OVI Attorney Matthew Ernst in Cincinnati, Ohio
OVI is the new term for DUI. DUI used to be driving under the influence. And now since 2004, it's now called in the state of Ohio operating a vehicle under the influence. And there's a slight variation in the definition of operation versus what the old driving term used to mean. Now under the current OVI statute, you must either be driving or have driven the vehicle at some point. So you must have caused movement or have caused movement in the past under the influence. It's not only drunk driving these days. It's drugged driving as well.
It's a misconception to believe that you can go into court by yourself and represent yourself on OVI. What an experienced attorney can do for you is advise you of all the possible consequences of an OVI. It can minimize or eliminate some of the effects of a DUI. I want someone to be in court as quickly as possible so we can address driving privileges. And there's also a chance for some plea negotiation. Every case is prepared for trial. And if anywhere along the way a positive resolution can be negotiated, we can end the case earlier.
Because most OVI stops occur after midnight, I keep my cell phone on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you find yourself confronted with this situation, call as soon as possible.
