Many different states have different terms and phrasing for what they consider drinking or using while operating a vehicle. The most common terms are driving under the influence (DUI) and operating under the influence (OUI). Within the state of Ohio if you are caught with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent you will be charged with operating a vehicle impaired (OVI). This article will clarify the differences between OVI & DUI if there are any. Along with understanding different charges that may happen in the state of Ohio that are connected to these two offenses.
Is there a difference from OVI & DUI?
Honestly the short answer is no. Every state has their own laws on what is determined as an OVI or DUI. In Ohio every charge with driving a car under some sort of influence if it is over a certain level will be charged as an OVI. Rather than drugs or alcohol, making everything fall under the one category. The charges will all be under the same penalties and only differentiate if the driver has been committed of OVI multiple times. The first offense is always going to be lesser than that of a second offense. First offense can be as little as three days of incarceration (it could be max to six months), a fine of $375, and a license suspension of 1-3 years. These numbers will increase if convicted for a second offense or more.
In Ohio there is another charge that is different from just a regular OVI & DUI, it is called an Aggravated OVI. This charge is deemed more dangerous than the normal OVI offense. The aggravated charge involves a blood alcohol content of .17 percent or more with a highly increased punishment. If it is a first offense there is a requirement of serving three days in jail and will need to complete three days of a driver’s intervention curriculum.
If you are in search of an attorney for a recent OVI case our team at Hunt Law LLC has experience to help you during this stressful time. We offer a free consultation at our Warren, OH OVI defense attorneys office, so you don’t have to worry about fees on top of the DUI. Adam Hunt has over a decade of handling OVI offenses in the state of OHIO. Feel free to call us today or fill out our form here.