Grove City Criminal Defense Lawyers

Grove City Criminal Defense Attorneys – Luftman, Heck & Associates

Being arrested in Grove City, Ohio, can be overwhelming. Whether you are facing a DUI/OVI or another criminal charge, the consequences can disrupt your life with fines, jail time, license suspensions, and a permanent record.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA), our defense team has spent over a decade representing individuals in Grove City Mayor’s Court, Franklin County Municipal Court, and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. We know how local prosecutors operate, and we fight to protect your future at every stage of the process. Call (614) 500-3836 or request your free consultation online today.

Why DUI/OVI Is a Common Charge in Grove City

Grove City sits in southwestern Franklin County with direct access to I-71, I-270, and US-62, making it a heavily trafficked corridor for commuters and commercial drivers. Police frequently patrol Stringtown Road, Broadway, and the I-71 corridor for impaired driving. In Ohio, DUI is known as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). An OVI conviction can bring steep penalties:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines of $375–$1,075
• Driver’s license suspension (1–3 years)
• Mandatory Driver Intervention Program
• Increased insurance rates and employment consequences

These penalties increase with repeat offenses or aggravating factors (high BAC, accidents, minors in the vehicle). Even a first-time OVI can affect your career, professional licenses, and family responsibilities.

How a Grove City DUI Lawyer Can Help

A skilled Grove City DUI attorney can make the difference between jail and freedom. At LHA, we:

• Challenge the traffic stop for lack of probable cause
• Review field sobriety test procedures for mistakes
• Inspect breathalyzer calibration and operator certifications
• Request cruiser and body cam footage for inconsistencies
• Negotiate for reduced charges (such as reckless operation or physical control)
• Advocate for limited driving privileges to preserve your job and responsibilities

Other Criminal Charges We Defend in Grove City

Our team also defends clients against a wide variety of charges beyond DUI/OVI. Arrests in Grove City often occur near shopping centers like Stringtown Crossing, local bars, or residential neighborhoods. Below are representative cases:

• Assault — common after disputes in bars on Broadway or domestic incidents; we evaluate self-defense and credibility of witnesses.
• Property Damage — vandalism or arson near Grove City High School or retail developments; we scrutinize intent and damage estimates.
• Theft & Fraud — shoplifting from stores along Stringtown Road, employee theft, or financial fraud; we work to minimize restitution and protect employment opportunities.
• Domestic Violence — accusations can trigger protection orders and custody issues; early defense is crucial.
• Sex Crimes — cases involving minors, digital evidence, or public parks such as Fryer Park; these require discreet, aggressive defense.
• Drug Offenses — possession and trafficking charges from I-71 traffic stops; we challenge searches and lab testing.
• Weapons Violations — improper handling in vehicles, CCW issues, or firearm specifications; we protect your Second Amendment rights.
• Driving Under Suspension — whether related to DUI, unpaid fines, or insurance lapses, we work to restore driving privileges.
• Robbery, Burglary & Trespass — residential or retail property cases; we challenge ID, value, and alleged “force” elements.

Grove City Mayor’s Court

Many misdemeanor cases in Grove City—including DUI/OVI, theft, and traffic matters—begin in the Grove City Mayor’s Court, located at 3360 Park Street. Here, arraignments are typically scheduled within five business days of arrest. The magistrate oversees hearings, with local prosecutors handling cases. More serious charges may be transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court or the Court of Common Pleas.

At arraignment, your charges are read and you enter a plea. If you retain LHA, we can often appear for you, enter a not guilty plea, request discovery, and address your license suspension immediately. If negotiations in Mayor’s Court do not produce favorable results, we may transfer your case downtown for motion practice or trial.

What You Need to Know About Ohio Mayor’s Courts

What to Expect If You’re Arrested in Grove City

• Remain calm: Do not argue or resist. Provide ID and insurance but decline to answer incriminating questions.
• Contact an attorney quickly: Early intervention allows us to preserve dashcam footage and challenge errors.
• Understand the timeline: Arraignment happens fast (within 5 days). Pre-trial is when police reports and videos are shared. This is where negotiations begin.
• Plan for license issues: Administrative License Suspensions are immediate in OVI cases. We review BMV Form 2255 for errors and request limited driving privileges as soon as possible.

Arrested in Columbus, Ohio, or the Suburbs? Here’s What to Know

Frequently Asked Questions: Grove City Criminal & DUI Cases

Do I have to appear at my arraignment?

Often, no. Our attorneys can appear for you, enter a not-guilty plea, and request discovery, sparing you from missing work or school.

Can I keep my license after a DUI arrest?

We examine BMV Form 2255 for defects. If errors exist, we may terminate the suspension. Otherwise, we request stays or limited privileges so you can drive to work, school, or medical appointments.

Will I see police reports and video evidence?

Yes. We obtain police reports and dashcam or bodycam video. Inconsistencies between reports and footage are often key to reducing or dismissing charges.

Is there video of my traffic stop?

Most Grove City patrol vehicles have dashcams. Reviewing this footage can reveal improper procedures in traffic stops or sobriety testing.

What outcomes are possible in Mayor’s Court?

Charges may be reduced to reckless operation or dismissed if evidentiary issues exist. If necessary, cases can be transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court for suppression hearings or trial.

Why Choose Luftman, Heck & Associates?

• Local knowledge: Over 10 years defending clients in Grove City Mayor’s Court and Franklin County courts.
• DUI expertise: Certified in field sobriety testing and experienced in challenging breath/blood evidence.
• Proven record: Hundreds of clients have seen charges reduced or dismissed through our advocacy.
• Client-centered defense: We communicate clearly, act quickly, and fight for your future.

Talk to a Grove City Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Don’t let a DUI or other criminal charge in Grove City define your future. Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates for immediate help. We will review your case, explain your options, and build a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Call (614) 500-3836 or request your free consultation online today. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights.