Contact Us
Dublin Criminal Defense Lawyers
Although Dublin, OH 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, you need a highly-skilled and experienced Dublin criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the local prosecutors, judges, and juries. As the premier criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates in the area, we provide clients throughout Franklin, OH, Delaware, OH, and Union Counties with the fierce representation and care they deserve. Whether you are facing an DUI charge in Dublin, a theft, assault, or any misdemeanor or felony level offense in Dublin, let us protect you.
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
Office Location
Luftman , Heck & Associates LLP
6253 Riverside Dr Ste 200
Dublin, Ohio 43017-5034
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.
Cases we handle
DUI Defense
Expand
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 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
Expand
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
Expand
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.
Criminal Traffic Violations
Expand
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.
Sex Crimes
Expand
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.
Other Types of Cases We Handle
Criminal Consequences in Dublin
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
Lower-level crimes, such as theft of property worth less than $500, disorderly conduct, or a first time DUI. Consequences may involve a wide range of fines and up to one year in jail.
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 Lawyers
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
Christopher Junga
Our Awards
Dublin Mayor’s Court &
Understanding the Ohio Legal Process
For Representation in Dublin Mayor’s Court
The criminal justice system in Ohio is intimidating, and it can often appear so complicated that you feel predestined to fail. For instance, if you are charged with a misdemeanor in Dublin that allegedly violated the city’s ordinances, you may have to appear in Dublin Mayor’s Court. This is overseen by the Mayor of Dublin or appointed magistrates with their own independent policies and procedures. While various criminal cases could be handled in Mayor’s Court, the most common examples include:
At Luftman, Heck, & Associates LLP, we routinely assist clients in Dublin Mayor’s Court and have an impressive track record of obtaining favorable results. Our Dublin criminal defense lawyers know how to navigate the local procedures and can offer valuable insights and strategies. In some situations, you may even be better served by transferring your case to another municipal court. For instance, Mayor’s courts cannot hear some cases, like if you want to pursue a jury trial, or if you feel like your case would benefit from being heard elsewhere. If you decide to transfer your case from Dublin, the case will move to Delaware County Municipal Court or Franklin County Municipal Court. Additionally, if a magistrate in Dublin finds you guilty, you can still appeal the verdict to Delaware or Franklin County.
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
