If you’re in “The Heart of it All”, you know that Ohio’s OVI/OMVI laws are tough. Ohio normally refers to drunk driving cases as operating a vehicle while intoxicated. This charge will trigger two separate cases. One is a criminal case the other is a case with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. After your arrest date, you only have a limited amount of time to contest your case with the BMV, otherwise you will automatically lose your license for at least 90 days.
You can be convicted of OVI if you alcohol has impaired you physically or mentally while you were driving. Also, if you violate Ohio’s “per se” law by having a blood alcohol content of over .08%, you will be charged with OVI. This can be determined through chemical testing.
Penalties
For a first offense, you will have to spend 3 days in jail or take a 3-day driver intervention program. You will be fined $200 to $1,000 and may face other consequences such as probation, community service, vehicle impoundment, loss of job, ignition installation, insurance problems, alcohol treatment and restricted travel.
Ohio BAC
If your BAC is over the legal limit of .08%, you are OVI in Ohio. The police will ask you to take a chemical test (blood, breath or urine). The breath test is most popular because it’s easy for police to administer. However, the blood test is the most accurate of the three.
Field Sobriety Tests
Police may require you to take an FST. These tests will help indicate whether or not you are driving drunk. The HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus) is often used and it has you follow an object with your eyes to test for involuntary eye jerking associated with alcohol consumption. The one leg stand and the walk and turn test for balance and coordination.
Ignition Interlock
If the court orders this device, it will be installed in your vehicle at your expense. In order to start your car, you must breathe into the machine to start your car.
Zero Tolerance
This law prohibits anyone under 21 from having any alcohol in their system while driving.
Hiring Your OVI/OMVI Lawyer
Ohio is home to some of the top OVI/OMVI defense attorneys in the nation. The key to winning your case is finding a lawyer who specializes in OVI/OMVI.