A DUI charge can upend your life, but with the right New Albany DUI defense lawyer, you can fight for the best possible outcome. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we bring extensive experience and unwavering dedication to defending DUI cases throughout Columbus and surrounding areas.
If you’ve been charged in New Albany, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation.
Why New Albany is a Hotspot for DUI Arrests
New Albany, located northeast of Columbus, is a thriving community intersected by U.S. 62 and Ohio State Route 162. Local law enforcement and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are vigilant about identifying impaired drivers.
In fact, Franklin County saw over 2,000 OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) enforcements in 2014 alone. If you’re stopped and charged with a DUI in this area, the consequences can be severe, but our team is here to help.
The Real Impact of a DUI in Ohio
In Ohio, a DUI, referred to as an OVI, carries heavy penalties that can ripple through every aspect of your life:
- Fines and Fees: Thousands of dollars in penalties.
- License Suspension: Up to three years without driving privileges.
- Jail Time: Sentences escalate with repeat offenses.
- Personal Consequences: Difficulty finding housing, job loss, and strained family relationships.
Don’t let a DUI derail your future. An experienced DUI lawyer can significantly reduce these risks.
How Luftman, Heck & Associates Can Help
When you’re facing a DUI charge, you need a skilled attorney who knows the local courts and laws. With nearly a decade of experience handling DUI cases in the Columbus area, our attorneys have helped hundreds of clients by:
- Challenging Evidence: Identifying errors in police reports or improper administration of sobriety tests.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges: Working to lower DUI charges to lesser offenses like reckless driving.
- Avoiding Jail Time: Advocating for alternative sentencing options.
Your case deserves personalized attention, and we’ll fight for the best possible outcome.
Key Questions to Ask Your New Albany DUI Lawyer
To build a strong defense, it’s important to understand your options. Here are some critical questions to ask:
Do I Need to Attend My Arraignment?
For most New Albany DUI cases, arraignments occur within five business days of arrest. Hiring us means you may not need to appear in court—we can enter a not guilty plea on your behalf and address your driving privileges.
Can I Get My Driving Privileges Back?
Our team will review your case for errors in the administrative license suspension process and request a stay if possible. If a full license reinstatement isn’t an option, we’ll work to secure limited driving privileges for essential activities like work, school, or medical appointments.
What Evidence Do I Have Access To?
We believe that you have a right to know the evidence against you, and we will always make copies of reports we receive so that you can review them. We prefer that you take the reports home, review them thoroughly, and then send us an email with your thoughts about the reports. Take note of any inconsistencies and be sure to share with us your summary of exactly what happened.
What Are the Possible Outcomes?
If there are issues with the physical evidence in your DUI arrest, the prosecutor may offer a reduction of your OVI charge to a lesser offense like reckless operation. Sometimes it may be better to transfer your case to Franklin County Municipal Court. At the municipal court level, we typically conduct a suppression hearing or jury trial if necessary.
Prior to conducting a suppression hearing or jury trial on your behalf in Franklin County Municipal Court, we will continue to negotiate an offer to a reduced charge to give you an option before litigating the case.
Consequences of a First DUI/OVI Offense
Getting an OVI conviction is no small thing. Even as a first-time offender, you could face:
- Fines: Over $1,000.
- Jail Time: Up to six months.
- License Suspension: Up to three years.
Your case will likely start in New Albany Mayor’s Court. Our primary goal is to minimize penalties, avoid jail time, and protect your driving privileges.
If necessary, we’ll transfer your case to Franklin County or Licking County Municipal Court for trial.
How a New Albany Drunk Driving Lawyer Can Help
When you’re dealing with a DUI / OVI in New Albany, you have a litany of legal forces working upon you, and each prosecutor will have different methods to enforce them on you.
Having a dedicated New Albany DUI lawyer who is familiar with the courts around Columbus will be your best chance at a victory against the charges brought against you.
Why Choose Luftman, Heck & Associates?
Our attorneys understand the complexities of DUI defense and the nuances of local courts in and around Columbus. With our proven track record, we can provide:
- Aggressive Defense: We’ll challenge every aspect of your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Experienced Guidance: Our deep knowledge of DUI laws ensures no detail is overlooked.
- Compassionate Support: We know how stressful this time is and will be with you every step of the way.
Take the First Steps to Protect Your Future Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI/OVI in New Albany, the time to act is now. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can start building your defense.
Call Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 500-3836 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
