Alcohol Related Crimes Attorney
In Ohio, there are a number of different alcohol related crimes. In order to be charged with an alcohol offense, you must have consumed alcohol underage, become visibly drunk in public, sold it to someone underage, or displayed or consumed it in an inappropriate location (for example, in the passenger seat of a car or in a park).
“Ben and his colleague Dan did an excellent job and the case was dismissed without court charges yesterday. Couldn’t ask for anything more than that. Thanks again.”
Luftman, Heck & Associates client
Penalties for Alcohol Offenses in Ohio
Every day in central Ohio people are charged with alcohol-related criminal offenses. Alcohol offense penalties can range from a minor misdemeanor, punishable by only a fine, to a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail.
If you are convicted of an alcohol related criminal offense, additional potential issues include:
- Maintaining your current employment
- Licensure issues in some professions
- Difficulty getting a good job in the future
- Difficulty and possible denial in immigration and naturalization proceedings
Simply put, if you are convicted of an alcohol offense, it could remain on your criminal background for the rest of your life. No matter what the circumstances were in your case, you rightly or wrongly run the risk of being considered a person who has had an issue with alcohol. Therefore, it is critical that you to give your alcohol related offense the level of importance it deserves.
How Our Columbus Alcohol Crime Lawyers Help
The Columbus Criminal Defense team takes a two pronged approach to all alcohol related cases. First and foremost, we will figure out what mistakes the police made and what legal issues can be raised on your behalf.
We do this by requesting discovery from the prosecutor. The discovery will generally consist of police reports, additional investigative notes and potentially a lab analysis of the alcohol. As our client, you will receive a copy of everything received from the prosecutor for your review
Based on the legal weaknesses in the State of Ohio’s case and any other mitigating factors, we will negotiate the best possible plea available with the prosecutor for you to consider in resolving your case.
If your case cannot be resolved satisfactorily with a plea, it would then proceed to a motion hearing (a hearing where the judge issues a ruling on an evidentiary issue) or a trial to the judge or jury, depending on the circumstances.
The second approach taken by the Columbus Criminal Defense team is to identify whether you have an alcohol or substance abuse problem and if there are treatment programs available in lieu of jail or a conviction on your case.
For nearly ten years, the Columbus Criminal Defense team has successfully represented clients on alcohol related offenses. That extensive previous experience will enable us to better help you.
Are you in trouble? Contact us.
Though the penalties for alcohol offenses are generally less severe than for other offenses, it’s still important to stay informed. Use the links at right as guides to the offense you’re facing. If you have any questions about the material or if you need an experienced, competent alcohol offense attorney to help with your case, please contact us.
For over a decade, the Columbus criminal defense lawyers at LHA have successfully represented clients on criminal offenses ranging from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. That extensive previous experience will enable us to better help you.
Talk to a Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
If you have any questions about the material or if you need an experienced, competent attorney, call a Columbus criminal defense attorney at Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836.