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 The acronym DUI is short for "driving under the influence," which means that someone is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An OVI, or "operating a vehicle impaired" charge, means essentially the same thing to the point where they are often used interchangeably. OVI is the commonly used term in Ohio. According to one recent study , about 15,035 motorists across the state were arrested for impaired driving in 2022 alone. While this does represent about a 20% decrease from the year prior, it's still a distressing situation and should be treated as such. In an effort to do precisely that, checkpoints are often set up across the state, particularly on weekends and holidays when people are more likely to drive while intoxicated. Two such checkpoints took place recently in Franklin and Wood counties in August 2023. The results are fascinating and are absolutely worth a closer look. DUIs, OVIs and More: What You Need to Know In lat...

It’s illegal to operate a car or truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, some people may not realize that, if you drive a boat while impaired, you may need the services of an Ohio criminal defense attorney . In Ohio, intoxicated boating does not fall under automotive DUI/OVI. Instead, there’s a separate Operating Under the Influence (OUI) law with its own set of penalties. What BUI/OUI Is in Ohio ORC 1547.11  states that no one shall operate or be in control of a vessel underway, or manipulate water skis or a similar device, if that person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. A blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, as shown by a blood or breath test, is definitive proof of impairment. A level less than 0.08 can result in a conviction if other evidence of impairment is also presented in court. For anyone under 21, it’s an offense to operate a vessel with a level of 0.02 or higher. There are also concentrations of amphetamine, meth...

In order to be convicted of an Ohio DUI offense, not only must you have blood levels above legal limits for alcohol or drugs, but you also must be “operating” a “motor vehicle.” In order to better understand what this entails, you need to know how to define these two terms correctly. What Is a Vehicle? Unde Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01 , a vehicle is anything motorized that has the goal of transporting or drawing someone on a highway. The only motorized vehicle that is not considered a “vehicle” by this definition is a motorized wheelchair or similar personal assistive device, including a personal delivery device or “micro-mobility device.” Under this law, smaller vehicles, such as motorized bikes and golf carts, fit in the definition. You can also be convicted of a DUI, also known as an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired), if you are operating a boat or ATV. Thus, if you are under the influence, opting to take a motorized bike or golf cart is not safer or in line with the law...

On April 4 th , 2023, it became illegal  in most situations for drivers in Ohio to use or even hold a phone or other electronic device. The state unveiled a public awareness campaign to draw attention to the strengthened distracted driving laws. The campaign encourages drivers to ‘Lock Your Screen Before You Rock the Road,’ and use slogans such as ‘Phones Down. It's the Law’ on marketing materials. If you have used a phone or another electronic device while in the driver’s seat, you are not alone. Governor Mike DeWine cited research  from Nationwide Insurance that found a substantial number of Ohio drivers admitted to using a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. More specifically, 42 percent admitted to making a phone call on a handheld device while driving, for example, 25 percent said they’ve texted, 10 have video chatted, and 5 percent confessed to watching a movie or TV. Still, many drivers are unaware of the law. Others simply can’t resist the temptati...

  Ohio law is a complex network of regulations, statutes, and court decisions. Our society would be utterly chaotic without these laws, of course, with rampant crime and unsafe streets disrupting everyday life. However, the law is not perfect - many laws contain vague language that allows for interpretation. This means there may be subtle variations in how each lawyer or judge understands and applies the law in individual cases. These interpretations benefit the accused in some cases, but benefit the prosecution in other cases. What is an Attorney? An attorney has the education to provide legal advices to people and businesses. Also known as a lawyer, an attorney represents people and businesses in court, before government agencies, and in private negotiations. Criminal defense lawyers focus their time and attention to protecting the rights of defendants; they also help their clients reduce the negative effects that being arrested and charged with a crime can bring. Most ev...

As DUI attorney Bowling Green professionals, the team at Potter Law often field questions from people who have been pulled over for a DUI in the recent past. One thing that people unfortunately don't spend too much time thinking about involves their rights, even while the arrest itself is taking place. Just because you've been pulled over and you know that you're under the influence of some type of substance like alcohol doesn't mean you have given up your rights in that context. Therefore, if you truly want to protect yourself from allowing a bad situation to get even worse, there are a number of important things to consider. A DUI Arrest and Your Rights: Breaking Things Down First, it's important to outline what it means to be guilty for driving under the influence in the state of Ohio in the first place. As it pertains to alcohol, you must meet either of the following criteria: When given a breathalyzer test, your blood alcohol content (BAC) level came in at 0....

At the point when somebody falls into the possession of the police , it is accepted that the individual is in positive difficulty. It can truly be extreme for the individual who has been confined in the care to confront the constant cross-examination that equally breaks the hard nut to pieces. It is a great opportunity to gather your criminal guard lawyer who can make a few opportunities to get you out securely without being sentenced. The things said in the cross-examination cycle may be utilized against you as solid proof . So as opposed to addressing the police attempting to legitimize your honesty, it is smarter to examine the matter with your lawyer who can make the important move to deliver you on bail and fabricate a technique to shed off the fault put on your shoulders. As a general rule, a lawyer is a protection legal counselor who represents the blamed in the court for equity. These legal counselors are even recruited by the court to safeguard individuals who can't bear...