DUI also referred to as OVI

James W. Reardon

The acronyms DUI, DWI, OMVI and OVI all refer to the same thing: operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "DUI" stands for Driving under the Influence and occurs when someone is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit.

Even for a first offense, penalties can include, but are not limited to:

• Loss of driving privileges
• Substantial fines
• Court costs
• Community service
• Mandatory attendance at a court approved alcohol program
• Mandatory overnight incarceration
• Restricted (yellow) license plates and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device.

There can be additional penalties if you have prior DUI convictions.