Susan Gwinn, Attorney at Law, in Athens, Ohio offers experienced legal counsel for those who have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). In Ohio, DUI and OVI are one in the same, but the laws can differ if you are a commercial driver, such as a delivery driver or taxi driver. In this post, we’ll look at how the law can apply differently to professional drivers charged with OVI and how hiring an OVI lawyer can be the ideal course of action.
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How DUI/OVI Laws Differ for Those Who Drive Professionally
Blood Alcohol Content Level
In all states, the blood alcohol level (BAC) for DUI charges is .08. If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Ohio, the BAC threshold is .04, or half of that for non-commercial drivers. If you are charged with OVI, your CDL could be revoked or suspended, depending on the circumstances.
Your Driving Privileges
As a professional driver, you are often driving a company vehicle, such as a truck or van. If charged with OVI, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will determine if your commercial and personal license and driving privileges will be suspended, even if you were not operating a commercial vehicle when pulled over for suspected drunk or impaired driving.
Your Job Status
Depending on the OVI charges brought against you, your employer may terminate your employment or place you on probation until your case is brought before a judge. It’s important to know how the laws apply to your job status and potential incarceration stemming from the OVI charges. Our legal team can help guide you through this process.
Moving Forward
It’s imperative to understand your OVI charges and what consequences they may bring. As your OVI lawyer, we can help you navigate the court system and move forward regarding your professional driving job, including what any future OVI charges can mean for your career.
If you’re a commercial or professional driver who has been charged with OVI, please reach out to us today to see how we can help you.