This week on our radio show, I had the chance to interview Defense Attorney, Dustin Blake, of Columbus, Ohio. We discussed a variety of topics including the difference between a DUI and OVI, marijuana OVI, and the implications for drivers. But, before we get started, here are some helpful term definitions to guide you through our discussion today:
- DUI: Driving Under the Influence. The act or crime of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. [Source]
- OVI: Operating a Vehicle while under the Influence of alcohol or drug abuse. An OVI is the new version of DUI in the state of Ohio. It covers more substances and instances that could impair your driving. [Source]
- Felony: a grave crime formerly differing from a misdemeanor…under English common law by involving forfeiture in addition to any other punishment. [Source]
- Misdemeanor Crime: “A criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and more serious than an infraction.” [Source]
In this week’s show, we spoke with Dustin Blake about what getting pulled over in the state of Ohio looks like nowadays if an officer believes you are under the influence of a substance. He had some key points to keep in mind…
- The Validity of Video
- New Training for Officers
- Marijuana and Driving
In all three of these areas, we spoke candidly about what that situation looks like in our state along with what that means pertaining to insurance coverage.
Mr. Blake shared with us that in most cases he takes on these days, he will receive a file with upwards of six different videos from the varying perspectives of the scene; the police cruiser, the body cameras, and street videos are just some of the examples. He then goes on to explain what those recordings mean for his clients and how they can influence the case.
Trivia: When do you become liable for anything that is caught on video if you get pulled over?
The laws in our country continually update to better reflect the wants and needs of the people in the various states. In response, police officers regularly receive new training to check for substance abuse in a more sophisticated manner than just having you state the alphabet or walk in a straight line.
Trivia: True or false? One of the new trainings for officers includes inspecting your tongue
Currently in Ohio, if an officer believes that you are under the influence of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle, they can ask you to take a urine sample. This is similar to a breathalyzer for alcohol. The flaw with this is that if you are someone who regularly ingests marijuana, whether it influences your driving or not, it can stay in your system for a long time.
Trivia: If the law in Ohio changes and recreational marijuana becomes legal, can the OVI be expunged from your record?
- The implications for CDL operators, firefighters, and others that primarily drive for a living.
- How to insure someone who has an OVI or related incident on their record.
- To blow on a breathalyzer or not.
- Marcy’s law.
To hear Dustin Blake’s advice on these topics, learn more about what insurance looks like in these instances, and to find out the answers to our trivia questions, you can listen to the show by following the link below.
Gessel & Associates Insurance Agency is a family-owned, independent insurance agency. Our “Main Street” values keep us focused on doing the right things, for the right reasons. Active throughout Ohio since 1999, we offer complete insurance solutions and invite you to learn more about the Gessel & Associates Insurance Agency.
Dustin Blake is one of Ohio’s premier criminal defense attorneys and trial lawyers. Mr. Blake represents individuals and professionals charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes (i.e. DUI / OVI, drug crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, etc.). Mr. Blake has a track record of obtaining superior results for clients prior to Trial. Dustin Blake also has a track record of obtaining Not-Guilty Verdicts for clients at Trial. You can learn more about Mr. Blake’s practice at www.dustinblakelaw.com.
