Understanding Ohio DUI/OVI Laws

If you or a loved one has been arrested on drunk driving charges in Ohio, you may feel a little overwhelmed and confused. That’s perfectly natural; one way to better understand the proceedings is to consult with an attorney that has experience working with Columbus, Ohio DUI cases.

OVI/DUI Terminology

Many people are familiar with the term DUI (Driving Under the Influence). In Ohio, drunk driving charges are referred to as OVI (Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated) or OMVI (Operating a Motor Vehicle while under the influence, impaired or intoxicated). Although there are several different terms used, they all refer to the same offense. An OVI charge is a serious offense that could mean financial penalties, jail time, and loss of license.

How OVI Laws Work

In Ohio, like most other states, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol amount that could impair your driving abilities. That legal limit is 0.08% -- a level that is determined by either testing your breath, urine or blood. If your blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08% you will be charged with a criminal charge of OVI. Under criminal charges, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In addition to entering the results of your blood test as evidence, the prosecution must also prove that you were impaired at the time of the arrest. In other words, the prosecutor must provide evidence of how you exhibited signs of impairment.

Much of the prosecution’s case will rest on your blood alcohol test and the evidence from the arresting police officer. When you consult with DUI lawyers in Westerville, Ohio, they’ll explain that the defense of you Columbus, Ohio DUI will depend on the examination of the initial arrest, the gathering of evidence, the testing procedures, and the arrest procedures.

OVI Penalties

There are a variety of penalties associated with an OVI/DUI. Refusal to take a blood alcohol test will result in a suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days. For a first offense, you may face penalty of 3 days in jail or a drug or alcohol treatment program. If you have had prior OVI convictions, you face harsher penalties, including increased jail time or monetary fines.

When you consult with DUI lawyers in Westerville, Ohio, your attorney may help you reduce the charges, negotiate a plea agreement, and assist in your defense. Before long, you can put the pain of your Columbus, Ohio DUI behind you and move on with your life.

We serve DUI OVI clients in the following cities and townships of Ohio: Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Grandview Heights, Lancaster, Marble Cliff, Marysville, New Albany, Newark, Upper Arlington and Worthington areas.

Gahanna, Ohio DUI/OVI - Reynoldsburg, Ohio DUI/OVI

Ohio DUI Defense
Timothy Huey,
Attorney at Law
1985 West Henderson Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220
Phone: 614-487-8667

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