Can I get limited driving privileges during my Columbus DUI case?

Often, yes. Depending on your record, charge level, and compliance with court conditions, Franklin County judges may grant limited driving privileges for work, school, medical appointments, or childcare during your case. Eligibility, timing, and any ignition interlock or monitoring requirements are case-specific and should be evaluated by your attorney.

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Columbus DUI Motion to Suppress Lawyer

Q: Can filing a motion to suppress get my DUI case dismissed?

Yes. If the judge excludes key evidence—such as the stop, arrest, field sobriety tests, or breath results—the prosecution may be unable to proceed. In Columbus and Franklin County Municipal Court, successful suppression can lead to dismissal, charge reduction, or a far stronger negotiating position for you.

Q: Where are suppression hearings held in Columbus?

Most OVI suppression hearings arising from Columbus arrests are held at Franklin County Municipal Court, 375 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio. At the hearing, the arresting officer testifies, your lawyer cross-examines, and the judge decides whether evidence is admissible before the case moves toward trial or resolution.

Q: How do Columbus judges view field sobriety test challenges?

Franklin County judges look for substantial compliance with NHTSA standards. Errors like poor instructions, uneven surfaces, footwear or medical issues not considered, or improper timing/observations can undermine reliability. Demonstrating those deviations can result in the field test evidence being limited or excluded at a suppression hearing.

Q: What happens if my suppression motion is denied?

Your case proceeds, but the hearing still helps your defense. Cross-examination often exposes weaknesses in the stop, arrest, or testing. Those issues can be leveraged in plea negotiations for reductions—such as reckless operation—or at trial in Franklin County Municipal Court to challenge credibility and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Need a Columbus DUI attorney for your suppression hearing? Call LHA at (614) 500-3836 for a 100% free and confidential case consultation.

DUI Motions to Suppress – Protect Your Rights & Limit the Evidence Against You

Being charged with an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Columbus can feel overwhelming. The flashing lights, the arrest, and the fear of losing your license or freedom are life-changing. But not all evidence collected by police can be used against you in court. Luftman, Heck & Associates regularly files motions to suppress DUI evidence that can exclude illegal or unreliable evidence and drastically weaken the prosecution’s case.

Understanding how suppression motions work can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal if you’re navigating the Columbus DUI court process. Call LHA at (614) 500-3836 for a free consultation.

What Is a Motion to Suppress in an Ohio DUI Case?

A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude evidence that was obtained in violation of your constitutional or procedural rights. In DUI/OVI cases in Columbus, suppression motions often challenge:

The Traffic Stop: Was there reasonable suspicion for pulling you over?
The Arrest: Did officers have probable cause to arrest you?
Field Sobriety Tests: Were they conducted according to NHTSA standards?
Chemical Tests: Was the breathalyzer calibrated and maintained properly?

By forcing prosecutors to prove each step was handled lawfully, we can weaken or eliminate the evidence used against you.

Grounds for Suppressing DUI Evidence in Columbus

1. Illegal Traffic Stop

Police must have a specific, articulable reason to stop you. If your stop was based only on a “hunch,” subsequent evidence may be thrown out. Learn more in our guide on signs your DUI case may be weak.

2. Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest

Even after a valid stop, officers must show clear indicators of impairment. Slurred speech or red eyes alone are not always enough. If probable cause is missing, the arrest may be invalid.

3. Field Sobriety Test Errors

Field tests must comply with federal standards. If tests were done improperly—on uneven ground, with poor instructions, or without considering medical conditions—they may be excluded. See how lawyers get OVI tests thrown out.

4. Chemical Test Issues

Breath and blood tests must meet strict standards. Prosecutors must prove the machine was working properly, logs were maintained, and the operator was certified. Any break in the chain of custody can open the door to suppression.

The Franklin County DUI Process & Suppression Hearings

If you’ve been charged with OVI in Columbus, your case will move through specific stages in the Franklin County Municipal Court. Each stage presents opportunities to challenge evidence:

Arraignment: First appearance where you enter a plea.
Pretrial Hearings: Suppression motions are often filed and argued here.
Trial: If suppression fails, the case may proceed to trial.
Preliminary Hearings: Critical for building your defense and challenging weak evidence early.

Understanding this timeline helps us craft the strongest suppression strategy for your case.

Possible Outcomes of a Motion to Suppress in Columbus

Case Dismissal: If critical evidence is excluded, prosecutors may drop the case.
Charge Reduction: Often to reckless operation or physical control, which carry lighter penalties.
Trial Advantage: Even if suppression is denied, the process often exposes weaknesses we can exploit at trial.

See more in our guide on whether to take your case to trial.

Columbus Courts & Local DUI Resources

Most DUI cases in Columbus are handled at:

Franklin County Municipal Court
375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-8186
Franklin County Clerk of Courts Website

Other resources include our Essential Guide for First-Time DUI Offenders in Columbus and the Ohio BMV for license reinstatement.

Why Choose LHA for a DUI Motion to Suppress?

Our Columbus DUI attorneys bring decades of experience, deep knowledge of Franklin County court procedures, and proven results. We provide:

Customized suppression strategies to challenge stops, arrests, and testing.
Technical expertise in breathalyzer calibration and chain of custody.
Local insight from years of defending clients in Columbus courtrooms.
Focused defense from arraignment to trial, and beyond.

See our list of the top 10 questions to ask before hiring a Columbus DUI lawyer and learn how to choose the right defense team.

Call (614) 500-3836 today for a free consultation.

FAQs: Columbus DUI Motions to Suppress

Can filing a motion to suppress get my DUI case dismissed?

Yes. If the judge rules that the stop, arrest, or tests were unlawful, the prosecution may have no evidence left to proceed. Many Columbus cases are dismissed at this stage.

Where are suppression hearings held in Columbus?

Suppression hearings are generally held at the Franklin County Municipal Court in downtown Columbus. Judges review testimony and decide whether evidence is admissible.

How do Columbus judges view field sobriety test challenges?

Judges in Franklin County require “substantial compliance” with federal NHTSA standards. Even minor errors can make results unreliable.

What happens if my suppression motion is denied?

Your case moves forward, but suppression motions often uncover weaknesses. These can be used at trial or in plea negotiations.

Can I still get driving privileges during this process?

Yes, depending on your prior record and charges, you may be eligible for limited privileges for work, school, or medical needs while your case is pending.

Act Now – Call a Columbus DUI Motion to Suppress Lawyer

A motion to suppress can be the turning point in your DUI defense. Don’t wait to start protecting your rights. Contact the Columbus DUI attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836 for a free, confidential consultation today.