Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers in Upper Arlington

If you’ve been charged with a crime, such as driving under the influence (DUI) in Upper Arlington, Ohio, you are likely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

By involving an Upper Arlington defense lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates in your case as soon as possible, you may be able to avoid a conviction. Our law firm has over a decade of experience aggressively defending the rights of people in Upper Arlington and other nearby cities in all manner of cases like DUI, drugs, theft, and more.

Upper Arlington, Ohio DUI and Criminal Charges

Situated on the northwest side of Columbus, Upper Arlington provides residents with easy access to downtown and all major highways. With U.S. Route 33 and I-270 nearby, DUIs and criminal charges in Upper Arlington arise for residents and those passing through.

In Ohio, a DUI and OVI have the same meaning. When a driver is arrested for an OVI, it is often because they were allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of .08%. However, sometimes a mistake is made, and charges aren’t valid.

That’s where an Upper Arlington drunk driving lawyer can help. Call us today at (614) 304-3403, or contact us online.

Other Charges in Upper Arlington

You could face harsh penalties when you are accused of a criminal offense in Upper Arlington. The consequences vary depending on the type of offense, your history, and other factors involved. In addition to OVI charges, LHA can assist you with various criminal offenses in upper Arlington, such as:

• Domestic violence
• Drug possession
• Drug manufacturing
• Assault
• Rape
• Vehicular homicide
• Criminal fraud
• Theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Weapons charges
• Disorderly conduct
• Murder

What to Expect from an Upper Arlington Defense Lawyer

Your Upper Arlington attorney will investigate to identify mistakes that work in your favor, highlight errors that led to you being incorrectly charged, and can work out plea agreements to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we know how the other side thinks to help obtain the best possible outcome.

What to Ask an Attorney During Your DUI Case

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Upper Arlington, don’t forget to ask your attorney these important questions:

Do I have to appear at my arraignment?

Upper Arlington OVI cases are scheduled for arraignment within five days of your arrest. If we represent you, we will enter a not guilty plea on your behalf, address the issue of your driving privileges, and request any police reports and DVDs.

Can I get my license back?

If you hope to get your license back, we will need to review BMV Form 2255. Errors could lead to termination of your driver’s license suspension. The Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court does not allow for stays of administrative license suspension. Instead, you may need to apply for limited driving privileges.

Do I get to see the police reports?

Yes, you can review police reports once your attorney obtains a copy. Be sure to review them in detail for inconsistencies that can be discussed with your attorney.

Is there a DVD of my traffic stop?

Upper Arlington police cruisers are equipped with cruiser vehicle systems that provide DVD of the traffic stop unless parts are defective or malfunctioning. If your roadside field sobriety tests were inaccurately administered or there was other misconduct, the DVD of the stop could be valuable evidence to support your case.

What outcome can I expect in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court?

If the prosecuting attorney is unwilling to work out a plea agreement, your case may be transferred back to the Franklin County Municipal Court. Here, your case will likely move through a suppression hearing or a jury trial to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.

Upper Arlington: Criminal Penalties & Court System

The effects of a conviction, even if it’s your first one, can be life-changing. For a DUI, you’ll likely face harsh consequences such as fines of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a driver’s license suspension, and the requirement to attend a Driver Intervention Program. For other criminal offenses, you could face longer jail time and hefty fines depending on your charges.

For DUIs, you will appear in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court for the pre-trial and arraignment. Misdemeanor criminal cases will most likely be heard at the Franklin County Municipal Court. For felony criminal cases, your case will likely be transferred to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

By hiring an Upper Arlington DUI and criminal defense lawyer, you will have somebody there to fight for your rights and increase your chances of obtaining positive results during the court process.

How an Upper Arlington Defense Lawyer Can Help

A skilled Upper Arlington criminal defense lawyer will build the right defense strategy for your specific situation. Your charges and circumstances will be carefully reviewed to find flaws in your case that can help minimize your consequences or prevent conviction.

When designing an effective criminal defense strategy, an Upper Arlington lawyer may:

• Challenge the Evidence. For example, in a DUI, we may argue the results from a field sobriety and/or breathalyzer test were faulty. There are many factors such as fatigue, medical history, and nervousness that can lead to unfair test results. In addition, the results from a breathalyzer test may be inaccurate because it was administered incorrectly or outdated.
• Question the stop – Police do not have the right to stop anyone without “reasonable suspicion.” Therefore, if you were obeying traffic laws and driving at an acceptable speed limit, police may not have had probable cause to stop you.
• Raise Reasonable Doubt – We will investigate inconsistencies or mistakes in the prosecution’s case to raise doubt and fight to prevent conviction.

Contact an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates

With our extensive experience and resources, Luftman, Heck & Associates can help you no matter the charge or situation. Contact us today at (614) 304-3403 for a free and confidential assessment of your case, legal options, and how we can get you past charges in Upper Arlington.