Dublin DUI Lawyer

Get Help From A Dublin OVI / DUI Attorney Near You

Charged with a DUI or OVI in Dublin, Ohio? Whether you were pulled over along I-270, cited near Sawmill Parkway, or stopped after leaving Bridge Park, our Dublin DUI lawyers are here to help. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our Dublin criminal attorneys know the Dublin Mayor’s Court inside and out and will build a personalized defense strategy to help you protect your license, your job, and your future.

A DUI in Ohio is referred to as an OVI — or operating a vehicle under the influence. It’s a severe charge with a weighty impact that can have a ripple effect through your entire life, and the penalties magnify with each repeat offense. The charge could cost you thousands of dollars, you could be sentenced to prison, future landlords and employers might see it as a liability, your car insurance rates will likely jump up, and you could lose custody of your child.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we’ve helped countless drivers navigate the complexities of Dublin Mayor’s Court and fight back against OVI charges. From preserving your license to minimizing fines and avoiding jail, we build aggressive, customized defenses based on years of local experience. Call(614) 406-5868 or request a free consultation online. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and work quickly to protect what matters most—your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense.

OVI / DUI Charges in Dublin, Ohio

Dublin, Ohio, sits at the crossroads of major highways like I-270 and U.S. 33—making it a frequent spot for DUI enforcement. With events like the Memorial Golf Tournament and a growing nightlife scene in areas like Bridge Park, Dublin police are constantly monitoring for signs of impaired driving. Expect to be pulled over if you’re observed swerving, speeding, or otherwise driving erratically. From there, officers may administer field sobriety tests or request a breath or chemical test. Refusing or failing can result in an immediate license suspension and OVI charges under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19.

DUI cases in Dublin typically go through the Dublin Mayor’s Court or Franklin County Municipal Court, depending on your record and case severity. Even a first offense carries serious consequences—license suspension, steep fines, possible jail time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. With so much on the line, it’s essential to act fast. A skilled Dublin DUI lawyer can review the details of your stop, challenge the evidence, and fight to protect your freedom, license, and future.

Dublin, Ohio DUI Penalties

If you’re convicted of OVI in Dublin, Ohio, you face serious consequences—even for a first-time offense. DUI cases in Dublin are prosecuted under Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, and the penalties increase significantly with each prior conviction within a 10-year period. Whether your case is handled in Dublin Mayor’s Court or Franklin County Municipal Court, the impact on your life can be substantial.

First Offense (Misdemeanor 1st degree)

• 3 days to 6 months in jail (Driver Intervention Program may be an alternative)
• $375 to $1,075 in fines
• 1 to 3-year license suspension
• Possible ignition interlock and restricted plates

Second Offense (within 10 years)

• 10 days to 6 months in jail (minimum may include house arrest + alcohol monitoring)
• $525 to $1,625 in fines
• 1 to 7-year license suspension
• Mandatory ignition interlock and restricted “party plates”
• Vehicle immobilization for 90 days (if registered to you)

Third Offense (within 10 years)

• 30 days to 1 year in jail
• $850 to $2,750 in fines
• 2 to 12-year license suspension
• Mandatory alcohol treatment
• Vehicle forfeiture possible

Other penalties can include six points on your license, mandatory SR-22 insurance, limited driving privileges restrictions, and a permanent criminal record. Keep in mind that factors like high BAC (.17 or higher), accidents, refusals, or prior offenses may trigger enhanced penalties.

What to Expect from a Dublin DUI Lawyer

The criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates knows how fragile you might feel after being charged with a DUI / OVI, and they will approach your case with the compassion you need to rebuild your strength. For nearly 10 years, our lawyers have been tirelessly defending the rights of those charged with an OVI every single day. They’ve been victorious in the courts for hundreds of client, whether that means having charges reduced, or, in some recent cases, having a case dismissed entirely.

If you’re facing an OVI, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I find a DUI defense lawyer near me?” Look no further than Luftman Heck & Associates. Our attorneys have managed to reduce the charges for some clients, avoid jail time for others and, sometimes, get the case dismissed entirely.

What Should You Ask Your Attorney?

When facing DUI charges, there are a number of important questions you should ask your Dublin DUI lawyer, including:

Do I have to appear at my arraignment?

Dublin DUI cases will be filed and scheduled for arraignment within five business days from the date of your arrest. This time frame exists so that you can appeal the administrative license suspension. One of the first things you will be thinking about is how to regain your right to drive. Having an experienced Dublin DUI lawyer fight for your rights and work to reduce the penalties against you can mean the difference between regaining your driving privileges and facing months or years of no license.

If you retain the Dublin-based attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates, we can appear on your behalf at your first court date. Your case will be scheduled at the Dublin Mayor’s Court, located at 6565 Commerce Parkway. We’ll enter a not guilty plea, review your police reports and cruiser video footage, and immediately address your license suspension. Having us appear on your behalf can mean fewer interruptions to your weekday.

Can I get my license back after a Dublin DUI?

If you hire our Dublin criminal defense team to represent you on the case, we will be looking at the BMV Form 2255 to see if there are any errors that could lead to terminating your license suspension outright.

We Review Your Form 2255 for Errors

If there are no errors on the 2255, we are able to request a stay of your license suspension. A stay would give you your full license back while your case is pending. You would be able to go to the BMV and get your plastic license back.

We Can Request a Stay of Suspension

Dublin Mayor’s Court generally permits stays of the administrative license suspension, absent an accident or otherwise nasty fact pattern. If you hire our DUI attorneys, we will be able to appear on your behalf at your arraignment and request the stay for you. You would then be forwarded two copies – one to take to the BMV and one to keep with you at all times while driving during the pendency of your case.

Limited Driving Privileges in Dublin Mayor’s Court

Lastly, if none of those options were available we would look to get you limited driving privileges, so that as soon as you are eligible, you would be permitted to drive for work, school, and medical purposes. Getting driving privileges in Dublin Mayor’s Court is not a difficult process when represented. You would be forwarded a blank copy of the Dublin limited driving privilege entry to fill out and return to us. It would then be filed on your behalf and when granted, you would be forwarded two certified copies – one of which you will keep in your car at all times while driving, and the other as a spare in case you lose the first.

Who is the prosecutor?

Marty Nobile is the prosecuting attorney for Dublin Mayor’s Court DUI cases. He has prosecuted OVI, criminal, traffic, and environmental cases for the City of Columbus and many other Central Ohio municipalities during his time practicing. He will be prosecuting your case from its initiation in arraignment court.

Do I get to see the police reports?

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we provide our clients with copies of all police reports we receive. We prefer you to take the reports home, review them thoroughly, and then send an email to us with your thoughts about the reports, any inconsistencies, as well as your summary of exactly what happened.

Is there a DVD of my traffic stop?

Most of the Dublin police cars are equipped with a cruiser video system, so absent a malfunction there will be a DVD of your traffic stop. This is often very helpful to us. If the police reports are exaggerated, it will show on the DVD. It will also show whether the roadside field sobriety tests were performed properly on you. Every one of our Dublin DUI lawyers is certified in the administration of the field sobriety tests, and we know the mistakes to look for. You will also receive a copy of the DVD for review.

What outcome can I expect with my Dublin Mayor’s Court OVI case?

If there are evidentiary issues, the prosecutor will potentially offer a reduction of your OVI charge to a lesser offense such as a reckless operation or physical control while in Dublin Mayor’s Court. However, sometimes it is necessary to apply more pressure if the prosecutor is unwilling to offer a reduction, and it may be advantageous to transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court. There, your case will go through Columbus DUI court process.

In Franklin County Municipal Court, we are able to conduct a suppression hearing or jury trial if necessary. After dealing with the DUI lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates for 11 years, the prosecutor knows that we are ready, willing and able to litigate fully on behalf of our clients.

Before conducting a suppression hearing or jury trial on your behalf in Franklin County Municipal Court, our criminal defense team always aims to continue negotiating an offer to a reduced charge to give you an option before litigating the case.

What Happens in Dublin Mayor’s Court?

Dublin Mayor’s Court is located at 6565 Commerce Parkway and meets on Tuesday evenings. When you’re charged with an OVI in Dublin:

• Your license is immediately suspended.
• You may qualify for limited driving privileges or a stay of suspension.
• Your case will likely be resolved through negotiation, not trial.

Fines, jail time, yellow license plates, and ignition interlock devices are all possible penalties—even for first-time offenders. If negotiations are unsuccessful or the facts are unfavorable, you can transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court to pursue trial or a more favorable outcome.

Should You Stay in Mayor’s Court or Transfer?

Staying in Mayor’s Court may offer more flexibility in negotiations, especially if this is your first OVI and your record is otherwise clean. However, transferring to municipal court may be appropriate if:

• You have a prior OVI within 10 years.
• You want a jury trial.
• Your lawyer sees leverage for suppression or dismissal.

Your First Dublin DUI / OVI Offense

An OVI is not a conviction to be taken lightly, and if the prosecution comes at you full force, the punishments will be heavy. Even first-time offenders can face a fine of over $1,000, six months in jail, and a three-year license suspension, according to Chapter 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Your case will probably be sent to the Dublin Mayor’s Court, where we will inspect the evidence against you and decide what plea to enter. With our team, you likely won’t have to even make an appearance at your arraignment. If we think you have a chance for a better outcome by going to trial, we might transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court, where the team has defended thousands of clients.

How a DUI Lawyer in Dublin, Ohio Can Help

The Dublin OVI attorneys from Luftman, Heck & Associates know the courts around you like the backs of their hands. Our DUI defense lawyers have spent almost 10 years building experience with the prosecution in each municipality. The law can be a complicated web that ensnares you, but our lawyers know how to navigate the system and get your case the best results possible.

Now is the time to fight back. Get an experienced Dublin DUI lawyer and use every tool available to you to change the outcome of your case the best you can for you. The team at Luftman, Heck & Associates knows the courts, they know the prosecution and the know how to give you the legal representation to get the best results possible from your case.

• The Cost of a DUI in Columbus, Ohio & How an OVI Lawyer Saves You Money
• Ohio DUI Defense: 7 Signs the DUI Case Against You Is Weak
• 10 Questions You Should Ask When Hiring a Columbus DUI Attorney

Serving Hilliard, Worthington & Powell from Our Dublin Office

Our Dublin office is just minutes from nearby communities like Hilliard, Worthington, and Powell. We routinely help clients cited for DUI / OVI along Cemetery Road, Hard Road, and High Street, and understand how those local mayor’s courts operate.

If you were arrested outside of Dublin but close by, don’t worry — you’ll still benefit from our decades of local experience, personalized defense strategies, and strong working relationships with prosecutors throughout Central Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dublin, Ohio DUI / OVI Charges

Can I Handle a Dublin DUI Without a Lawyer?

You have the right to represent yourself, but it’s highly discouraged. OVI cases involve complex legal, scientific, and procedural issues. A Dublin DUI lawyer knows the local court system, prosecutors, and potential defenses that can improve your outcome—such as reducing charges or negotiating driving privileges.

What Court Will My Dublin DUI Case Be In?

First-time or lower-level DUI offenses in Dublin typically go to Dublin Mayor’s Court, which meets weekly and often resolves cases through negotiation. More serious cases or those transferred by choice will go to Franklin County Municipal Court, where jury trials and suppression hearings are available.

Can I Get My License Back After a Dublin OVI Arrest?

Possibly. Your lawyer will first check for procedural errors in your BMV Form 2255 to challenge the administrative license suspension. If successful, your license may be fully reinstated during the case. If not, your attorney can request a stay of suspension or file for limited driving privileges through the Dublin Mayor’s Court.

How Long Does a Dublin DUI Stay on My Record?

In Ohio, a DUI/OVI conviction is permanent and cannot be expunged. It remains visible to employers, insurers, and the courts. That’s why avoiding a conviction—or getting the charge reduced to reckless operation or physical control—is critical.

Will I Go to Jail for a First-Time DUI in Dublin?

Jail is possible, but alternatives exist. For a first OVI, you may face 3 to 6 months in jail, but many judges allow completion of a Driver Intervention Program instead. An experienced attorney can argue for alternative sentencing and help you avoid incarceration, especially if no accident or high BAC is involved.

Will My Car Be Towed After a DUI in Dublin?

If the car is registered to you and you are convicted of multiple OVI offenses, mandatory vehicle immobilization applies. For a second offense, your vehicle may be impounded for 90 days. Third offenses risk forfeiture. Your lawyer may challenge this based on ownership, hardship, or mitigating factors.

What Are My Chances of Getting My Dublin OVI Reduced?

If legal or evidentiary weaknesses exist, your Dublin DUI lawyer may negotiate with the city prosecutor to reduce the charge to reckless operation or physical control. Factors that improve your chances include no prior OVI record, BAC under .17, no accident, and full cooperation during arrest.

What If I’m a CDL Driver or Need to Drive for Work?

An OVI can be career-ending for CDL holders. Even first offenses can disqualify you from driving commercially. For non-CDL drivers, we can help you obtain limited privileges for work, school, or medical reasons while your case is pending.

Should I Stay in Mayor’s Court or Transfer to Municipal Court?

Mayor’s Court offers flexibility for negotiation, but Franklin County Municipal Court allows full litigation, including suppression motions and trials. Transferring may be strategically beneficial if your case involves complex legal issues or if you’re not offered a fair deal in Mayor’s Court.

Need a Dublin DUI Lawyer? Contact Us Today for Help

With the help of an experienced, competent Dublin DUI lawyer, you can be assured of understanding all of your legal rights and options and know that your rights will be protected. The criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck, & Associates protects the rights of people charged with an OVI / DUI on a daily basis. Contact us today at (614) 406-5868.