Every week, The Marc Lopez Law Firm gets at least three or four calls saying, I know you handle DUIs, but I’ve been charged with an OVWI, and I’m not sure you’re the right firm for me. Attorney Marc Lopez has a secret he’d like to let you in on.
There’s no meaningful distinction between DUI, DWI, OWI, and OVWI. Yes, the acronyms stand for slightly different things, but they all refer to impaired driving (which is what they call it in Canada). The charge that’s available in a particular area depends on how the law is written.
Indiana statutes prohibit operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which is where we get OVWI. The charging information in some counties, however, will list it as OWI. Meanwhile, DUI is the most popular way of referring to impaired driving. Which option is the worst? They’re all the same.
Anyone who’s talking about a DUI in Indiana is actually referring to OVWI. This is true even of defense attorneys who—although experienced and capable—sometimes speak in informal ways.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm handles DUIs, OWIs, and OVWIs on a daily basis. If you have any questions about drunk driving charges, give us a call at 317-632-3642, and remember—always plead the 5th!
