New Albany Criminal Defense Lawyers

New Albany Criminal Defense Attorneys – Luftman, Heck & Associates

If you were arrested in New Albany, Ohio—whether for DUI/OVI, theft, drugs, assault, or another offense—your next steps matter.
New Albany’s mix of residential neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and busy corridors (U.S. 62, SR-161, SR-605, Central College Rd., and Hamilton Rd.) brings frequent patrols and traffic stops by local police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. A conviction can affect your license, record, employment, and professional licenses—but you don’t have to face this alone.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA), our defense team pairs deep local knowledge with proven litigation skill. We move quickly to protect your rights in New Albany Mayor’s Court and, when strategy calls for it, in Franklin or Licking County courts. Call(614) 500-3836 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Criminal Charges We Handle in New Albany

From stops near the SR-161 interchange and U.S. 62 to incidents around the Market Street district, New Albany Country Club, and nearby business parks,our attorneys defend a full range of misdemeanor and felony charges. Each case gets a tailored, goal-focused strategy that considers court, judge, and collateral risks (employment, immigration, licensure).

• DUI/OVI —
  enforcement is active along SR-161 and Hamilton Rd. We challenge the stop, SFSTs,
  breath/blood testing, and seek limited driving privileges.
• Theft & Fraud —
  shoplifting at local retailers, employee theft, and financial crimes; we target restitution exposure and record protection.
• Drug Offenses —
  possession, paraphernalia, and trafficking tied to traffic stops on SR-161/U.S. 62; we contest searches, seizures, and lab reliability.
• Assault &
  Domestic Violence —
  disputes in residences and gathering spots; we evaluate self-defense, mutual combat, and protective-order implications.
• Weapons & Firearms —
  improper handling and CCW issues; we address transport rules and Fourth Amendment challenges.
• Robbery, Burglary & Trespass —
  property and entry offenses near homes, parks, and retail; we attack ID, intent, value, and “force” elements.
• Driving Under Suspension —
  ALS/OVI-related or unpaid-fine suspensions; we work to restore privileges and avoid enhancements.

DUI/OVI in New Albany: What to Know

In Ohio, drunk/drugged driving is charged as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). A BAC of 0.08%+ (0.04% CDL; 0.02% <21) or drug impairment can lead to arrest.

Even a first OVI can bring fines, possible jail, a license suspension, and a Driver Intervention Program. Collateral consequences—insurance, employment, professional/licensing, and travel—make early, experienced counsel essential.

• We investigate the stop: lane violation, speed, equipment, or checkpoint compliance, and whether “reasonable suspicion/probable cause” existed.
• We challenge testing: SFST instructions/scoring, instrument maintenance/calibration logs, chain-of-custody, medical confounders, and timing.
• We pursue practical outcomes: dismissals, reductions (e.g., reckless operation/physical control), and limited privileges to keep you working and caring for family.

New Albany Mayor’s Court: Where Many Cases Begin

Many New Albany misdemeanors—including first-offense OVI, traffic, and certain property/person offenses—start in the New Albany Mayor’s Court on Market Street. Arraignments are often set within five business days of arrest to address administrative license suspension (ALS) issues promptly.

What You Need to Know About Ohio Mayor’s Courts

Depending on the charge and strategy, matters can be transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court or Licking County courts for expanded motion practice and jury trials.

• Arraignment: charges read; plea entered (not guilty, guilty, no contest). Our lawyers can often appear for you and immediately request discovery.
• Pre-trial: we obtain reports, cruiser/body-cam, instrument logs, then negotiate toward dismissal/reduction or alternatives.
• Transfer/litigation: if negotiations stall, we move the case for suppression practice or trial in the appropriate county court.

What to Expect After an Arrest in New Albany

• Initial stop/investigation: Stay polite; provide license, registration, and insurance. Decline investigative questions; request an attorney.
• ALS & license: We review BMV Form 2255 for terminable errors; otherwise, seek stays or limited privileges.
• Discovery & motions: We analyze reports/video and file targeted motions (suppress/dismiss) where warranted.
• Resolution: We pursue the best available outcome—dismissal, reduction, diversion/treatment, or trial—based on your goals.

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

How Our New Albany Defense Lawyers Build Your Case

• Stop & seizure challenges: Dash/body-cam review, dispatch logs, and roadside documentation to contest basis and scope of the stop.
• Testing scrutiny: SFST certifications, environmental conditions, medical/orthopedic limits; breath/blood device maintenance and operator credentials.
• Evidence pressure points: chain-of-custody, hearsay issues, missing witnesses, late or incomplete discovery.
• Outcome-driven strategy: minimizing jail, protecting your record and license, and mitigating collateral consequences.

FAQs – New Albany Criminal & OVI Cases

Do I need to attend my arraignment?

Often, no. In many Mayor’s Court misdemeanors (including OVI), we can appear for you, enter a not-guilty plea, request discovery, and start addressing bond and license issues right away—saving you time and minimizing disruption.

Can I get my driving privileges back?

We examine BMV 2255 for defects to terminate the ALS. If termination isn’t available, we seek a stay or limited privileges for work, school, and medical needs as early as eligible.

What evidence will I see?

You’ll receive copies of police reports and, when available, cruiser/body-cam video and testing logs. We encourage you to review and share notes; inconsistencies between reports and video often become leverage for suppression or negotiation.

What outcomes are realistic in New Albany criminal cases?

Results depend on facts, history, and evidence. If the testing or procedure is flawed, reductions (e.g., reckless operation or physical control) or dismissals are possible. When needed, we transfer to the county court for a suppression hearing or jury trial.

What are the penalties for a first OVI in New Albany?

Potential jail (3 days–6 months), fines (often up to ~$1,000), license suspension, and a Driver Intervention Program. Collateral effects—insurance, employment, licensure—can linger. Early intervention helps us target limited privileges, reductions, or alternatives that protect your future.

Why Hire Luftman, Heck & Associates in New Albany

• Local experience: Regular practice in New Albany Mayor’s Court and Franklin/Licking County courts; we know the procedures and players.
• Strategic defense: Constitution-focused, evidence-driven advocacy designed for dismissals, reductions, or trial readiness.
• Client-first service: Rapid action on license/bond, clear communication, and practical guidance from day one.

Talk to a New Albany Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Don’t let an arrest define your future. Connect with Luftman, Heck & Associates to review your options and build a defense plan tailored to your goals Call (614) 500-3836 or request your free consultation online.