Essentially, all of these acronyms boil down to the same concept: a criminal charge for drunk driving. Some states use DUI laws, while others use OVI, OMVI, or DWI laws. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between these charges because most drunk driving convictions are commonly referred to as “DUIs,” even if you live in a state that does not officially use the DUI charge.

To simplify things, the DUI attorneys of Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH, have compiled a brief explanation of the legal differences between DWIs, DUIs, OMVIs, and OVIs.

DWI

When considering drunk driving laws, most people think about the DWI, which means “driving while intoxicated.” Under DWI laws, drivers cannot operate a vehicle while they are over the legal limit for alcohol consumption. For a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant was both driving and over the state’s legal limit.

DUI

“Driving under the influence” laws, or DUI laws, are broader than DWI laws because they also include driving a car while under the influence of drugs. If you live in a DUI state, the prosecutor will have to prove that the defendant was driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. At Pater, Pater & Halverson Co., your DUI attorney will fight to counter their efforts with spirited skill.

OMVI

The original drunk driving law of Ohio was the OMVI, or “operating a motor vehicle impaired.” This law was enacted in 1982 and is, essentially, the same as a DUI. However, Ohio’s OMVI law is a little broader than some states’ DUI laws, because Ohio’s definition of “driving” includes more than just driving a car. For example, a defendant could be found guilty of an OMVI even if they were sitting in their car in a parking lot while impaired.

OVI

In 2004, Ohio updated their drunk driving laws and replaced the OMVI with the broader law of OVI, or “operating a vehicle impaired.” Again, the OVI rule uses the broad “driving” definition and only requires a prosecutor to prove that the defendant was drunk or impaired by drugs. However, with the new law, Ohio removed the need for the vehicle to be “motorized.” Instead, citizens can be arrested for OVIs even if they are riding a bicycle.

If you need help after being charged with an OVI in Ohio, contact the criminal lawyers of Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. at (513) 867-1411 today. For more information on hiring a respected DUI attorney, visit the firm online.