Kettering OVI / DUI Attorney
Charged with OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Kettering? Charles M. Rowland II has represented drivers accused of impaired driving in the Kettering Municipal Court since 1995. He limits his practice exclusively to OVI/DUI defense and holds some of the most impressive OVI credentials in Ohio. Call (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation, 24/7.
Kettering OVI Cases Are Heard in the Kettering Municipal Court
If you are arrested for OVI in Kettering, Centerville, Moraine, or Washington Township, your misdemeanor case will be heard in the Kettering Municipal Court, located at 2325 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, Ohio 45420. The court serves a population of more than 117,000 and handles roughly 15,000 cases each year, about 3,000 criminal cases and 10,000 traffic cases. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clerk of Court can be reached at (937) 296-2461 and the judges’ office at (937) 296-2466. More information is available at ketteringmunicipalcourt.org.
The jurisdiction of the Kettering Municipal Court includes the cities of Kettering and Centerville and Washington Township, and it also handles criminal offenses and some traffic offenses that occur in the City of Moraine. The City of Kettering Prosecutor’s Office, which serves Kettering, Centerville, and Washington Township, can be reached at (937) 296-2549.
The court’s judges include the Honorable Frederick W. Dressel and the Honorable James F. Long. Charlie has appeared as the DUI defense panelist on “You and the Law,” a Dayton public-affairs law program on DATV, alongside Kettering Municipal Court Judge Frederick Dressel.
Do I Have to Appear in Court for a Kettering OVI?
Some people charged in the Kettering Municipal Court think they can skip their first appearance. For an OVI, that is not the case. Many minor traffic and some criminal citations are “waiverable,” meaning they can be paid at the Clerk’s Office without appearing before a judge. An OVI, however, is a “non-waiverable” offense, you must appear before a judge. If you hire an attorney before your court date, your attorney can often handle that appearance for you, but the date on your citation cannot simply be ignored. Do not miss your court date.
Who Makes OVI Arrests in Kettering?
OVI arrests in the Kettering Municipal Court’s jurisdiction are made by the Kettering Police Department, the Centerville Police Department, the Moraine Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (including its Washington Township substation), and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
What to Do After an OVI Arrest in Kettering
Write down everything you remember about the stop and the tests while it is fresh, do not volunteer information, keep the paperwork the officer gave you, and speak with an OVI attorney before your first court date. Your driver’s license is affected immediately through an Administrative License Suspension, and the window to challenge it is short. You can capture the details of your arrest right away using the Arrest Night Questionnaire, then call (937) 318-1384.
OVI Penalties, Court Process, and Your License
A first-offense OVI in Ohio is a first-degree misdemeanor with mandatory minimum penalties, and those penalties increase for high-test cases and for second, third, and subsequent offenses. Your case will move through arraignment, discovery, pretrial, and, if necessary, motions and trial. Separate from the criminal case, your license is subject to an Administrative License Suspension that can often be challenged, and limited driving privileges may be available. Charlie will explain exactly how each of these applies to your Kettering case.
Why Trust Charles M. Rowland II
Charles M. Rowland II has established himself as a top OVI attorney in Ohio and the Dayton area and beyond. He lives by the motto, “Work hard, play by the rules, and never quit!” Preparation, dedication and perseverance are his touchstones. He will vigorously fight for you and will genuinely care about the outcome of your case. He wants the most favorable outcome including acquittals, dismissed charges, or advantageous reduced charges.
He has been recognized by his clients and his peers as a top OVI attorney. He has been a “Super Lawyer” since 2013, a Fellow to the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Nations Top 1%, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for Criminal Defense, a Dayton Bar Association Foundation Fellow, and has appeared in Time and Car & Driver Magazine for OVI defense. He was the first attorney in the United States to earn a certificate in Forensic Sobriety Assessment, and in 2007 he was the first private attorney in Ohio certified on the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath-testing machine. He has been qualified by the United States government as an expert witness on evidential breath testing and has testified in court-martial proceedings. He is a lecturer on OVI defense to police agencies, attorneys, judges, and students, and he taught OVI trial practice at the Greene County Peace Officer Training Academy for over fifteen years.
Charlie is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Foundation (2022 Foundation Fellow), the Greene County Bar Association (past President), the Clark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Foundation (2005 Foundation Fellow), the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Foundation.
What Kettering Clients Say
Mr. Rowland exceeded all my expectations from the first day we talked until the end of my court dates. After getting my first dui I was very stressed out and not sure how to move forward. I had talked to many lawyers before Mr. Rowland, he is the only one who immediately put my mind at ease as well as took my case no questions asked. He worked hard and throughly throughout the entire process, he is very knowledgeable and was always willing to talk to me for peace of mind or if I had any questions. His assistant Lori was also very nice and knowledgeable. Mr. Rowland as well as Lori walked me through the entire process and he was able to get me the best possible outcome for my specific situation. I would highly recommend Mr. Rowland , he is very professional and works very hard for his clients. I couldn’t have gotten a better lawyer or outcome. Thank you again Mr. Rowland for all your hard work and getting me through such a stressful situation.
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Visit Us
Charles M. Rowland II, DaytonDUI 2190 Gateway Drive, Fairborn, OH 45324 (a short drive from Kettering) Phone: (937) 318-1384
Frequently Asked Questions about DUI cases at Kettering Municipal Court
Where is the Kettering Municipal Court?
The Kettering Municipal Court is located at 2325 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, Ohio 45420. The Clerk of Court can be reached at (937) 296-2461.
Which cities does the Kettering Municipal Court cover?
It has jurisdiction over Kettering, Centerville, and Washington Township, and it also handles criminal and some traffic offenses from the City of Moraine.
Do I have to appear in court for a Kettering OVI?
Yes. An OVI is a “non-waiverable” charge in the Kettering Municipal Court, which means you must appear before a judge, you cannot simply pay it at the Clerk’s Office. If you hire an attorney before your court date, your attorney can often handle that appearance for you.
Can I still drive after an OVI arrest in Kettering?
Your license is suspended immediately through an Administrative License Suspension, but you may be able to obtain limited driving privileges after an initial waiting period. Charlie can explain the timing and requirements for your case.
Free Consultation
If you were arrested for OVI in Kettering, Centerville, Moraine, or Washington Township, call Charles M. Rowland II at (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation.