IT Professional’s Petty Theft and Criminal Damaging Charges Dismissed

A young IT professional was out in downtown Columbus over a May weekend and had entirely too much to drink. In his inebriated state, he decided he needed a cigarette and had none. While in a parking garage, he decided it was a good idea to go into an open car and try to get a cigarette. While walking away he began kicking other cars.

He was confronted and ultimately charged by the Columbus Police Department with two counts of criminal damaging and one count of petty theft. He was arrested and taken to jail. Fortunately, he was able to bond out and his case was then scheduled for arraignment in Franklin County Municipal Court.

Having never been to jail before, this young man was in shock. Add to the fact he could face additional jail time and serious criminal charges on his record, he was devastated. Essentially one drunken evening had the potential to undo what he had worked his entire life to achieve. With all of this on the line, he turned to the Columbus Criminal Defense team to make the best of a very bad situation.

Attorneys with LHA represented the young man on his case. Ultimately, we were able to negotiate the dismissal of the theft charge and one of the two criminal damaging charges. Our client was given a fine only and no jail time or probation on the remaining charge. One year from his final court date, we will return to court and file a motion to seal or expunge the conviction and if the judge grants the motion, the entire case will be removed from his background and he will once again have a clean slate.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.