DUI / DWI / OVI Information (Ohio)
Although each state law is written differently, the various abbreviations refer to a similar concept. An individual who operates a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired can be arrested and charged criminally. The following is terminology broken down by each state:
DUI (most common abbreviation): Driving Under The Influence Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.
DWI: (second most common abbreviation): Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina
OUI: Operating Under The Influence Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
OWI: Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin
OVI: Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated
OMVI: Operating A Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Ohio
BUI: Boating While Intoxicated
DWAI: Driving While Ability Impaired
DWUI: Driving While Under The Influence
DUII: Driving Under The Influence Of Intoxicants
An OVI or DUI conviction carries the possibility of a variety of penalties, including:
- Fines and Court costs;
- A suspension and/or loss of a driver’s license;
- Jail and/or Prison sentences;
- Electronic Home Incarceration;
- Probation, including attached provision for random alcohol or drug testing and/or substance abuse treatment;
- Special license plates for all vehicles registered to the Defendant;
- Guardian Interlock Devices for vehicles; and
- Vehicle Immobilization/Forfeiture
This list is certainly not all inclusive. Additionally, the penalties increase in severity with each subsequent conviction. The Law Office of Steven R. Adams created charts detailing the penalties associated with an OVI arrest in Ohio and a DUI arrest in Kentucky.
The language and technicalities of OVI or DUI law is ever changing. Ohio Senate Bill 123, which took effect on January 4, 2004, created a number of changes to the existing OVI or DUI law. Prior to this date, OVI was referred to as DUI (Driving Under The Influence) or OMVI (Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence). The bill introduced a statute for Physical Control in addition to OVI or DUI. Immobilization and impoundment of vehicles is limited to instances where the registered owner operated the vehicle in question. Restrictive license plates were created as an additional sanction for offenders.
An OVI or DUI arrest is a serious event which can lead to lasting effects, both personally and professionally, for the Defendant. An experienced and aggressive attorney who understands the intricacies involved in OVI or DUI law and the court process is necessary to achieve a successful resolution in your case. For these reasons and many more, it is important to have an attorney from The Law Office of Steven R. Adams on your side as you navigate this ordeal.
Standardized field sobriety tests
Non-Standardized field sobriety tests
Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
Guardian Interlock and Restrictive Plates
