Criminal 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/OVI)—in Upper Arlington on the northwest side of Columbus near U.S. Route 33, SR-315, and I-270, you may feel overwhelmed about what comes next. Early, informed action can protect your license, record, and future.

By involving an experienced Upper Arlington defense lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates early in your case, you can work toward avoiding a conviction and limiting the collateral consequences that affect your work, school, and professional licenses.

With over a decade of experience defending clients in Upper Arlington and other nearby cities, we handle a wide range of cases, including DUI, drug offenses, theft, and more. Call (614) 304-3403 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Upper Arlington, Ohio: Common DUI and Criminal Charges

Upper Arlington’s quick access to downtown Columbus and major corridors—U.S. 33, SR-315, and I-270—means frequent traffic enforcement and patrol activity. Whether your stop occurred along Lane Ave., Fishinger Rd., or Riverside Dr., local cases often begin in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court before moving to county courts when appropriate.

In Ohio, DUI and OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) refer to the same offense. Charges typically allege alcohol and/or drug impairment, often with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. But mistakes happen—testing, procedures, or the basis for the stop may be flawed.

What You Need to Know About Ohio Mayor’s Courts

How an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer Can Help

An Upper Arlington DUI lawyer can evaluate the stop, field sobriety, and chemical testing; identify errors; and work toward dismissal, reduction, or alternative outcomes that protect your record and driving privileges. 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 jail time, fines, license issues, and lasting record consequences. Penalties depend on the offense, your history, and case facts. In addition to DUI/OVI, LHA represents clients facing:

• 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 start by identifying errors that could benefit your case—was there reasonable suspicion for the stop, were tests administered correctly, and was evidence handled lawfully?

From there, we develop a strategy to seek dismissals, reductions, diversion, or alternative resolutions. When necessary, we are prepared to file motions and take your case to trial. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we understand how the other side thinks and use that insight to pursue the best available outcome for you.

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

What to Ask an Attorney During Your DUI Case

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Upper Arlington, ask your attorney the following:

Do I Need to Attend My Arraignment?

Upper Arlington OVI cases are scheduled for arraignment within five days of your arrest. We can often appear for you or with you, enter a not-guilty plea, address driving privileges, and request discovery.

How Can I Get My License Back?

If your license is suspended, reviewing BMV Form 2255 may reveal errors that support terminating your suspension. The Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court does not allow stays on ALS suspensions, so limited driving privileges may be necessary.

Will I See the Police Reports?

Yes. Your attorney will obtain and review the police reports with you. Inconsistencies, omissions, or procedural errors can become critical defense issues.

Is There Video Evidence of My Traffic Stop?

Most Upper Arlington police vehicles use dashcams that record stops. Any discrepancies in your standardized field sobriety tests or officer observations may be captured on video and can strengthen your defense.

What Outcome Can I Expect in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court?

If a resolution is not reached, your case may be transferred to the Franklin County Municipal Court. There, your case may proceed to a suppression hearing or a jury trial, depending on the facts and strategy.

Criminal Penalties & The Upper Arlington Court System

The effects of a conviction—even a first one—can be life-changing. Retaining an Upper Arlington DUI and criminal defense lawyer gives you an advocate who can fight for your rights at every stage.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Even a first-time DUI conviction can bring fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a license suspension, and a Driver Intervention Program. Penalties for other offenses vary based on the charge level and facts of your case.

Court Process for DUI & Criminal Cases

DUI cases are typically initiated in the Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court for arraignment and pre-trial. Misdemeanors generally proceed in the Franklin County Municipal Court, while felonies move to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

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

FAQs About Criminal Charges in Upper Arlington

Will my case stay in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court?

Many misdemeanor cases, including first-offense OVI and traffic matters, begin in Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court on Tremont Road. Depending on charge severity and strategy, cases can be transferred to Franklin County Municipal Court or to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for felonies. We advise on whether resolving the case locally or transferring courts offers the best outcome.

Do I need to attend my arraignment?

OVI arraignments are typically set within five days of arrest. In many situations, we can appear for you or with you to enter a not-guilty plea, request discovery (police reports, videos, calibration logs), and address administrative license suspensions and limited driving privileges right away.

How does Upper Arlington police collect DUI evidence?

Officers commonly use dashcam video, standardized field sobriety tests, and station-based breath testing. We obtain and review the footage, reports, and testing/calibration records to challenge probable cause, test administration, and instrument reliability when appropriate.

What are the penalties for a first-time OVI?

Consequences can include fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a license suspension up to one year, and a Driver Intervention Program. Collateral effects—insurance, employment, and travel—make early legal guidance essential to pursue reductions, limited privileges, or alternative resolutions.

What happens if my case is sent to Franklin County?

Misdemeanors proceed in Franklin County Municipal Court; felonies go to the Common Pleas Court. Procedures differ by court and judge, but our attorneys regularly practice in both venues and file targeted motions (including suppression) to position your case for negotiation or trial.

Get Help From an Upper Arlington DUI Lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we have the resources and local experience to assist with any charge you face. For a free and confidential assessment of your case, call (614) 304-3403 or use our contact form. We’ll review your options and guide you through the Upper Arlington court process.