Being charged with drunk driving can overshadow your future, but it does not have to. Seek immediate legal counsel to protect your interests. Our Dublin DUI lawyer with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will fight the charges and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Our law firm represents individuals throughout Ohio, including the residents of Dublin. We have over 30 years of experience advocating for our clients’ rights. If you were arrested for drunk driving or another alleged offense, contact our Dublin criminal defense lawyer today!
The Right Attorneys for a Dublin DUI Case
For 10 consecutive years, U.S. News has voted Koffel Brininger Nesbitt “Best Law Firms in America” in the DUI defense practice area. We are one of only three law firms in Ohio that have received this designation. Our law firm is familiar with Dublin’s prosecutors and other court personnel.
If you are facing DUI or other criminal charges, your Dublin DUI defense lawyer can help. Our criminal team has gained a reputation for effective advocacy. We truly care about our clients and keep their best interests in mind throughout the case.
We believe in alternative sentencing and handling cases in special courts when appropriate. Our law firm frequently represents clients throughout Central Ohio and statewide, so do not hesitate to contact us. We believe in second chances, and we believe in protecting your constitutional rights.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Dublin, call 614-884-1100
Understanding OVI in Ohio and the Role of Implied Consent
In Ohio, the term operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) is used instead of driving under the influence (DUI) to describe operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. While the terms may differ, the laws and consequences for OVI in Ohio are similar to those of DUI in other states.
In Ohio, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for individuals over 21, for those under 21, there is a stricter limit of 0.02%, while commercial drivers have a different BAC limit of 0.04%.
Implied Consent in Dublin
Ohio also relies on the principle of implied consent. By obtaining a driver’s license in the state, individuals implicitly agree to comply with law enforcement’s request for a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test, if they are lawfully arrested for suspicion of OVI. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test may result in an administrative license suspension.
Your experienced Dublin DUI attorney can help you better understand how state laws apply to your case. We will also explain the potential consequences you may face. Let us build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Dublin DUI Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
What You Should Know Before Going to Court in Dublin, OH
Before attending your court hearing in Dublin, familiarize yourself with court procedures. When you review our complete guide to surviving a DUI hearing in Dublin Mayor’s Court, you can learn about how the prosecutor for the city of Dublin’s job is to convince the court that you are guilty of the charges against you. Dublin Mayor’s Court only handles misdemeanors and other minor offenses.
The penalties for misdemeanors range from a maximum fine of $150 and no imprisonment for a minor misdemeanor to a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months imprisonment for first-degree misdemeanors.
In Dublin Mayor’s Court, there is no jury. You must show up on time (we recommend early) because failure to appear can result in additional expenses or the judge might even issue a warrant against you.
Once you check-in, you will wait at the courthouse until you are notified that it is time for the judge to hear your case, and the trial begins. A Dublin DUI attorney from our team can represent your case. Our team will challenge any evidence presented against you and fight to obtain a favorable outcome.
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The DUI Case Process and Why Legal Representation Matters
Facing a DUI charge involves multiple legal steps, each of which can determine the outcome of your case. The sooner you hire legal representation, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Below is an overview of the DUI case process in Ohio:
- Arrest and Booking – After a DUI stop, law enforcement will conduct sobriety tests and possibly administer a breathalyzer or blood test. If arrested, you will be booked and held in custody until released on bail or a personal recognizance bond.
- Arraignment Hearing – The first court appearance involves entering a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This hearing sets the stage for how your case will proceed and determines bail conditions.
- Pretrial Negotiations – Prosecutors may offer plea deals to resolve the case without trial. These agreements can reduce penalties and may result in pleading guilty to a lesser charge.
- Trial Proceedings – If no plea deal is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Evidence, including breathalyzer results and officer testimony, will be presented.
- Sentencing and Penalties – If convicted, sentencing follows based on the severity of the offense and prior DUI history. Penalties may include fines, jail time, community service, and license suspension.
Missing deadlines, failing to request hearings, or agreeing to unfair plea deals can negatively impact your case. Insurance companies, employers, and courts take DUI convictions seriously, making strong legal representation crucial.
By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can challenge evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, and improve your chances of keeping your driving privileges.
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BMV Hearing Process After a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest in Ohio triggers both a criminal case and an administrative process with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The administrative hearing determines whether your driving privileges will be suspended independently of the criminal court case. Here is a general overview of the BMV hearing process:
1. Requesting a BMV Hearing
Drivers arrested for DUI have a limited time to request a BMV hearing to contest their automatic license suspension. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe results in a mandatory suspension. A successful BMV hearing can help retain driving privileges while the criminal case is pending.
2. During the Hearing
At the hearing, an administrative officer reviews the circumstances of your arrest and whether proper procedures were followed. Factors such as breathalyzer accuracy, probable cause for the stop, and officer conduct are considered. Unlike criminal trials, the BMV hearing does not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt but instead relies on a lower standard of evidence.
3. BMV Hearing Outcomes
If you win the hearing, your driving privileges may be restored while your criminal case is pending. If you lose, the suspension remains in place, and you must wait for the designated period before applying for reinstatement.
Some drivers may qualify for restricted driving privileges, such as work or medical exemptions, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Consequences of a DUI in Ohio
A DUI conviction can impact your life in ways you may not expect, from financial burdens to limitations on your ability to drive. Ohio enforces strict DUI penalties that increase in severity for repeat offenders. Below are some of the consequences you may face if convicted of a DUI in Ohio.
Fines and Court Costs
DUI convictions come with significant financial penalties, including court-imposed fines and administrative fees. First-time offenders may face fines of up to $1,075, with higher amounts for repeat offenses per Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19. Court costs and mandatory DUI programs can add thousands of dollars to the total expense.
License Suspension
A DUI conviction results in an automatic driver’s license suspension, restricting your ability to drive. First-time offenders face suspensions ranging from six months to three years, while repeat offenses carry longer revocation periods. Limited driving privileges may be available, but only under strict conditions.
Jail Time and Probation
Ohio law allows for jail sentences for DUI convictions, even for first-time offenders. A first offense can lead to a minimum of three days in jail or a driver intervention program, while multiple offenses result in longer sentences. Probation is often required, with strict conditions such as alcohol monitoring and community service.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
In some cases, drivers convicted of DUI must install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle. This device requires a breath sample before the car starts, preventing operation if alcohol is detected. Failing to comply with IID rules can result in further legal consequences and additional license restrictions.
Our Law Firm’s Winning Track Record in Ohio
DUI Case Result: License Reinstated and Charge Reduced to Reckless Operation
Our client was a local company executive. He was a 57-year-old man from Dublin, OH. He was stopped and arrested after testing 17% over Ohio’s legal limit for blood alcohol content.
Instead of a conviction, attorney Brad Koffel successfully had the client’s license reinstated at the first court date. Over the next six months, Mr. Koffel worked to negotiate the charge down to a reckless operation and a $125 fine. The client was placed on a one-year basic non-reporting probation.
Positive Outcome for Dublin Mom: Avoids Jail Time for Second DUI Charge
Attorney Brad Koffel represented a 40-year-old mother and manicurist charged with DUI after being stopped for alleged erratic driving. This was our client’s second charge; her first had been in 1998.
Due to unsteady balance and alleged intoxication, our client did not perform the standard field sobriety tests and refused to submit to a breath test.
As this was the second time she refused a breath test, she faced a mandatory minimum of 20 days in jail. We represented her over a three-month period, during which she pled to an amended charge stipulated as a first offense. She was not required to serve jail time.
Successful Defense: Avoiding Mandatory Jail Time and License Restrictions for Third DUI Charge
Our client, a resident of Dublin and a business entrepreneur, was charged with DUI after allegedly driving outside the marked lanes. This was our client’s third charge. He was thus facing a mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail, as well as restricted yellow plates and possible vehicle forfeiture.
Our client was also accused of failing the field sobriety tests and refusing the breath test. Attorney Brad Koffel represented him for one month. At that point, our client’s DUI was stipulated as a first offense.
Convenient Representation for Dublin Clients
If you were arrested for a traffic violation, DUI, or misdemeanor in Dublin, your case would be handled in Dublin Mayor’s Court unless it meets an exception or the jurisdiction is changed to Franklin County Municipal Court. Our law firm is located near both. This makes it convenient to represent our Dublin clients.
Answers to Common Questions About Dublin Court Proceedings
As experienced DUI defence lawyers in Dublin, OH, we understand the confusion and anxiety surrounding DUI cases. That is why we have answered some commonly asked questions by our clients. We address the importance of legal representation, explain arraignment hearings and more:
Must I Have an Attorney With Me at My Hearing?
Having a DUI attorney in Dublin present with you at your Dublin Mayor’s Court hearing is not required. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain legal representation. Our team frequently handles cases in Dublin Mayor’s Court, so contact us if you would like to discuss your case.
Am I Allowed Witnesses?
You are allowed to bring witnesses to testify for you in court. In some cases, your desired witness will refuse to come to court. If this is the case, you can ask the court to issue a subpoena.
What Is the Arraignment Hearing?
This is the first hearing you will attend. It is where you will be “arraigned”, which is a formal reading of the charge or charges against you. At the arraignment hearing, you will enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading not guilty propels your case to trial, set for a later date.
Your DUI Attorney in Dublin Will Defend You Against Serious Penalties
If you are facing charges, contact a DUI lawyer in Dublin at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt as soon as possible.
Our criminal defense law firm is ready to defend you with passion, experience, and skill. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
