DWI, DUI, OMVI, OVI, Drunk Driving – Is There Any Difference?
DWI, DUI, OMVI, OVI, Drunk Driving – Is There Any Difference?
Spoiler Alert: DWI, DUI, OMVI and OVI all mean the same thing. Operating a vehicle under the influence alcohol violates Ohio Revised Code 4511.19. Colloquially, the most common way to describe drunk driving is by referring to it as a DUI. In addition, news organizations use the term DWI. DWI (driving while impaired) is also frequently used to describe drunk driving.
Here in Ohio we don’t use DWI, DUI or OMVI to describe the legal charge. In 1982, Ohio enacted a law that refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as “OMVI. ” OMVI is an acronym for Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired. Later, Ohio removed the requirement that a vehicle must be “motorized.” The current acronym that refers to driving under the influence is “OVI” (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). It is now a crime in Ohio to operate almost any vehicle while impaired. This includes not only motorized “vehicles,” but also, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and several other types of “vehicles.
A conviction for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI) in Ohio is significant. It carries penalties consisting of jail time, a substantial fine, and a driver’s license suspension. If you have been arrested on an Ohio drunk driving charge then you need to find a way to defend yourself as well as possible in this frightening time of your life.
Contact Charlie (DaytonDUI) Right Away!
So if someone tells you that they received an OVI, OMVI, DUI or DWI they could be referring to any charge involving operating a vehicle while impaired. Ohio has declared “WAR” on drunk drivers and these charges carry tough mandatory penalties. If you find yourself facing such a charge, contact Dayton OVI attorney Charles Rowland at (937) 318-1384 or 888-ROWLAND.