Case Result Categories

Woman Reduces Jail Time for Multiple Charges and a Probation Violation

Not long ago, the Columbus criminal defense attorneys with Luftman, Heck & Associates assisted a young woman when multiple criminal charges put her in severe legal trouble. Apparently, this woman was on probation for a previous theft offense when she was charged yet again with a theft-related charge. This serious probation violation, which could result in up to 160 days in jail were further complicated because, during this period, the woman was also cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Based on the dire nature of her circumstances and her strong desire to avoid such a lengthy jail sentence, the woman knew that she would need very strong and experienced legal representation.

After consulting with his client, attorney Joe Kunkel took the woman’s case and immediately set to work. First, attorney Kunkel used a wealth of knowledge regarding the Ohio traffic code and arraigned for this woman to have her license fully reinstated prior to her appearance in court. By presenting a valid driver’s license, the driving under suspension offense was dismissed. Subsequently, attorney Kunkel discussed the new theft charge and probation violation with the prosecution and after extensive negotiations, it became apparent that his client was only with the person who committed the recent theft. As a result, all the parties involved agreed to amend the new offense to a more appropriate charge of complicity to theft, which was resolved through the payment of court costs and a fine. Additionally, the client agreed to participate in a mental health evaluation as well as a theft diversion class and in the end, was only sentenced to a manageable 10-day sentence to resolve the probation violation. Under her attorney’s skillful representation, this client was very pleased to reduce the impact of these multiple charges and radically decreased the time she needed to spend behind bars, which was a massive win, based on the original circumstances.

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.

Inaccurate Drug Testing Results In OVID Reduction

If you are ever charged with a crime in Ohio, it is imperative to find a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and advocate for the best possible result. This advice recently aided a young man after a car accident resulted in significant legal trouble. When police responded to the crash, they found the young man in question passed out behind the wheel and suspected that he was under the influence. The officer’s collected a sample to analyze and when it tested positive for marijuana metabolite, the man found himself charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, or OVID. Since the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are the same as for driving under the influence of alcohol, the man was now faced with potential jail time, license suspension, probation, and considerable fines he reached out to the criminal defense team at Luftman, Heck & Associates based on their extensive experience with OVI and drug-related cases.

The attorneys at LHA took the case and started reviewing the facts of the case and all the relevant evidence. After thoroughly reviewing these materials, it was evident that the sample that was collected did not meet the necessary standard for an accurate test. By utilizing this fact, the attorneys at LHA successfully negotiated for the prosecution to adjust the charges against his client to a more reasonable minor reckless operation misdemeanor. This offense would not include any jail time, license suspension, or probation. In fact, after paying a small fine, this young man would be free of any further concern.

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.

Controlled Substance Charges Reduced For Woman After Two Traffic Stops

A short time ago, criminal defense attorney Joseph Kunkel assisted a 40-year-old woman in Madison County with two separate, but very similar drug possession cases. Initially, the woman was stopped for speeding and when police officers searched the woman’s handbag they found a bottle of anti-anxiety medication. Although the pills were prescribed to her, the woman had more than the allotted amount. As such, the officer charged her with possession of a controlled substance. The woman did not think this incident was handled properly and retained the services of Luftman, Heck & Associates to handle the case against her.

After discussing the details of the incident, attorney Joseph Kunkel worked with the prosecution and deftly achieved a dismissal based on the fact that the officers did not have the necessary probable cause to search his client’s purse. With the controlled substance charge removed, the woman was excused from further concern, but unfortunately, quickly found herself in legal trouble again. A short time later, she was stopped for another traffic violation that resulted in her car being impounded. When the impound lot conducted an inventory of the vehicle, probable cause was no longer an issue and the number of pills in her prescription bottle was again questioned. She was subsequently charged with the same controlled substance offense and called upon the services of Joseph Kunkel.

It became apparent that his client had not used the previous month’s apportioned pills and when she added her new monthly prescription, it appeared as if she had more pills than necessary. Attorney Kunkel presented this explanation to the court and arranged for her participation in a drug dependency assessment, after which her charges would be amended to a lesser disorderly conduct offense. In the end, his client was quite relieved to move on after these incidents, knowing these lapses in judgment would not result in haunting drug convictions.

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.

Marijuana Charges Dismissed For Ohio Lawyer After Entering Diversion Program

Recently, a 30-year-old man working as an attorney in Ohio retained the services of Luftman, Heck & Associates, when he was faced with misdemeanor possession of marijuana charges. Apparently, he pulled his car into a wooded area and began smoking marijuana, but was quickly approached by police. As an attorney with no prior criminal history, the man was very concerned about the complications associated with having a drug conviction on his record, in addition to the negative effect on his reputation. Consequently, he looked for lawyers with ample experience dealing with criminal drug cases and came upon the attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates.

In an effort to find the best possible outcome for his client, attorney Joseph Kunkel used his client’s previously unblemished criminal record and the fact that his client was not a habitual drug user to negotiate with the prosecutor. He successfully arranged for his client to participation in a diversion program for first-time offenders with the stipulation to complete 20 hours of community service to dismiss the possession charge. This program also included the option to pursue a total expungement of the charges after one year. The client was pleased to learn that once these conditions are met and he completes the expungement process, he can move past this unfortunate incident.

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.

Underage OVI Reduced For A Ravenna Woman

In Ravenna, OH a 19-year-old nursing student was pulled over and after a field sobriety test, submitted to a breathalyzer. After the test, the young lady reportedly had a .082 BAC, which would be well above the legal limit of.02 for someone under 21-years-old, so she was charged with underage operation a vehicle under the influence (OVI). The woman had no prior criminal history and was very worried about the impact an underage OVI could have on her budding nursing career and looked for attorneys with extensive OVI experience to help resolve this serious situation and came upon Luftman, Heck & Associates.

LHA attorneys did not want to see her career end prematurely so he took the underage OVI case and began filing motions to suppress the evidence collected by police. During the second suppression hearing, we were able to negotiate with the district attorney’s office to amend the charge to failing to maintain physical control of the vehicle, which carries a six-month license suspension, a $375 fine, and requires her enrollment in a three-day intervention program. The client was happy that without the underage OVI on her record, she won’t face any negative consequences from the nursing boards after graduation.

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.

Failure To Maintain Peer To Peer Licensing Dismissed For Uber Driver

Recently, the traffic and criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates represented a 38-year-old Uber driver who was charged with failure to maintain peer to peer licensing. The charge came after a police officer dressed in plain clothes entered his vehicle inquiring about his licensing information and title. Thinking this was a joke by an outsider, our client was not honest in his response. Unfortunately, our client was unaware that the man was a police officer. The Uber driver was facing a 1st-degree misdemeanor for failing to maintain his peer to peer registration.

Our client, driving only a few hours a week as an extra source of income to support his wife and two children, grew concerned that he would have to stop working for the transportation company. Attorney Joseph Kunkel represented the man and took steps to alleviate the situation and secure his job. After working with the prosecutor, attorney Kunkel was successful in securing a dismissal of his offense for payment of court costs. Our client must drive the vehicle that he has registered in order to prevent any further penalties.

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.