Business Student’s Grandview Heights OVI / DUI Charge Reduced to Reckless Operation

A business student was driving home one evening, when he was stopped by a Grandview Heights Police Department office for a speed violation. While speaking with the driver, the officer noted an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver. When asked if he had been drinking, he confirmed he had a few beers that evening.

He was then asked to step out of the vehicle and perform the roadside field sobriety tests. The driver complied. After completing the roadside field sobriety tests, he was arrested and charged with first offense OVI / DUI. He was then taken back to the Grandview Heights Police station and asked to submit to a breath test. He refused. His license was then seized and he was placed under a 1-year administrative license suspension. His case was then scheduled for arraignment in Grandview Heights Mayor’s Court.

At this time, the business student had many concerns. First, his license was gone and it would be at least 30 days before he could be eligible for driving privileges. In addition to school, he also had a very good job and would be unable to drive himself to either. Second, an OVI / DUI conviction could derail a very promising business career.

After researching hiring a Columbus OVI / DUI attorney, the gentleman reached out to attorney Ben Luftman. After speaking with attorney Luftman, the Columbus Criminal Defense team was hired to represent him on his case.

Attorneys with LHA represented our client in his case. Initially, we attended our client’s arraignment and were able to secure a stay of his administrative license suspension. The stay gave our client his full license back immediately. This was a critical first step in allowing our client to keep his job and remain in school.

Thereafter, we reviewed all of the evidence and continued to negotiate with the prosecutor. Ultimately, we were able to negotiate the reduction of the OVI / DUI charge to a lesser reckless operation violation. The reckless operation charge is a non-alcohol related traffic offense. In addition, we secured a reduction in the license suspension from one year to six months. Our client was never without driving privileges and saved over $400 on his BMV reinstatement fee. Lastly, we negotiated no probation on the case. Our client was able to pay a fine that day and move on with his life. He was extremely grateful to do so.

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.