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Dublin, Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers
Although Dublin, Ohio is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country, at Luftman, Heck & Associates, we see lives turned upside-down by criminal charges in and around Dublin all too often. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Dublin or anywhere in Delaware County, you need a highly-skilled and experienced Dublin, Ohio criminal defense attorney who knows the local prosecutors, judges, and juries. As a premier criminal defense law firm in central Ohio, we represent clients throughout Franklin County, Delaware County, and Union County courts. Whether you are facing a DUI charge in Dublin, a theft, an assault, or any misdemeanor or felony offense in Delaware County, we are ready to protect your rights.
Speak with a defense lawyer in Dublin, OH today. Call (614) 224-1500
or contact us online to schedule a free, initial consultation.
Cases we handle
Dublin Office
Luftman , Heck & Associates LLP
5890 Venture Dr.
Dublin, Ohio 43017-6142
PH: (614) 224-1500
Directions
DUI Charges in Dublin
Whether you are a Dublin resident or are pulled over and arrested for an OVI in Dublin, you are right to be concerned. Under Ohio law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and a Dublin DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences including costly fines, increased insurance rates, job loss, a driver’s license suspension, and possible time in custody. Therefore, you should immediately consult an experienced Dublin DUI lawyer near you with knowledge of how local DUI cases are handled. By working with our Dublin attorneys, we can review your case and may be able to help you avoid the harshest consequences. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI or OVI, call our experienced DUI attorneys at (614) 224-1500 for a free DUI evaluation.
Dublin Drug Offenses
The consequences for drug crimes in Ohio like drug possession, drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, and other offenses are severe and increase when large quantities are involved. Penalties can include the possible loss of your license, lengthy periods of incarceration, and a haunting drug conviction on your record. Dublin, Ohio is certainly not immune, and if you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Dublin that involves marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or another controlled substance, it is important to remember that you still have options. Contact our highly-experienced drug attorneys and learn how we can help.
Assault & Domestic Violence in Dublin
Although assault and domestic violence are two separate crimes; they frequently arise at the same time. Both crimes happen regularly in Dublin and convictions can lead to hefty fines, incarceration, probation, and court-ordered counseling or anger management courses as well as the lasting stigma of being a violent person. Our Dublin criminal defense attorneys are experienced with virtually every conceivable domestic violence and assault charge and may use strong defense strategies, such as self-defense or defense of others to help tell your side of the story and set things straight.
Dublin Traffic Violations
Drivers in Dublin are pulled over every day for all manner of traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, and driving under suspension. If you’ve been ticketed or arrested for a traffic violation, our Dublin traffic lawyers can help you to avoid points being added to your license and significant fines. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we also represent clients who have been arrested for various criminal traffic violations, such as reckless driving, hit and run, driving without a valid license, and DUI manslaughter. These violations are much more serious than other minor traffic citations, making it crucial for you to reach out to a Dublin traffic attorney right away.
Dublin Sex Crimes
Whether you are charged in Dublin or anywhere in Ohio, a sex crime conviction can result in imprisonment, registration as a sex offender, and a ruined reputation. If you’d like to prevent a sex crime charge from permanently impacting your life, reach out to our highly-skilled Dublin defense attorneys who have dealt with many types of sex crime charges. We have considerable experience representing individuals accused of Ohio sex crimes including child pornography, rape, and sex with a minor. We believe you rights deserve protection no-matter the allegations. You need to aggressively defend yourself with a dedicated attorney by your side.
Criminal Charges Commonly Filed in Dublin, OH
Criminal Penalties After an Arrest in Dublin, OH
While any criminal offense is serious and should always be handled by an experienced and capable legal professional, felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanor crimes, which are in turn more severe than infractions. For example, a felony conviction can result in a prison sentence, but misdemeanors only allow for people to be held in local or municipal jail. Infractions, on the other hand, are punished even less harshly through tickets and fines.
Infractions
Misdemeanors
Ohio Misdemeanor Sentencing
| Degree | Jail Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| First Degree | Up to 180 days | $1,000 |
| Second Degree | Up to 90 days | $750 |
| Third Degree | Up to 60 days | $500 |
| Fourth Degree | Up to 30 days | $250 |
| Minor Misdemeanor | None | $150 |
Municipal Courts handle misdemeanor cases in Ohio, a minor misdemeanor is the least severe charge, and the First-Degree Misdemeanor is the most severe. The penalties (jail, fine, etc.) increase by the degree of the misdemeanor.
Felonies
The highest level of crimes in Ohio and include crimes such as rape, murder, and arson. These crimes can result in significant fines and more than one year in prison.
Ohio Felony Sentencing
| Degree | Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| First Degree | 3-11 Years | $20,000 |
| Second Degree | 2-8 Years | $10,000 |
| Third Degree | 9-36 Months 12-60 months* |
$7,500 |
| Fourth Degree | 6-18 Months | $5,000 |
| Fifth Degree | 6-12 Months | $2,500 |
* Depending on type of third degree felony charge
Common Pleas Courts handle felony cases. In Ohio, an F5 is the least severe felony charge, and an F1 is the most severe. The penalties (prison, fines, etc.) increase by the degree of felony you are charged with.
Regardless of the level of offense with which you’ve been charged, it’s important to work with a Dublin criminal defense attorney to minimize your consequences. If convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record that can impact your job opportunities and reputation within the community. Call Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 224-1500 to help you navigate the complex criminal justice system in Dublin.
Meet Our Dublin Criminal Defense Attorneys
Benjamin L. Luftman
Our Awards
Joseph J. Kunkel
Our Awards
Zachary Olah
Our Awards
Nicholas Fagnano
For the past five years, Nicholas has been representing clients in Columbus, Ohio, primarily with the Franklin County Public Defenders Office. Since joining Luftman, Heck & Associates, Nicholas handles all criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies and appellate matters.
Our Awards
Dublin Mayor’s Court and Delaware County Courts
For Representation in Dublin Mayor’s Court
Dublin sits across Franklin and Delaware Counties, which means a Dublin criminal case can end up in several different courts. Low-level misdemeanor charges tied to Dublin city ordinances are often filed first in Dublin Mayor’s Court, a limited-jurisdiction court overseen by the mayor or an appointed magistrate. More serious misdemeanors and most felonies move to Delaware County Municipal Court, Franklin County Municipal Court, Delaware County Common Pleas Court, or Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Cases that commonly begin in Dublin Mayor’s Court include:
At Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, we regularly represent clients in Dublin Mayor’s Court and across Delaware County, and we have an established track record of obtaining favorable results. Our Dublin criminal defense lawyers know the local procedures, the prosecutors, and the magistrates, and we know when your interests are better served by transferring the case. Mayor’s courts cannot hear certain matters, including cases where you want to pursue a jury trial. You can ask to transfer a Dublin case to Delaware County Municipal Court or Franklin County Municipal Court, and you can appeal a Mayor’s Court conviction to the Delaware County or Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. For a broader overview of these courts, see what you need to know about Ohio Mayor’s Courts.
Why Hire an Experienced Dublin Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Regardless of the criminal charges that you are dealing with, you clearly have a lot to worry about, and there are several factors to consider. The decisions you make early in the process are vital to your success, and we would tell anyone that it takes high-caliber legal guidance from the beginning to effectively deal with the situation and reach a favorable resolution.
There are multiple benefits to consulting with the Dublin criminal defense lawyers with Luftman, Heck & Associates. If you retain our attorneys you can expect:
We offer focused and aggressive representation to every client
If you choose to defend yourself, you may put yourself in a difficult situation because you may not have enough knowledge of Ohio criminal laws as well as how prosecutors and judges think. A good Dublin criminal defense attorney can enhance your grasp of criminal defense and build a stronger strategy than you may be able to on your own.
Protection from harsh penalties
All convictions can lead to serious penalties that can reduce your quality of life and make it a challenge for you to land or keep a job, hold a professional license, and support yourself and your family. An experienced Dublin criminal defense lawyer may be able to protect you from the harsh punishments of a conviction.
Time Savings
Speed is critical during criminal defense proceedings. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our law firm located in Dublin fully understands how to tackle complex legal cases quickly and accurately, saving you time and headaches. If you use a public defender, you may not receive the timely attention that you need to address a major criminal charge.
Long-term financial benefits
Hiring a lawyer can reduce the costs associated with criminal charges in the long run. You may be able to avoid harsh fines and minimize your time away from work.
Driving directions to Luftman, Heck & Associates in Dublin:
Get on I-670 W
Take I-270 N to OH-161 E/US-33 E in Dublin.
Take exit 17A from I-270 N
Continue on OH-161 E/US-33 E and drive to Riverside Dr
Destination will be on the right
From I-270 W
Get on I-270 W from US-62 E/Harrisburg Pike
Follow I-270 W to OH-161 E/US-33 E in Dublin.
Take exit 17A from I-270 W
Continue on OH-161 E/US-33 E and drive to Riverside Dr
Destination will be on the right
Head east on W 5th St W toward N Main St
Slight left onto Delaware Ave
Turn right to merge onto US-33 E toward Columbus
Keep right to continue toward Riverside Dr
Destination will be on the right
From I-270 W / I-71 S
Get on I-71 S
Take I-270 W to Sawmill Rd in Franklin County
Take exit 20 from I-270 W
Continue on Sawmill Rd
Take W Dublin Granville Rd to Riverside Dr
Destination will be on the right
Local Law Enforcement and Agencies That Handle Dublin Criminal Cases
Most criminal charges filed against Dublin residents come from one of a handful of agencies. Knowing who investigated and arrested you helps shape the defense.
- Dublin Police Department handles local patrol, OVI stops, traffic enforcement, and most misdemeanor investigations inside Dublin city limits.
- Delaware County Sheriff’s Office covers the portion of Dublin that falls within Delaware County, along with unincorporated areas around the city.
- Franklin County Sheriff’s Office covers the Franklin County portion of Dublin and typically works with Columbus-area task forces.
- Ohio State Highway Patrol handles freeway OVI and traffic arrests on I-270, US-33, and SR-161 through Dublin.
- Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force and DEA coordinate on larger drug offense investigations that reach into Dublin and the surrounding suburbs.
If you have been contacted by any of these agencies, do not answer questions without an attorney present. Dublin-area officers are trained to gather statements quickly, and what you say during a stop or at the station almost always shows up later in discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dublin Criminal Defense
Do I need a Dublin criminal defense lawyer for a Delaware County case?
Yes. Because Dublin spans both Franklin and Delaware counties, many Dublin arrests are actually filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court or Delaware County Municipal Court. You want an attorney who knows both the Dublin Mayor’s Court procedures and the Delaware County prosecutors and judges who handle the more serious charges.
Where will my Dublin, Ohio criminal case be heard?
It depends on the charge and where the alleged offense occurred. Minor city-ordinance misdemeanors often start in Dublin Mayor’s Court. Other misdemeanors go to Franklin County Municipal Court or Delaware County Municipal Court. Felony cases are handled in the Common Pleas Court of the county where the offense occurred.
Can my Dublin Mayor’s Court case be moved to a different court?
Yes. You have the right to request a transfer out of Mayor’s Court, which is common when a defendant wants a jury trial or when the case involves issues the Mayor’s Court cannot resolve. Depending on where the charge was filed, the case would typically move to Delaware County Municipal Court or Franklin County Municipal Court.
What should I do after a Dublin OVI or DUI arrest?
Write down what you remember about the stop, save any paperwork the officer gave you, and call a Columbus OVI defense lawyer before the arraignment. Ohio’s administrative license suspension and implied-consent rules start running immediately, and a first-offense OVI still carries mandatory penalties that are easier to limit when counsel gets involved early.