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What is the Ohio DUI Database?

Cincinnati Drinking & Driving Lawyers

Ohio’s Habitual DUI / OVI Offender Registry is about 10 years old now and it has gone through some controversy on whether it should exist. The list consists of anyone with five or more convictions of driving under influence (DUI), or operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), during the past 20 years with at least one of the convictions taking place since the law took effect on September 30, 2008. There are around 6,000 names on the database now which rose from around 400 when it was first put into effect. Ohio’s DUI Database is maintained by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). Because this law is now in effect it is mandatory for courts to send the Department of Public Safety information about DUI / OVI offenders, including the number of times these individuals have been convicted of these specific crimes in the last 20 years. This is run by the state government and not local counties or courts. Therefore, Ohio has implemented law and legislation that has created and regulated a database that post contains its citizens that have been convicted of 5 or more DUI’s in the past 20 years.

What Is The Ohio DUI Database Use & Purpose?

The purpose of Ohio’s Habitual Offender Registry is that it is believed to act as a deterrent to those that drink and drive. It is supposed to make you think twice because there is a fear that you could possibly end up on this DUI database, which is in effect a public shaming. However, this is criticized by some. According to the Newark Advocate, only 46 out of the 88 counties in Ohio were represented when it comes to the available information. Because of this, some argue that this is not effective because it is not reporting almost half the counties in the state. In addition to this, there were other offenders had duplicate listings. According to the Columbus Dispatch, many of the people listed on the Ohio DUI Database website have incorrect information entered in on their profile. Also, the research found that some offenders on the list have not been Ohio residents. One of the worst offenders on the list has 10 DUI convictions in the past 20 years. On the Ohio DUI Database, their residence is listed at a post office branch. This shows some of the inaccuracies that are reported on the database. Thus, the main purpose for the Ohio DUI Database is to act as a deterrent to those who may drink and drive.

How Might Someone Get on the Ohio DUI Database?

The main way for you to end up on the Ohio DUI database is to be convicted of 5 DUI’s within a 20-year span. This may seem like it takes a lot to end up on this list but there are almost 6,000 Ohio citizens who have found themselves on this list. There is an array of offense that can count in the 5 convictions that will put you on the database. The Registry includes people cited for the following impaired driving offenses: OVI, Drugs/ Opiates, DUI, Municipal ordinance, OVI .04 – Commercial Driver, Aggravated Vehicular Assault with Alcohol, Aggravated Vehicular Assault Vehicular Homicide with Alcohol, Involuntary Homicide with Alcohol, Physical Control Vehicle Intoxication – Municipal Code offense, 4th OVI Felony Aggravated Vehicular Homicide with Alcohol, OVI/ Refusal, OVI/ .17, and Boating Under the Influence. Because there are so many different violations that can count, it makes it less difficult for you to find yourself facing the possibility of ending up in the database.

How Can You Be Removed from the Ohio DUI Database?

There are some violations that cannot be expunged from your criminal record in Ohio. That includes DUI/OVI in Ohio. The main way for you to get off the Ohio DUI Database would be time. The database goes back to 20 years, so if 1 of someone’s 5 DUI violations reaches 21 years old then that person is down to 4 and they will be removed from the registry. However, because the Ohio DUI Database is only 10 years old it has still not been determined how efficient this is. Another way a person will get off the database is if they are determined to be deceased.

Do Other States Have a Similar Database?

This is not a common database for other states. Ohio was the first state to put this legislation into effect. Other states, such as Pennsylvania and Oregon, have had legislation and discussed the idea but nothing has matched what Ohio has done in regard to a habitual statewide DUI database.

Can Anyone Search the Ohio DUI Database?

Anyone can search the Ohio DUI Database. This was the main component of creating this database. Because anyone can search the database it adds to the fact that it is a deterrent, the policy hinges on the fact that Ohio citizens do not want to be on a public database that shows that they are habitual DUI offender.

Please contact your Ohio DUI Attorney and discuss the particulars of your case and your options in regard to the Ohio DUI Database.