The state of Ohio takes drunk and impaired driving very seriously. An individual can be charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI). An OVI arrest can carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Here are important aspects to know about OVI in Ohio.

Ohio OVI Laws

In Ohio, OVI, DUI and DWI are used interchangeably, but an OVI arrest is the official term. An OVI can apply to anyone suspected of being impaired while operating a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, ATV, golf cart, boat, jet ski, or any other vehicle, whether it is motorized or not. 

The state defines "operating" as causing, having caused or even being able to cause movement of the vehicle. If you are under the influence and sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in reach, police can put you under OVI arrest.  

You can be convicted of an OVI offense if you operate a vehicle:

• With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more (or a urine alcohol concentration of .110 or more)
• With a certain concentration of amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, LSD, marijuana, methamphetamine, or PCP in your body
• While under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two

OVI Penalties

Ohio's OVI sentencing guidelines consider several factors, notably the number of previous OVI arrests. Penalties can also become more severe if you refuse a BAC test or if your BAC level was 0.17 or above (known as a high-test offense). 

A first offense for low-test OVI is punishable by three days in jail, a minimum of $375 in fines, and one-year license suspension. A high-test first OVI charge can carry six days in jail, $1,075 in fines, and a three-year license suspension. The judge may also order the installation of an ignition interlock device and the display of restricted special license plates. 

Subsequent OVI convictions increase the amount of jail time, fines and license suspension time, as well as mandatory ignition interlock, alcohol assessment and monitoring, and vehicle immobilization or forfeiture.

After an OVI arrest, trust attorney David S. Washington Jr. for reliable legal counsel and advice. From an office located in Hamilton, OH, the criminal defense lawyer and his team work tirelessly to fight for their clients' rights. Washington has practiced law for more than 22 years, so you can count on his experience and expertise in OVI cases, reckless driving, and other traffic violations. Call (513) 751-1400 for an initial consultation or visit the attorney's website for more information.