more severe punishment than a regular Bowling Green DUI defendant. Why? Because the student must not only face the drinking and driving charge in Bowling Green Municipal Court or Toledo Ohio Municipal Court, where DUI charges are normally prosecuted, but also at Bowling Green State University, where the college can use the DUI as conduct giving reason to charge the student with a violation of the code of student conduct.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular student DUI/OVI case, there are many defense strategies that can be utilized by Bowling Green DUI lawyer. If you have a Bowling Green Ohio DUI case, you should consider talking to a top Bowling Green DUI lawyer to see if he can get the case dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. The penalties on these pages only apply to drivers who are convicted of DUI/OVI. An experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer may be able to prevent that from happening.

Bowling Green DUI Lawyer Defense Strategies:

The first DUI defense strategy that a top Bowling Green DUI lawyer would examine is whether the police had probable cause that the student violated the traffic laws before pulling him/her over. If they didn’t, the DUI case could be dismissed or reduced to a lower offense.

The second DUI defense strategy that an experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer would evaluate is whether the police had reasonable articulable suspicion to elevate the investigation from a mere traffic stop to a DUI case.   If the officer cannot point to specific factors for doing so, the DUI case could be dismissed or reduced to a lower offense.

The third DUI defense strategy that a top Bowling Green DUI lawyer would examine is whether the police conducted any field sobriety testing. If so, did the officer administer the field sobriety testing within the established procedures set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)?  If the police officer didn’t follow the procedures, the DUI case could be dismissed or reduced to a lower offense.

The fourth DUI defense strategy that a good Bowling Green DUI lawyer would evaluate is whether there are other innocent explanations for the student driver’s behavior. For example, officers often cite bloodshot eyes and slurred speech as indicators of alcohol impairment. However, top Bowling Green DUI lawyers know that those indicators can be caused by fatigue or exhaustion, not alcohol consumption. If this applies to the BG student’s case, it may be dismissed or reduced.

A fifth DUI defense strategy that your Bowling Green DUI lawyer will consider is whether the police followed all procedures for administering a breath test. The Ohio DUI regulations applicable to breath testing devices are numerous and complex. It’s not uncommon for a police officer to make an error in this process. If he did, the DUI case could be dismissed or reduced to a lower offense.

Bowling Green DUI Lawyer Reviews for Jeremiah Denslow:

Five Star Review on Google Reviews for Bowling Green DUI lawyer: “Choose Mr. Denslow if you want exemplary representation. The DUI DUDE will get the job done. The judge took a moment to personally greet and shake hands with Mr. Denslow, an obvious sign of respect. This judge followed this moment saying verbatim, “this looks like the deal of a lifetime.”

Five Star Review on Google Reviews for Bowling Green DUI lawyer: “Jeremiah gives his clients the individual attention that you just don’t see from other attorneys. He’s honest, articulate, and works very hard for his clients. I’d recommend him to friends and family alike. Great attorney!”
Five Star Review on Google Reviews for Bowling Green DUI lawyer: “Jeremiah is a one of a kind attorney. I’d highly recommend him. He has a reputation for doing a great job with college students and their alcohol related charges. He’s compassionate, smart, and he gets good results.”

Five Star Review on Google Reviews for Bowling Green DUI lawyer: “Jeremiah has been great for me. He currently represents me on some fairly serious issues and he’s been able to accomplish everything I’ve asked. He works hard, communicates often and treats me like more than just another client. Obviously, from his reviews here, I’m not the only one who feels this way. If you’re looking for a defense lawyer anywhere in Ohio, give Jeremiah Denslow a try.”

Five Star Review on Google Reviews for Bowling Green DUI lawyer: “We attended an ALS hearing with two attorneys I had spoken with also present. All other parties settled for driving privileges, Jeremiah presented three ways to overturn the suspension and asked for reinstatement and it was granted. His work and individual attention to clients really shines when you attend hearings.”

Message from Bowling Green DUI Lawyer Jeremiah Denslow:

Batavia DUI lawyerHello. My name is Jeremiah Denslow and I’m an Ohio lawyer who focuses his entire practice on DUI and criminal defense. I travel to courts across Ohio representing college students charged with DUI and other offenses. If you have a Bowling Green DUI, it’s imperative that you call a Bowling Green DUI lawyer to evaluate your case. In the calendar year 2016, I was able to get over fifty percent of the charges against my clients dismissed or reduced to a lower level offense. While I cannot guarantee a particular result in your case, a successful result is my priority. For that reason, I limit the number of clients I accept so that I can give each case the time and attention it deserves. My practice is run using a simple formula for success: (1) Concentrated focus and dedication on DUI and criminal defense; (2) Concentrated focus and dedication on Ohio courts; and (3) Concentrated focus and dedication on limiting the number of clients I accept. Essentially, it’s an extremely focused practice with less clients and more attention for each client.

If you are seeking a Bowling Green DUI lawyer, please call me at 1-844-DUI-DUDE.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process

In addition to the regular legal process that plays out in the Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court or Toledo Ohio Municipal Court, a Bowling Green student may face discipline from the college as well. The Bowling Green Student Code of Conduct prohibits many types of student behavior including drug use, underage consumption of alcohol, public intoxication, DUI, OVI and drinking and driving. Any student found to have committed any illegal conduct is subject to the Bowling Green student disciplinary process. Students are permitted to consult with a Bowing Green DUI lawyer in dealing with the disciplinary process.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process Part 1: The Incident Report

Members of the Bowling Green State University community may file an incident report alleging that a BG student has committed an act that is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, including drinking and driving. In addition, the college may receive an incident report from external entities, including Ohio law enforcement agencies and citizens of the general population. Police departments around the state of Ohio routinely make referrals for students who are caught drinking and driving in Bowling Green and other Ohio cities. Upon receipt of an incident report, the college reviews all relevant information and may consult with the appropriate parties regarding the incident in question. The University may conduct an investigation to determine if the Incident Report has merit and if it can be resolved by mutual agreement of the student and their Bowling Green DUI lawyer while also acceptable to the college. Students not subject to expulsion and those who do not dispute the alleged facts can resolve their case quickly through an Informal Conduct Meeting.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process Part 2: The Investigation

Students will have an opportunity to meet with the college to discuss the Incident Report. The student is permitted to have a Bowling Green DUI lawyer with them during this process. During the investigation meeting, Bowling Green State University will inform the student of their rights within the code of student conduct, including:

  • The right to a copy of the Incident Report
  • The right to retain a top Bowling Green Ohio DUI lawyer at the student’s expense
  • The right to respond to the Incident Report and to present relevant information and witnesses.

Based on the information presented by the accused student and complainant, a determination will be made whether or not the information presented warrants a charge.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process Part 3: Informal Conduct Meeting

Accused students not subject to expulsion and not disputing the Incident Report may choose an informal conduct meeting to resolve an alleged violation of the BGSU Student Code of Conduct, including a Bowling Green Ohio DUI case. This amounts to an informal meeting between the BGSU student and their Bowling Green DUI lawyer and a representative of Bowling Green where the parties will discuss the case and a final written decision will be provided to the student.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process Part 4: Formal University Conduct Committee (UCC) or Trial

Any Bowling Green Student who challenges an alleged violation of the Code of Student Conduct, including an Ohio DUI, OVI or drinking and driving offense, will be scheduled for a University Conduct Committee, which is akin to a contested hearing or trial. The student’s Bowling Green DUI lawyer is permitted to attend this hearing as well. The student will be notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the hearing and include the following information about the referral:

  • the specific allegations pending against the student, including a Bowling Green Ohio DUI charge
  • a brief summary of the allegations, including a Bowling Green Ohio DUI police report if available.
  • a statement of the Bowling Green student’s rights and responsibilities under the code of conduct.

Instead of a judge, the University uses a committee to assess the facts and circumstances of the case and determine if a violation of the student code of conduct occurred.

The standard of evidence at the hearing is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning Bowling Green State University must prove its case against the BG student by just 51%. In other words, the college merely has to prove it’s more likely than not that the student misconduct occurred, which is the lowest standard of evidence in American jurisprudence. Bowling Green DUI lawyers will tell you that this standard is far lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the burden of proof in the Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court DUI/OVI case or Toledo Ohio Municpal Court DUI case. At the end of the proceedings, the committee will decide if the student is in violation of the University of Bowling Green’s Student Code of Conduct.

The accused student is permitted to have a top Bowling Green DUI lawyer with him/her throughout the trial, however, the lawyer’s involvement is limited by the University’s rules. For example, Bowling Green, like most colleges, only permits the Bowling Green DUI lawyer to counsel the accused student, advise her, give her direction and explain things during the course of the proceedings. In limited circumstances, the Bowling Green DUI lawyer can advocate on the student’s behalf during proceedings. While the lawyer’s role may be limited, it can be very advantageous for a student to have a Bowling Green DUI lawyer present, particularly when she also has a DUI simultaneously pending in Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court or Toledo Municipal Court.

Why? For many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is that Bowling Green students without a Bowling Green DUI lawyer often make inappropriate statements admitting illegal behavior at disciplinary hearings, even when they don’t realize they’re doing so. Such statements can then be admitted into evidence in a Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court DUI/OVI trial to determine the student’s guilt or innocence. This may lead one to believe that a Bowling Green student should never make a statement at the trial. However, it’s not that easy. Sometimes a student can make statements delicately, in a way that doesn’t harm his chances at winning the DUI trial in Bowling Green Ohio Municipal Court or Toledo Ohio Municipal Court. Only an experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer can provide real-time advice on whether the student should make statements, answer questions or remain silent in the hearing.

The Bowling Green Student Code of Conduct sets forth some other basic rules for the hearing:

  • Both sides must provide notification of any witness they intend on calling to testify at the hearing. At the hearing, both sides may ask questions of the witnesses and so can the hearing officer.
  • The accused student is permitted to have an experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer as an advocate and Bowling Green is permitted to have a lawyer advocate on its behalf as well.
  • The accused student is allowed to remain silent throughout the proceedings and can choose not to testify or answer questions. Further, Bowling Green will not punish the student for exercising such right. The decision whether to testify or answer questions should only be made after consultation with a Bowling Green DUI lawyer.
  • The accused Bowling Green student shall be given the opportunity to present evidence of extenuating circumstances, good character, good academics, or history of good conduct bearing only upon the sanction to be assessed by the committee. An experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer can orchestrate and direct the presentation of this type of material.
  • Parties may be allowed to submit witness statements as evidence if the party is unable to appear at the hearing.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer or hearing board will determine whether the accused BGSU student is in violation of the Bowling Green Student Code of Conduct. After a verdict is reached, the student and their Bowling Green DUI lawyer will be provided with written notification of the decision or verdict.

The Bowling Green Student Disciplinary Process Part 5: Sanctioning or Punishment

Once a Bowling Green student is found responsible for violations of the Bowling Green Code of Student Conduct, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed. Notice is typically sent directly to the student as well as the Bowling Green DUI lawyer:

Bowling Green State University Written Warning

This sanction is a written warning or a recognition of misconduct with the condition that further violations of the Code of Student Conduct, including a Bowling Green student DUI, may result in more severe sanctions.

Bowling Green State University Residential Conduct Probation

This sanction is a period of probation and means any further violations of the Code of Student Conduct during a defined period of time may result in more severe sanctions.

Bowling Green State University Residence Hall Suspension

This sanction forces the student out of his BGSU student housing for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.

Bowling Green State University Residence Hall Expulsion

This sanction is a permanent separation of the student from his BGSU student housing.

Bowling Green State University Educational Sanctions

This sanction involves work assignments, service to the University or other related educational assignments, and may include Bowling Green Ohio DUI student educational courses, substance abuse treatment at a Bowling Green Ohio DUI treatment facility, or a Bowling Green DUI/OVI driver intervention program in northern Ohio.

Bowling Green State University Restitution

Compensation, within a specified period of time, for loss or damage. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.

Bowling Green State University Deferred Suspension

This sanction is a suspended temporary separation from the University for a specific period of time during which specified educational sanctions are required to be completed, and may include Bowling Green DUI student educational courses in northern Ohio, substance abuse treatment at a Bowling Green Ohio DUI treatment facility, or a Bowling Green Ohio DUI/OVI driver intervention program. Upon successful completion of educational sanctions, conduct probation will be assigned for a defined period of time. Failure to complete the sanctions will result in suspension from the University.

Bowling Green State University Suspension

This sanction is a separation of the student from the Bowling Green State University for a specific period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified, and might include Bowling Green DUI student educational courses in northern Ohio, substance abuse treatment at a Bowling Green Ohio drinking and driving treatment facility, or a Bowling Green DUI driver intervention program.

Expulsion

This sanction is a permanent separation of the BG student from the University and a permanent notation on one’s transcript.

The Bowling Green Code of Student Conduct states that sanctions should be administered fairly taking into account the violation, including when the violation is related to a student DUI. Individual circumstances, attitude, and the student’s behavioral history are some factors the college will likely consider when imposing sanctions. Thus, a second student DUI or third student DUI offense is likely to be punished more severely than a first BGSU student DUI. If you’re facing a second or third drinking and driving disciplinary case, an experienced Bowling Green DUI lawyer is crucial

Bowling Green Students Can Appeal the University’s Decision and Sanction

A Bowling Green student found in violation of the code by any means, including a Bowling Green DUI, OVI or drinking and driving offense, has the right to appeal the decision and sanction. If a student has not yet retained counsel already, it would be imperative to contact a Bowling Green DUI lawyer at this time. The Code of Conduct limits any appeal to the following grounds:

  • To determine whether the accused student was provided adequate notice of the hearing and opportunity to present his case.
  • To determine whether a significant procedural error occurred at the hearing that was materially prejudicial to the student.
  • There is new evidence, information or witnesses that were unavailable at the time of the student’s hearing.
  • To determine, based only upon a review of the hearing record, whether there hearing committee had a reasonable basis to justify the decision reached and sanctions imposed.

After reviewing the appeal, as well as any additional documentation, the Bowling Green Appeals Officer will take one the following actions:

  • The appeal may be granted and the case against the BGSU student dismissed.
  • The appeal may remand the case for a new hearing with clarification or instruction.
  • The appeal may uphold the findings and sanctions.
  • The appeal may modify or eliminate the sanctions.

Other Ohio Colleges and Universities

If you are a college student at one of Ohio’s other colleges or universities, please click on the link to review the university’s procedures as they relate to DUI and the disciplinary process. Jeremiah Denslow is a Bowling Green DUI lawyer who represents BGSU students and other college students at the following Ohio schools:

Common Mistakes in Ohio DUI/OVI Investigations

No Bowling Green Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving arrest is perfect and the best Bowling Green DUI lawyers knows this. Most Bowling Green DUI investigations include a number of witnesses, including police officers and the personnel who collect, store and test chemical samples.  These witnesses are human and they make mistakes. Further, most Bowling Green Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a breath testing device or other testing equipment that is not always maintained according to current Bowling Green Ohio DUI/OVI regulations.

Do You Want Award-Winning Ohio DUI/OVI Representation?

There are over 1 million laws in the United States. I am a Bowling Green lawyer who devotes his entire practice to DUI and criminal defense. Because of my experience and concentrated focus, I know the Bowling Green DUI laws better than most attorneys in the state. I am a passionate Bowling Green DUI lawyer and I get results, however, I only accept a limited number of clients. If you’re serious about your case and want a top Bowling Green lawyer on your team, call me, the Ohio DUI Dude at 1-844-DUI-DUDE.

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