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What is the difference between OVI, DUI, and DWI?

Posted by Christopher Fogt | Oct 21, 2024 | 0 Comments

Fogt Law Office represents many clients for offenses involving vehicles and alcohol/drugs. We receive lots of questions about these kinds of charges. Sometimes clients get confused about terms like OVI, DUI, and DWI, which is understandable as they are nearly synonymous. However, it can be helpful to understand the distinction. Many people associate all of these terms with “drunk driving.” This is accurate to some degree, but the full explanation is a bit more nuanced.

Unlike Ohio, some states use abbreviations like DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). However, Ohio uses the charge OVI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence of alcohol or drugs), which is codified under law under Section 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.

So, why does Ohio law use the initials OVI instead or DUI or DWI? There are two important reasons. First, the term “intoxicated” is commonly just associated with being drunk from alcohol. In Ohio, OVI charges apply not only to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages, but also to any “drug of abuse,” which includes all controlled substances, harmful intoxicants, and dangerous drugs defined by Ohio law. Secondly, our state has opted to use the phrase “Operating a Vehicle,” which Ohio law defines as “to cause of have caused movement,” rather than the word “Driving.”

So, now you know why Ohio uses the abbreviation OVI. If you or someone you know has been charged with OVI, you should contact Fogt Law Office right away to discuss your case with Attorney Christopher Fogt. He has extensive experience and a proven track record of success in the area of OVI defense. Attorney Fogt is NHTSA certified, just like law enforcement and has completed over a hundred hours of OVI continuing legal education. 

Contact Fogt Law today!

About the Author

Christopher Fogt

Education Christopher Fogt attended Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Case Western is a nationally recognized law school with an esteemed faculty. He is a proud alumni. Christopher Fogt is also a proud alumni of University of Dayton where he graduated with two Bachelor of Art Degree...

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