The legalization of marijuana in Ohio has created a space in the law where it is possible to get yourself into trouble not having seemingly done anything wrong at all. Ohio Revised Code section 4511.19 criminalizing operating a motor vehicle while under the influence...
OVI Defense
What Is an “Administrative License Suspension” in Ohio?
Being pulled over for suspected drunk or drugged driving in Ohio comes with immediate consequences that many people don’t expect. One of the most significant is the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) – an automatic punitive action that can take away your driving...
Changes to Ohio’s OVI Laws in 2025: What you Need to Know
The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 37 on December 18, 2024, and with the passage of HB 37, significant changes are anticipated for OVI’s in Ohio. Here are some of the changes that you need to be aware of: Oral Fluid Testing Under the new law, if police suspect a driver...
How long will an OVI stay on my record in Ohio?
An OVI means “Operating a Vehicle Impaired,” and it’s the term used by Ohio instead of “Driving Under the Influence (DUI)” or “Driving While Intoxicated” (DWI). In essence, an OVI can involve operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination...
If I Hire A Lawyer, Can I Get My OVI Charge Reduced?
The short and most honest answer is: it depends. Sometimes, people assume if they just call a lawyer, they can automatically avoid an OVI charge by simply having their lawyer plead them out to a reduced offense, as though it is a given. Unfortunately, it is almost...
A Guide to Ohio’s Marijuana Laws
Can I buy Marijuana in Ohio Legally? Yes! As of August 6, 2024, Ohioans across the state are now able to buy recreational marijuana. After the passage of Issue 2 in November 2023, the state legislature made Ohio the 23rd state to legalize marijuana. However, since...
Can I Be Charged With an OVI for Marijuana?
Now that Ohio has legalized marijuana, one question we are often asked is whether a person can still be charged with an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence). The answer is yes. In Ohio a person can be charged with ORC for using marijuana under ORC 4511.19....
What Are Ohio’s OVI License Suspension Penalties?
If you are convicted of an OVI in Ohio and are a first-time offender, your license will be suspended for one year. This is a mandatory minimum OVI penalty. You will, however, receive credit for any time served under the Administrative License Suspension, that was...
Can The Government Take Your Vehicle After an OVI??
According to the Ohio Supreme Court, Yes. In State v. O’Malley, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-3207, the Court recently held that the forfeiture of one’s vehicle following multiple OVI convictions did not violate the Equal Protection Clause and was not an excessive fine...
What you need to know about the Law Enforcement Administrative License Suspension
What is an Administrative License Suspension (“ALS”)? Unfortunately, when an individual is charged with a first offense OVI, the law enforcement officer must place the person under a 90-day Administrative License Suspension (“ALS”) if the person submits to a chemical...


