One of the most confusing aspects of getting arrested for driving while impaired is trying to figure out the exact allegations being made against you. This is because you may hear it called several different terms by the various people handling your criminal law case. The most common acronyms used to describe this type of offense in Ohio are OVI and DUI. They are frequently used interchangeably to refer to drivers who have been pulled over for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, there are distinctions between the two, which are expanded on in the sections below. 

What to Know About Ohio OVIs & DUIs

1. OVI or DUI?

OVI or operating a vehicle while impaired is currently the correct way to refer to drunk driving, while DUI or driving under the influence is what was previously used in Ohio’s criminal law books. The only difference is that OVI has broadened the legal definition of operating a vehicle. You may be charged with an OVI whether or not the vehicle is actually moving or the engine is running. You need only be in the driver’s seat and the keys within reach. Additionally, the law no longer requires a vehicle be motorized in OVI charges, which means it’s also illegal to be impaired while operating a bike, horse-drawn carriage, or anything else of that nature. 

2. Your Rights Regarding Field Sobriety Tests 

It’s crucial to note that if you are stopped on suspicion of OVI, provisions in Ohio’s criminal law code give you the right to refuse any field sobriety tests the police officer might request. It’s not likely that you will be allowed to continue on your way even if you believe you’ve easily passed these tests. Instead, you will only be helping law enforcement gather more evidence to use in their case against you.

3. Penalties for OVI Conviction 

Penalties for OVI convictions can be harsh, as they are not only handed down by the court, but also the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In addition to a criminal background, you may face jail time, hefty fines, a lengthy driver’s license suspension, and a court order to complete an alcohol program. For each conviction after the first, the consequences will continue to get more severe. 

Regardless of what your charges are called, driving while impaired is a serious offense in Ohio. It’s crucial that you hire an attorney who has extensive experience representing similar criminal law cases. For those living in Elyria, OH, the go-to source for sound legal advice and effective defense strategies is Michael D. Doyle, Attorney At Law. He has served as an OVI attorney for more than 25 years, earning a successful track record for helping clients achieve the most favorable results possible. Contact him at (440) 323-0001 or visit his website for more information.