Do I need to attend my arraignment in Westerville?

Often, no. In many Westerville Mayor’s Court misdemeanors (including first-offense OVI), our attorneys can appear for you, enter a not-guilty plea, request discovery, and begin addressing license and bond issues immediately.

Can I get my driving privileges back while my case is pending?

Yes. We review BMV Form 2255 for errors that could terminate an ALS. If termination isn’t available, we seek a stay or limited privileges so you can drive to work, school, and medical appointments.

Will I get copies of the police reports and video?

Yes. We obtain and share police reports and cruiser/body-cam video when available. Differences between reports and footage can support motions to suppress or leverage better negotiations.

Can a Westerville DUI be reduced or dismissed?

It depends on the facts. Evidentiary issues—illegal stops, improper testing, or chain-of-custody gaps—can lead to dismissals or reductions to lesser offenses such as reckless operation or physical control.

Which courts handle Westerville cases?

Many misdemeanors begin in Westerville Mayor’s Court. Depending on charge severity and strategy, cases can be transferred to Franklin County or Delaware Municipal Court. Felonies proceed in the appropriate Court of Common Pleas.

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Westerville Criminal Defense Lawyers

Charged with a crime in Westerville, Ohio? LHA defends DUI/OVI, drug, assault, theft, weapons, and more. Local court experience. Free consultation: (614) 500-3836.

Westerville Criminal Defense Attorneys – Luftman, Heck & Associates

Your next steps matter if you’ve been charged with a crime in Westerville or nearby Franklin and Delaware Counties communities. From DUI/OVI stops along Cleveland Ave., Polaris Pkwy., and OH-3, to allegations of assault, theft, or drug offenses in neighborhoods near Uptown Westerville or Hoover Reservoir—local enforcement is active and the consequences can be serious.

The criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA) will protect your rights, explain your options, and work toward the best possible result. Call (614) 500-3836 or request a free consultation online.

Criminal Charges We Handle in Westerville

Our Westerville criminal defense lawyers represent clients in Mayor’s Court, Franklin County Municipal Court,
Delaware Municipal Court, and the Franklin/Delaware County Courts of Common Pleas. We defend:

DUI/OVI — alcohol or drug impairment, refusals, high-test cases; stops near I-270/Polaris, Maxtown Rd., and Cleveland Ave.
Drug Offenses — possession, paraphernalia, and trafficking often arising from traffic stops on Polaris Pkwy./I-71 connectors.
Assault — incidents at homes, bars/eateries in Uptown, or recreational areas; we evaluate self-defense and witness credibility.
Theft & Fraud — shoplifting at local retailers, employee theft, identity/financial fraud; we focus on restitution exposure and employability.
Domestic Violence — protection orders, bond conditions, and family/custody implications; urgent advocacy to stabilize your situation.
Sex Crimes — high-stakes investigations, digital evidence, juvenile matters; discreet strategy and expert consultation.
Weapons Violations — improper handling, concealed carry issues, and firearm specifications.
Driving Under Suspension — ALS/OVI-related or unpaid-fine suspensions; paths to reinstatement and harm reduction.
Robbery, Burglary & Trespass — property and entry offenses; we attack ID, value, and “force” elements.

DUI/OVIs in Westerville, OH

In Ohio, DUI is charged as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). A first OVI can involve fines, license suspension, possible jail, and a Driver Intervention Program; repeat offenses bring steeper penalties and longer suspensions. Collateral effects—insurance, employment, professional licensure, and travel—often linger if the case isn’t handled proactively.

Legal limits: 0.08% BAC (adults), 0.04% (CDL), 0.02% (under 21).
Drug-related OVI: prescription/OTC and controlled substances are included.
Evidence: roadside SFSTs, breath/blood/urine testing, cruiser/body-cam video, dashcam from key corridors like Polaris Pkwy./OH-3.

How Our Westerville DUI Defense Lawyers Help

Challenge the stop and probable cause; scrutinize SFSTs and breath/blood testing (procedures, calibration, records).
Pursue dismissals/reductions (e.g., reckless operation or physical control) when warranted; secure limited driving privileges quickly.
File targeted motions (suppress/dismiss) and prepare for trial if negotiations don’t deliver the right outcome.

Westerville Courts & Local Resources

Many Westerville misdemeanors—including first-offense OVI, traffic, and lower-level criminal matters—begin in the Westerville Mayor’s Court (pre-trial/arraignment). Depending on charge severity, strategy, or your preference, cases can transfer to Franklin County Municipal Court (downtown Columbus) or Delaware Municipal Court. Felonies proceed in the appropriate Court of Common Pleas.

Uptown Westerville (State St.), Polaris business/retail corridor, Otterbein University, Alum Creek/Hanby Park, and Hoover Reservoir—all areas where patrols and traffic enforcement are common.

What You Need to Know About Ohio Mayor’s Courts

What to Expect After an Arrest in Westerville

Arraignment (typically within ~5 business days): We can often appear for you, enter a not-guilty plea, and request discovery (reports, video, logs).
License Suspension (ALS): We review BMV Form 2255 for defects; pursue a stay or limited privileges for work, school, and medical needs.
Pre-trial Strategy: Assess the stop, testing, and chain of custody; identify leverage for dismissal/reduction or set motions.
Resolution/Litigation: Negotiate the right outcome; if needed, transfer to Municipal Court for suppression hearings or trial.

What to Do If You’re Arrested in Westerville

Stay calm and be polite. Provide ID, registration, and insurance only. Avoid arguing or volunteering details.
Invoke your rights. Say, “I want to speak with an attorney,” and avoid substantive questions without counsel present.
Preserve evidence. Write down details (location—e.g., OH-3/Polaris Pkwy., time, weather, witnesses). Save receipts or medical info that may matter.
Call LHA quickly: (614) 500-3836. Early action helps protect your license and secure helpful video before it’s overwritten.

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

Questions About Westerville Criminal & DUI Cases

Do I need to attend my arraignment?

Often, no. In many Mayor’s Court misdemeanors (including OVI), our lawyers can appear for you, enter a not-guilty plea, and address bond/driving issues immediately.

Can I get my license back while the case is pending?

We check BMV 2255 for errors that could terminate an ALS. If not terminable, we petition for a stay or limited privileges so you can drive legally for essential needs.

Will I see the police reports and video?

Yes. We obtain and share reports and cruiser/body-cam video when available. Discrepancies often strengthen negotiations or support a suppression motion.

Should I handle this myself and just plead guilty?

Pleading early can create avoidable consequences (license, immigration, employment/licensure). A targeted defense can reduce, re-route, or resolve charges far more favorably.

What outcomes are realistic in Westerville?

Results depend on evidence, history, and goals. We routinely pursue dismissals, reductions (e.g., reckless/physical control in OVI cases), diversion options where available, or litigate in Municipal Court.

Why Hire Luftman, Heck & Associates

Local Experience: Years defending cases arising from Uptown Westerville, Polaris/State St. corridors, and I-270/I-71 connectors.
Strategic Defense: Constitutional challenges, testing scrutiny, and outcome-driven negotiations backed by motion practice and trial readiness.
Client-First Approach: Fast action on license/bond, clear communication, and a plan tailored to your life and goals.

Talk to a Westerville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t let an arrest define your future. Connect with Luftman, Heck & Associates for a personalized defense plan and immediate help with your license and court dates. Call (614) 500-3836 or request your free consultation online.