DUI, DWI, OMVI and OVI: What do they mean?
In the state of Ohio, the acronyms DUI, DWI, OMVI and OVI all refer to the same thing: operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, aka drinking and driving or driving and drugging. The most common of the acronyms in Ohio is probably DUI, which stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” However, beginning in 1982, the Ohio DUI law officially stopped using the DUI acronym because the state passed a newer Ohio DUI law that refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as OMVI, an acronym for “Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired.”However, the change didn’t stop Ohio DUI lawyers and attorneys from continuing to use the term.
But the law continued to change. A more recent change in Ohio DUI/OVI law states that the motor vehicle need not be motorized. Therefore, the current acronym that refers to driving under the influence is OVI, which officially stands for “Operating a Vehicle while Impaired.” Keep in mind that impairment can be by alcohol or drugs or both. And it is now a crime in Ohio to operate almost any vehicle while impaired, not just an automobile. The definition in Ohio DUI/OVI law is fairly broad and could conceivably include not only cars, trucks and motorcycles, but also bicycles, hover boards, scooters, horse-drawn carriages, golf carts, boats and several other types of “vehicles.”
Confused yet? Don’t be. Contact an Ohio DUI/OVI lawyer and say DUI, OVI, OMVI, or drinking and driving charge and he’ll know what you mean. If you have an Ohio DUI case, you should consider talking to a top Ohio DUI lawyer to see if he can get the case dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. The penalties on these pages only apply to drivers who are convicted of DUI/OVI. An experienced Ohio DUI lawyer may be able to prevent that from happening.
Common Mistakes in Ohio DUI/OVI Investigations
No Ohio DUI/OVI/drinking and driving arrest is perfect and the best Ohio DUI/OVI lawyers knows this. Most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a number of witnesses, including police officers and the personnel who collect, store and test chemical samples. These witnesses are human and they make mistakes. Further, most Ohio DUI/OVI investigations include a breath testing device or other testing equipment that is not always maintained according to current Ohio DUI/OVI regulations.
Do You Want Award-Winning Ohio DUI/OVI Representation?
There are over 1 million laws in the United States. I am a top Ohio DUI/OVI defense lawyer who devotes his entire practice to ONE. Because of my experience and concentrated focus, I know the Ohio DUI/OVI laws better than most attorneys in the state. I am passionate about Ohio DUI/OVI defense and I get results, however, I only accept a limited number of clients. If you’re serious about your case and want a top Ohio DUI/OVI lawyer on your team, call me, the Ohio DUI Dude at 1-844-DUI-DUDE.
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