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Practice AreasCriminal Defense and DUI Lawyers in Upper Arlington
Charged with a Crime in Upper Arlington, Ohio? Let Our Team Help
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 your next steps should be.
By involving an experienced Upper Arlington defense lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates early in your case, you can work toward avoiding a conviction.
With over a decade of experience defending clients in Upper Arlington and other nearby cities, we represent a wide range of cases, including DUI, drug offenses, theft and more.
Upper Arlington, Ohio: Common DUI and Criminal Charges
Located on the northwest side of Columbus, Upper Arlington provides quick access to downtown and all major highways, including U.S. Route 33 and I-270. This accessibility makes DUIs and criminal charges a frequent issue for both residents and those passing through.
In Ohio, a DUI and OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) have the same meaning. Charges usually involve allegations of alcohol and/or drug impairment with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08%. However, mistakes can happen, and sometimes charges are incorrect.
How an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer Can Help
An Upper Arlington DUI lawyer can assess your case, identify errors in the charges, and work toward dismissal or reduction. Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 304-3403, or contact us online.
Other Criminal Charges in Upper Arlington
Criminal charges in Upper Arlington can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and other consequences. The penalties depend on the offense type, your criminal history, and other case-specific factors. In addition to DUI and OVI, Luftman, Heck & Associates represents clients facing charges like:
- Domestic violence
- Drug possession
- Drug manufacturing
- Assault
- Rape
- Vehicular homicide
- Criminal fraud
- Theft
- Disorderly conduct
- Murder
What to Expect from an Upper Arlington Defense Lawyer
Our Upper Arlington defense attorneys will begin by investigating if there were any mistakes made that could work in your favor. They’ll then highlight the errors that led to you being incorrectly charged, and we 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 Need to Attend My Arraignment?
Upper Arlington OVI cases are scheduled for arraignment within five days of your arrest. We can represent you by entering a not-guilty plea, addressing your driving privileges, and requesting all relevant evidence.
How Can I Get My License Back?
If your license is suspended, reviewing BMV Form 2255 could reveal errors that might lead to terminating your suspension. The Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court does not allow stays on administrative license suspensions, so you may need to apply for limited driving privileges.
Will I See the Police Reports?
Yes, your attorney will obtain the police reports for your review. Checking for inconsistencies or mistakes in the reports can provide grounds for defense.
Is There Video Evidence of My Traffic Stop?
Most Upper Arlington police vehicles have dashcam systems that record traffic stops. Any discrepancies in your roadside field sobriety tests or other actions may be captured on video, potentially strengthening your defense.
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.
Criminal Penalties & The Upper Arlington Court System
The effects of a conviction, even if it’s your first one, can be life-changing. 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.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Even a first-time DUI conviction in Upper Arlington can bring severe penalties, including fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a suspended license, and mandatory attendance at a Driver Intervention Program. Other criminal offenses may carry longer jail time and larger fines based on the severity of the charges.
Court Process for DUI & Criminal Cases
DUI cases are typically handled in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court for pre-trial and arraignment stages. Misdemeanor charges generally move to Franklin County Municipal Court, while felony cases may proceed to Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
How an Upper Arlington Defense Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Upper Arlington defense lawyer will tailor your defense strategy to your unique circumstances. We’ll analyze your charges and case details to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
When designing an effective criminal defense strategy, our Upper Arlington lawyers may:
- Challenge Faulty 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.
Get Help From an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates
At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we have the resources and experience to assist with any charge you face. For a free and confidential assessment of your case, call us at (614) 304-3403 or fill out our contact form. Let us review your legal options and help you navigate the criminal justice process in Upper Arlington.