Case Result Categories

OSU Grad Avoids Jail Time After Hit-Skip

When you’re in a car accident, the moments after a collision can be terrifying. Are you hurt? What about the people in the other car? Sometimes the questions become too much and you panic, fleeing the scene. Such was the case for an Ohio State graduate who got into a fender bender with another vehicle. With only two minor prior traffic offenses on his record, he was worried what issues an accident might cause him, so he fled. He was eventually found and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of hit and run, which carries a mandatory three days in jail. Knowing the implications this charge could have on his life, he enlisted the help of the Columbus traffic attorneys of Luftman, Heck & Associates.

While the witnesses of the accident cooperated with prosecutors, attorney Joseph J. Kunkel negotiated the charge from a hit and run to Columbus’ local version of the offense. This amended charge does not require mandatory jail time, so the client was ultimately spared from time in custody.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.

Crawford County Man Sees Second OVI Reduced

Being charged with a DUI can be devastating for anyone, but being charged with a second DUI can be particularly challenging. Recently, a man in Crawford County – an area that takes DUI charges very seriously – faced this dilemma. Knowing that he faced mandatory jail time, he retained the help of Ohio DUI lawyer Joseph J. Kunkel of Luftman, Heck & Associates.

Attorney Kunkel and his client traveled to Crawford County expecting to plead to a stipulated second offense, which carries 10 days in jail. Instead, through negotiating with the prosecutor, attorney Kunkel was able to enroll his client in a driver education program on a stipulated first offense. As a result, the client served no time and kept his driver’s license.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.

Felony Falsifying Prescription Charges Dropped for Young Woman

A young woman in Ohio recently found herself in significant legal trouble after being charged with 13 separate felony charges for falsifying prescriptions along with her adult boyfriend. The two went from pharmacy to pharmacy taking out prescriptions in other peoples’ names, and although the incidents took place when she was a minor, the process moved so slowly that she was considered an adult when she was officially charged.

After retaining the help of the Columbus criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates, her case was able to remain under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. Through swift defense, attorney Joseph J. Kunkel filed a motion to have the client enrolled in the Empowerment Program, which is available to trafficking victims who engage in criminal behavior, but are themselves also being victimized. By arguing that his client only committed the offenses under pressure from an older, more sophisticated individual, the court agreed to let the young woman enroll in the program. After a year of counseling, job training, probation, the charges were dismissed, thereby giving her a chance at a bright future.

In addition to her criminal charges for falsifying prescriptions, this young woman also had a few misdemeanor traffic violations that came up during her case. Attorney Kunkel wanted to ensure his client had every option to successfully move on and effectively worked to have these infractions dismissed. By choosing compassionate and dedicated representation, this young woman was able to deal with a serious criminal case and retain her driver’s license.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.

Theft Conviction Avoided for Woman in Danger of Deportation

If you are ever charged with a crime in Ohio, it is very important to consult with a qualified legal professional, who can help you effectively deal with the charges and will work to protect your criminal record from unnecessary harm. Such was the case for a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman when a retail theft charge put her immigration status in jeopardy. Essentially, if her application for citizenship reflected a conviction, it would likely be denied and she would then face deportation. She understandably did not want to be removed from this country and this eventually led her to Columbus criminal defense attorney Joe Kunkel of Luftman, Heck & Associates, who passionately advocated for his client.

With ample experience in these matters, attorney Kunkel negotiated with the prosecution and facilitated an agreement for his client to enter a diversion program prior to appearing in court. By completing these terms before admitting guilt, the woman achieved a dismissal before a conviction ever appeared on her record. This removed much of the woman’s concern and she’d now be allowed to petition to stay in the United States.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.

Inaccurate Drug Testing Results In OVID Reduction

If you are ever charged with a crime in Ohio, it is imperative to find a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and advocate for the best possible result. This advice recently aided a young man after a car accident resulted in significant legal trouble. When police responded to the crash, they found the young man in question passed out behind the wheel and suspected that he was under the influence. The officer’s collected a sample to analyze and when it tested positive for marijuana metabolite, the man found himself charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, or OVID. Since the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are the same as for driving under the influence of alcohol, the man was now faced with potential jail time, license suspension, probation, and considerable fines he reached out to the criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates based on their extensive experience with OVI and drug-related cases.

The attorneys at LHA took the case and started reviewing the facts of the case and all the relevant evidence. After thoroughly reviewing these materials, it was evident that the sample that was collected did not meet the necessary standard for an accurate test. By utilizing this fact, the attorneys at LHA successfully negotiated for the prosecution to adjust the charges against his client to a more reasonable minor reckless operation misdemeanor. This offense would not include any jail time, license suspension, or probation. In fact, after paying a small fine, this young man would be free of any further concern.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.

Not Guilty Verdict For Nanny Accused Of Endangering a Child

Recently, a family’s nanny become entangled in a very difficult situation when she was criminally charged after an unfortunate incident with a child under her care. While the child in question was crying, another employee allegedly witnessed the young woman attempting to suffocate the child with a cushion. While the child was uninjured, this led to her being charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of endangering a child. With a livelihood based on childcare and no prior criminal history, the woman was desperate to avoid a conviction but was unsure of how to proceed. Therefore, she went to the criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates.

After discussing all aspects of the case, the attorneys at LHA began aggressively representing our client, which eventually led to a jury trial. After the prosecutor concluded their argument, we requested that the judge issue a direct verdict based on the fact that the prosecution did not meet their burden of proof. In essence, since the prosecutor could not show how the child was actually harmed, they could not prove a crime occurred. The judge agreed with this assertion and found the client not guilty due in large part to our attorneys’ fervent advocacy. The woman was very happy to be exonerated of endangering a child and was now free to resume her life without any permanent harm being done.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.