If you’re charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle impaired (OVI), it’ll impact your personal and business activities for years. Under Ohio criminal law, penalties include jail time, high fines, and restricted driving privileges. The questions below will help you understand what’s at stake and how an experienced lawyer can help.

DUI & OVI Questions & Answers Under Ohio Criminal Law 

What’s the difference between OVI and DUI?

In Ohio, OVI laws prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, including cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and marijuana, or a combination of these substances. Other states employ different terminology, calling OVI offenses DUI.   

Will I go to jail for a DUI or OVI conviction?

Generally, yes. Ohio criminal law requires at least three days in jail for OVI convictions, with a maximum of six months in jail for a first offense. 

Can I avoid jail time?

Yes. If you are convicted for the first time and your test results do not show a high-tier blood alcohol content (BAC), you or your OVI attorney can ask the judge to send you instead to Ohio’s Driver Intervention Program (DIP). Another way to suspend jail time is if you install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. You have to make this request in front of a judge, who may issue an order of “unlimited driving privileges” because of the installation.

Can an attorney help me prevent an OVI conviction?

Although every case is different, experienced OVI attorneys can negotiate plea agreements for clients to avoid conviction. The prosecutor may be willing to drop a DUI or OVI charge in exchange for a guilty plea to reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

Drivers charged with DUI or OVI in Lorain, OH, often call on Michael D. Doyle, Attorney at Law, for help. Skilled and compassionate, this attorney has 28 years of legal experience handling criminal law, personal injury, and bankruptcy cases for clients in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding areas. Call (440) 323-0001 or visit his website today to schedule a free consultation.