Tag Archives: Ohio DUI Laws

In Ohio, most misdemeanor DUI cases (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) are heard in Municipal Courts.  However, some misdemeanor OVI cases are heard in mayor’s courts.  Mayor’s courts are operated in cities and villages which do not have municipal courts.  Although there are nearly 300 mayor’s courts in Ohio, these courts seem to be the least understood.  This article provides an understanding of OVI cases in Ohio mayor’s courts. Read More »

The results are in from two recent DUI checkpoints (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio).  Last weekend, DUI/OVI checkpoints were held in two Ohio Counties.  In Franklin County, 994 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and one person was arrested for OVI.  In Wood County, 1,072 vehicles went through the checkpoint, and two people were arrested for OVI.  When hearing the results of the DUI/OVI checkpoints, one may wonder how checkpoints are operated, whether checkpoints are legal, and whether checkpoints are effective. Read More »

For a person charged with DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio), going to court can be the source of anxiety.  Most people have never appeared in court and do not know what to expect.  Television and movies generally focus on trials, but there are other stages to the court process.  This article explains what to expect at each stage. Read More »

We expect privacy in our medical records.  Those records contain sensitive personal information about our health.  For this reason, health care providers generally cannot share our medical records with others.  But what if a police officer wants a person’s medical records?  Suppose, for example, a person involved in a motor vehicle accident is treated at a hospital, and the hospital records contain evidence showing the patient was the driver and had a certain blood alcohol concentration?  Can a police officer ... Read More »

Most license plates in Ohio are white with blue letters.  Occasionally, cars in Ohio have yellow plates with red letters.  That means either the car is from out-of-state (probably New York) or the driver was convicted of DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio).  Yellow license plates are required for some, but not all, drivers convicted of OVI in Ohio. Read More »

A recent article in Forbes Advisor purports to tell readers ‘everything you need to know’ about a first-offense DUI.  The article discusses definitions, consequences, and options in general terms.  It does not tell readers precise definitions, consequences, and options in a particular state.  The problem is DUI laws are state-specific:  every state has its own DUI laws.  If you really want to know about a first-offense DUI in Ohio (where it’s called ‘OVI’), read on. Read More »

As an Ohio lawyer representing clients for DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio), I am often asked questions regarding what happens when an out-of-state driver is charged with OVI in Ohio.  This article answers the most frequently asked questions on that topic. Read More »

Effective January 23, 2023, Ohio has new regulations governing chemical testing in DUI cases (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio).  The revised rules authorize the use of oral fluid testing, approve new breath-testing machines, and revise requirements for the maintenance of testing equipment. Read More »

Under current Ohio law, a driver may be charged with Driving While Texting if the driver is stopped for another offense and the officer discovers the driver was texting while driving.  However, a police officer is not permitted to initiate a traffic stop based on the officer’s suspicion that a driver was doing so.  As of April 3, 2023, officers will be authorized to stop a vehicle if the driver is using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic wireless communications ... Read More »

One possible consequence of a DUI conviction (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) is the court-ordered use of an ignition interlock device.  What is an ignition interlock device?  When does Ohio law require its use?  How does one obtain an ignition interlock?  This article answers those questions. Read More »