OHIO DUI/OVI: In Ohio, the terms “OVI” and “DUI” mean essentially the same thing and are used interchangeably to denote the offense of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs of Abuse. The penalties for a DUI offense (even the first one) are very unpleasant and persons charged with a DUI are well advised to seek legal counsel immediately to insure a fair hearing.

PENALTIES: A person charged with a first-time OVI / DUI faces three days of mandatory incarceration or a three day residential driver intervention program. Further penalties include a drivers’ license suspension of six months to three years, fines of $375 to $1,075, six points levied against the driver’s BMV record, court costs, other fees, and the possibility of restricted license plates and ignition interlock devices.

Ohio law further mandates that individuals with OVI / DUI convictions have criminal records that may never be expunged or sealed. An OVI / DUI conviction removes the individual from the definition of “first-time offender” under Ohio law, and neither the OVI / DUI conviction nor any other criminal conviction may be expunged.This information is important for us party goers. Information supplied by Richard Wendel, Attorney of Law

In the year 2012, the Mayor’s Court in Mariemont imposed $120,620 in fines, in large part due to DUI’s.