Bexley Criminal Defense Lawyers

Bexley Criminal Defense Attorneys – Luftman, Heck & Associate

If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Bexley or the surrounding areas, you are likely overwhelmed and worried about your freedom and future. Fortunately, a Bexley DUI lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates can help you make the best out of your situation by investigating your case and ensuring your rights remain protected.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, contact a skilled Bexley defense lawyer right away to start building your defense. Call the Columbus-area defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 500-3836.

Criminal Charges LHA Handles in Bexley

In addition to DUI/OVI, our Bexley defense lawyers represent clients facing a wide range of charges:

• Assault — disputes at home, school, or public areas
• Property Damage — vandalism, arson, and criminal mischief
• Theft & Fraud — shoplifting to financial fraud
• Domestic Violence — protective orders and family impacts
• Sex Crimes — allegations with lifelong registration risks
• Drug Offenses — possession, trafficking, and paraphernalia charges
• Weapons Violations — improper handling, concealed carry issues
• Driving Under Suspension — restoring driving rights
• Robbery, Burglary & Trespass — serious property crimes

What to Expect if Arrested in Bexley

If you’re arrested in Bexley, your case will often begin in Bexley Mayor’s Court. Here’s the process:

• Arraignment: Your charges are read before Magistrate Jason Dolin, and you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• Pre-trial: Our attorneys request police reports, cruiser videos, and test records, and begin negotiating with Prosecutor Lou Chodosh.
• Resolution: We pursue dismissal, reduction, or alternative sentencing. If results aren’t favorable, we may transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court for further defense.

During this time, Clerk Marquan Stewart manages scheduling and filings. We handle communications and filings so you don’t miss deadlines or court appearances.

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

Bexley Courts & Legal Resources

Bexley Mayor’s Court
2242 East Main Street
Bexley, OH 43209
Phone: (614) 235-8694
Visit Court Website

Cases not resolved in Mayor’s Court may be transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court or Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in downtown Columbus. See courts we serve.

DUI/OVIs in Bexley, Ohio

In Ohio, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is legally known as an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). This offense involves driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for adults, 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, or 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21. Ohio law also considers impairment due to drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as grounds for an OVI.

• Erratic Driving Behavior – Swerving, speeding, or driving too slowly
• Failed Field Sobriety Tests – Tests administered by police to assess impairment
• Blood, Breath, or Urine Tests – Used to measure BAC or drug levels in the body

An OVI charge can carry severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. However, the specific consequences often depend on factors such as prior offenses, BAC level, and whether any accidents occurred.

Increased Bexley Traffic Stops & Police Presence

Bexley is an affluent suburb of Columbus situated east of the Franklin Park Conservatory, near Wolfe Park and Alum Creek. Although Bexley is a desirable residential community in Franklin County, it sees frequent traffic enforcement along Main Street and surrounding corridors. DUIs and other arrests are not uncommon here, and police take OVI charges very seriously. Consequences for OVIs increase in severity with each repeat offense.

Your First Bexley DUI/OVI Offense

Even a first OVI can bring fines of up to $1,000, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory community service. Cases in Bexley often begin in Bexley Mayor’s Court for arraignment and pre-trial. Luftman, Heck & Associates has represented clients here for more than a decade and understands the court’s magistrate, prosecutor, and process. Learn more about the Ohio DUI court process.

Bexley Mayor’s Court

Bexley Mayor’s Court is one of the smaller mayor’s courts in Franklin County, but it handles a wide range of misdemeanor offenses including DUI/OVI, possession of drugs, and other traffic or criminal charges. Magistrate Jason Dolin oversees hearings, with Prosecutor Lou Chodosh handling cases and Clerk Marquan Stewart managing court operations. Having defended many clients here, our attorneys know how cases are prosecuted locally and what strategies are most effective.

Most cases begin with an arraignment, where you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Our lawyers can often appear on your behalf, enter a not-guilty plea, and begin negotiating or filing motions to protect your rights. If pre-trial results are unfavorable, we can move your case to Franklin County Municipal Court for more options, including motion practice and trial.

What You Need to Know About Ohio Mayor’s Courts

FAQs About Bexley Criminal & DUI Cases

Will my case stay in Bexley Mayor’s Court?

Many misdemeanors and OVI first offenses start in Bexley Mayor’s Court. Depending on the facts, we may transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court for better resolution options.

What should I do if arrested in Bexley?

Stay calm, remain polite, and do not answer questions beyond basic identification. Request an attorney immediately and call (614) 500-3836 to protect your rights.

Do I Have to Appear at My Arraignment?
Bexley DUI cases are usually scheduled for arraignment within five business days of your arrest. We can often appear for you, enter a plea, and begin addressing license suspension issues immediately.

Can I Keep My License or Driving Privileges?
We review BMV Form 2255 for errors that may terminate a suspension. If errors aren’t present, we can request a stay or petition for limited driving privileges. Learn how to restore driving privileges.

Do I Get to See the Police Reports?
Yes. We provide copies of all police reports for your review and incorporate your notes into our defense strategy.

Is There a Video of My Traffic Stop?
Many Bexley police vehicles are equipped with cruiser cameras. We obtain video evidence when available to compare against police reports and challenge inaccuracies. Learn more about field sobriety testing.

What Outcome Can I Expect With My Case?
The prosecutor in Bexley Mayor’s Court is experienced and not afraid to take cases to suppression hearings or trial. However, if evidentiary issues exist, we may negotiate a reduction to reckless operation or physical control, giving you an alternative to an OVI conviction.

Need a Bexley Defense Lawyer? Contact LHA

For nearly 10 years, Luftman, Heck & Associates has defended clients in Bexley Mayor’s Court and throughout Franklin County. A dedicated Bexley defense lawyer can help protect your future, your record, and your license. Contact us today at (614) 500-3836 for a free, confidential consultation.