OVI MYTHS

1)      Cops can’t arrest me if I am high…. False!

You can get a OVI if you’re high on any illegal substance. Ohio Revised Code 4511.19 defines the offense of OVI.  It prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle under the influence of: (1) alcohol; (2) a drug of abuse; or (3) a combination of alcohol and a drug of abuse.

2)      I have to be drunk in order to get a OVI…. False!

A person is guilty of an OVI if their blood alcohol level is above 0.08% or if they have illegal drugs in their system.

3)      An OVI is just a minor traffic offense…. False!

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance can get you convicted of an OVI. In the state of Ohio, an OVI is a level 1 Misdemeanor. This can cause you to pay large fines, get a suspended license, serve jail time, affect employment, and cause your insurance rates to go up.

4)      I have to tell the police the truth…?

Although it is important to tell the truth, you do not have to tell the police everything. For instance, stating to the police that “I only had a couple of drinks….”; will not help you get out of possibly getting an OVI.

5)      Using Mouth Wash will cover up the alcohol on my breath…. False!

Although this maybe the instance at some point. Most of the time this will only make the cop more suspicious of possible drinking. Also, because most mouthwashes contain significant amount of alcohol (up to 27%), using them prior to taking a breathalyzer test will actually raise your B.A.C. reading by increasing your amount of “mouth alcohol.”

There are many more myths associated with an offense of an OVI. An experienced Lawyer can help differentiate. There are different levels of an OVI case, motions to be filed, and evidence to be taken into account. To help with your OVI case, give Brown Law Office a call. We have the experience to handle different levels of OVI incidents. For a free consultation, call us at 330-601-0101.