Columbus License Suspension Attorney

ATTENTION

While a license suspension can arise from various offenses, it is most well known as one of the consequences of driving under the influence (DUI). A license suspension can be imposed by the court as a criminal penalty or as an administrative punishment handled by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Either way, a license suspension can last years under certain circumstances, even if you are not found guilty in court. This penalty can disrupt every area of your life, from work transportation to missing important events and family gatherings.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we understand that a license suspension can uproot your daily routine. You may feel as if you are being harshly punished for a minor mistake. With years of experience helping people fight for their driving rights, our Columbus license suspension lawyers are well-versed in helping good people reach desirable outcomes.

License Suspensions from Traffic Convictions

Under Ohio Revised Code §§ 4510.037–.038, your license may be suspended by the court following a conviction for certain traffic violations — even if they don’t involve DUI or excessive points. The court determines the suspension length and may grant limited driving privileges or terminate the suspension early at its discretion.

To update your status with the BMV, the court must issue a journal entry reflecting its decision. If your suspension exceeds 89 days, reinstatement typically requires completing the full term and paying a BMV fee. If you’re considering an appeal or seeking driving privileges, an experienced Columbus traffic attorney can help guide the process.

The Essentials of License Suspension in Columbus

The purpose of a license suspension is to deter someone charged with a crime from becoming a repeat offender. However, this penalty tends to only be successful in ruining lives. In order to fight your charges and avoid having your license suspended, it is essential to research your options as well as the type of suspension you are trying to avoid.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we can help you understand the following:

• 12-Point Suspension – In Ohio, you are allowed to accrue 12 points within a two-year period before having your license suspended for six months. If you are approaching 12 points on your record, our Columbus defense attorneys can help you apply for a program that grants you credit so that you can avoid a suspension.
• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) – Refusing or failing a chemical test will result in an immediate suspension issued by the BMV. However, there are options for contesting this license suspension that can be pursued with the help of our skilled lawyers.
• ALS Appeal – It is possible to appeal your license suspension within 30 days of your initial court appearance. With the help of Luftman, Heck, & Associates LLP, you may be able to regain full driving privileges almost immediately after your arrest.
• BMV Ohio Payment Plans – Getting your license reinstated after an administrative suspension can come with hefty fees. Let us help you create a payment plan so that you can regain your driving privileges as soon as possible.
• Reinstate Your Ohio Driver’s License after DUI Suspension – After your suspension period has ended, you will have to complete several steps before you can start driving. At Luftman, Heck, & Associates LLP, we will stand by you every step of the way to make the process as simple as possible.
• Driver’s License Reinstatement Failure in Ohio – Driving on a suspended license can have dire consequences, even if the suspension period has ended. Our defense attorneys can help you reinstate your license once your suspension period is over.
• Limited Driving Privileges in Ohio – Even if your license has already been suspended, it is possible to request limited driving privileges for educational and work purposes. Let our team guide you down this path so that you regain mobility as soon as possible.
• Obtaining Photo ID After A DUI Charge – Once you have had your license suspended, you will need to obtain a photo ID for various purposes. Learn how Luftman, Heck, & Associates LLP can help you obtain a permanent ID while you wait to reinstate your driver’s license.
• Second DUI Resulting in Suspended License – Receiving a DUI charge within 10 years of your last DUI conviction will result in elevated penalties. Contact our license suspension lawyers to find out how we can get your charges thrown out.
• Ohio BMV Suspension Fees – If you have already had your license suspended, you will be required to pay a suspension fee to the BMV. Our team can help you understand this process in its entirety.
• Ohio BMV Reinstatement – Before your license can be reinstated, you must satisfy a number of requirements, such as attending courses and paying fees. Let our Columbus license suspension attorneys stand by you and explain the process step by step.
• Ohio BMV Reinstatement Fees – In order to reinstate your license, you may have to pay a fee as a high as $475. The fees for reinstatement vary, and our lawyers can help you understand which fee you are required to pay.
• Weapons Violations & License Suspension for Minors – If you’re under 19 and are convicted of possessing or conveying a deadly weapon on school property in Ohio, your driver’s license will be suspended for 12 to 36 months under state law. This penalty applies even if the offense didn’t involve a vehicle and can dramatically impact a young person’s education, work, and family responsibilities. Beyond the suspension, you’ll be required to pay reinstatement fees and may face additional court-imposed restrictions.

Below is a list of common offenses and the points that are assessed once the court forwards your conviction to the BMV.

How to Avoid a 12-Point License Suspension in Ohio

Many Ohio drivers don’t realize how quickly license points can accumulate until they receive a suspension notice from the BMV. If you reach 12 points on your license within a two-year period, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your driving privileges for six months, beginning 20 days after the notice is mailed. To reinstate your license, you must complete a remedial driving course, file proof of financial responsibility (FRA insurance), retake the written driving exam, and pay a reinstatement fee. However, if you’ve accumulated between 6 and 11 points, you may be eligible to take a remedial course early. Doing so provides a two-point credit, which won’t erase existing points but can prevent a suspension if you’re close to the limit.

Appealing a 12-point suspension is possible, but it must be done before the suspension begins. The appeal must be filed in the county or municipal court where you live, or in juvenile court if you’re under 18. Driving offenses that carry high point values include OVI, street racing, reckless operation, and excessive speeding. Because these suspensions can impact your ability to work, care for your family, or maintain insurance coverage, it’s critical to speak with a Columbus license suspension attorney. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we can help you track your points, explore remedial course options, or fight the suspension in court to preserve your driving privileges.

Trust The Columbus License Suspension Attorney at LHA to Fight for Your Rights

A license suspension can rob you of the ability to function normally. Certain tasks, such as driving to work and being present for family events, may become all but impossible. If you would like to fight for your freedom and avoid a license suspension, call our Columbus defense attorneys at (614) 500-3836 for a free consultation. We will make sure you are aware of your options. Our team may even be able to get your charges dismissed in court so that you can avoid penalties altogether.

Need Legal Help in Columbus, Ohio? Contact us.

If you are looking to overcome your license suspension, you might need one of our experienced Columbus criminal defense attorneys to represent you at hearings and court dates to achieve a best possible outcome. To contact the Columbus license suspension attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates, call us at (614) 500-3836 or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.