A wife's call leads to a large drug raid, attorney Brad Koffel discusses.
A Fairfield County man’s wife called 911 to bust a multi-million dollar drug operation. At the time of reporting, officers had not issued any charges against the accused, claiming they needed time to build up their case. The homeowner in question met with a reporter on the scene to claim that the accusations leveled against him were entirely fabricated.While officers found smoking devices, concealment containers, and herbal substances on the scene, their case may not be watertight. An investigation revealed that the wife and husband were in the midst of a divorce at the time the wife reported her husband’s alleged scheme. The wife also claims that her husband took her phone and hit her upon reporting his alleged business.Brad Koffel, the attorney defending the accused, claimed that this is the wife’s spiteful attempt to get back at her husband and that the accusations may not reflect well on her as the investigation proceeds. He also claimed that there’s a chance officers’ findings may result in a civil case instead of a criminal one. At the time of reporting, investigative labs still needed to report on what substances officers removed from the accused’s home before officers could proceed.
Former County Administrator Sentenced in Theft
Douglas Carter, 46 years old, faced charges of stealing more than $440,000 from the Montgomery Development Center in Huber Heights. The Center, whose staff considered one another “like family,” reports that it’s “difficult to believe someone could commit this level of offense.”
Carter stood to serve up to four years in jail for his alleged theft. A ruling judge determined that Carter had an obligation to pay back the money he stole. The judge also determined that Carter must face a permanent ban from holding positions of trust with the government.
While Carter’s victims argued that Carter only planned to make amends because he got caught, Carter defended himself, saying that he “want[s] to make myself a better person and put myself in society.”
While Carter worked with Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbit to address his charges, Nancy Banks of the Montgomery Development Center spearheaded department restructuring and security revamps.
Hilliard Law Director Facing OVI Charges
Police officers in Ohio brought a passing car to a stop after it drifted into the middle of the road. It wasn’t until after officers saw the driver fail several field sobriety tests that they made their arrest – and discovered who, specifically, it was they were arresting.
Hilliard Law Director Tracy Bradford served Franklin County under Hilliard Mayor Donald Schonhardt. Her arrest came four years into her tenure as Hilliard’s law director. Officers report that she refused a breathalyzer test upon her arrest, resulting in the suspension of her license.
While Bradford admitted that it was a mistake to get behind the wheel after a few glasses of wine, she attested that she felt mentally sound. She also claimed that she was going through a divorce with her then-husband, resulting in significant emotional distress.
When asked to comment, Brad Koffel noted that police officers can mistake unusual behavior and red eyes from crying as symptoms of drunkenness. Bradford benefited from his representation while addressing her misdemeanor charge. She continued to work throughout these legal proceedings.
Breastmilk Assault
A Delaware County resident made national headlines when she allegedly sprayed police officers with her breast milk. In 2011, the Delaware County sheriff’s officer received a call from a man reporting that his wife was drunk, had hit him, and wouldn’t come out of her car. Officers responded and made an effort to communicate with the woman while she was in her vehicle.
The woman, Stephanie Robinette, refused to cooperate before allegedly spraying the attending officers with her breastmilk. Officers then arrested her on charges of assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and domestic violence.
After her arrest, Robinette claimed she was “embarrassed and humiliated,” and that police involvement in her personal life disrupted her marriage. After her arrest, she stopped drinking. She then pleaded guilty to assault and obstruction of justice.
Officers originally wanted Robinette to face felony charges, which her attorney, Brad Koffel, dismissed as ludicrous. Koffel said, “There’s a substance statute that’s not on point. Assault of an officer with breast milk… I don’t know if you can cause harm with that unless the officer’s lactose intolerant.”
Nurse Accused
A nurse practitioner with Stoneridge Clinic in Dublin, OH, faced accusations of stealing patients’ identities to unlawfully take possession of their pain medicine. Claims report that the nurse practitioner stole information from up to 20 clients.
Pharmacy employees discovered the nurse practitioner’s deception when she placed an order on behalf of a client for a large amount of Vicodin. Staff members then reported seeing the nurse practitioner pretending to be one of her patients in the pharmacy, where she attempted to pick up her order.
Staff members allowed the nurse practitioner to leave with placebo pills before calling local law enforcement. Arresting officers report that the nurse practitioner had her child in the backseat at the time of her arrest.
Brad Koffel took on this challenging case and declared that it reflected the debilitating impact addiction can have on a person’s life. In his defense, Koffel claimed that addiction drove the nurse practitioner to violate her professional standards for the sake of pain relief.
The nurse practitioner voluntarily deactivated her nursing license and pursued rehabilitation treatments while represented by Koffel.
New Crime Law Legislation
An Ohio father faces accusations of marijuana production and sales but may not have to spend time in prison. A new crime law promised to address Ohio’s prison overcrowding problem while saving the state millions.
The Smart on Crime Law would allow inmates charged with certain crimes to spend time in community care centers instead of prisons. There, inmates could earn reduced sentences and save the government millions of dollars in support.
Brad Koffel’s client, a father who allegedly began selling marijuana to pay his medical bills, is one of many who stood to benefit from the passing of this law. In Koffel’s own words, his client already stands to have a felony on record and constant supervision. A one to five-year prison sentence would not help him grow as a person.
The client further states that given the complexity and dehumanizing nature of the criminal system, his first offense will be his last. He hopes that the passing of the Smart on Crime Law would allow him to continue supporting his family through legal means instead of spending wasted time in prison.
As of 2024, the Smart on Crime Law is in effect.
Memorial Tournament: Part II
Brad Koffel talks about the possibilities of DUI during the Memorial Tournament
Tailgaiting Legally
There’s not a soul in Ohio who doesn’t appreciate a passionate tailgate. Not even police officers can find it in themselves to challenge the festivities – a leniency that has brought many Buckeyes to believe that they can get away with bringing alcohol to their tailgates. In fact, alcohol consumption generally isn’t legal during a tailgate.
However, police officers generally only make arrests when someone is publicly or disruptively intoxicated. Officers are often quick to arrest anyone who opts to speak disrespectfully when addressed.
Additionally, anyone caught going to the bathroom or otherwise exposing themselves as a result of alcohol consumption faces more than a slap on the wrist. Public indecency constitutes a sex crime under Ohio law.
Likewise, even the most lenient police officer still has to take action if they suspect someone at a tailgate may have offered or otherwise provided minors with alcohol. Both the minor and the provider face the risk of legal consequences if caught sharing booze.
When asked if the general public should card during tailgates, criminal defense attorney Brad Koffel instead recommended practicality and awareness of the ages of anyone present.
Teen Drinking
As graduation season approaches in Dublin, OH, Brad Koffel contributes his legal advice to parents with questions about their right to serve alcohol at their children’s graduation parties.
Unfortunately, Dublin parents serving alcohol to minors may face up to six months in jail and $1,000 fines. Parents could also take on responsibility for accidents caused by teens intoxicated under their supervision. In Dublin specifically, parents take responsibility for teens on a negligence-based standard, meaning the “I Didn’t Know” defense can’t protect them from fines.
However, there are some instances wherein adults may legally serve alcohol to minors. For example, parents have the right to offer their children alcohol in a controlled environment. Likewise, minors may partake in alcohol under the supervision of a doctor or during religious events.
How can parents protect themselves from liability if their teens drink outside these circumstances? Koffel recommends that parents take all possible steps to prevent their teens from hosting parties or accessing alcohol while parents aren’t present to supervise. The more preventative steps a parent takes, the better they can protect themselves.
DUI Proposal
Senator Tim Grandle of Ohio advocated for an improved response to DUIs in 2010. In an effort to make it more difficult for drunk drivers to refuse breathalyzer tests, he pushed for the state to modify its DUI laws to allow EMTs and paramedics to draw a person’s blood to test their blood alcohol content (BAC). Originally, only doctors and nurses could administer blood tests.
Ohio courts also had a history of strictly recognizing BAC findings presented by doctors and nurses. Prior to Grandle’s support of this DUI proposal, neither EMTs nor paramedics could administer BAC blood tests upon a person’s arrest, let alone at the scene of their arrest.
Criminal defense attorney Brad Koffel argued that allowing paramedics and EMTs to perform blood tests would complicate the legal process and open DUI cases up to false interpretations. He expressed concern about the sterility of arrest scenes and suggested that officers could instead drive someone to a hospital to initiate a blood test.
Koffel also argued that allowing EMTs and paramedics to perform these tests would take them off of the streets, limiting their ability to serve victims in need of medical support after accidents.
DUI Proposal Part 2
A DUI proposal allowing EMTs and paramedics to initiate blood tests upon someone arrested for a DUI passed thanks to the advocacy of Senator Tim Grandle of Ohio. According to Grandle, he championed this law in an effort to make it harder – or, at least, less likely – for Ohio residents to refuse a breathalyzer test when pulled over on suspicions of drunk driving.
However, the passing of this law hasn't been entirely well-received. Brad Koffel continues to argue that the law puts unnecessary strain on Ohio’s first responders. He claims putting first responders on witness lists and requiring their presence during DUI arrests will put Ohio injury victims in even greater danger.
He also argues that “the threat of a blood draw won’t do anything to prevent the chemical dependencies” that Ohio residents suffer. He wants the law to focus more narrowly on a specific focus group.
At the moment, the law allegedly targets second offenders, but Koffel fears that officers may find loopholes that allow them to force blood tests on other offenders.
DUI Checkpoints
Ohio proved reluctant to institute DUI checkpoints throughout the state. However, after years of debate, checkpoints appeared in Columbus, OH, as part of an effort to curb drunk driving in the area. The state publicly announced the location of these checkpoints and affirmed that, despite constitutional concerns, they didn’t violate anyone’s rights.
Prior to this debut, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office had checkpoints throughout the county for over 17 years. Representatives hoped that the checkpoints would educate the public about the consequences of drunk driving while simultaneously improving local safety.
However, the checkpoints aren’t universally well-received. Criminal defense attorney Brad Koffel argues that the checkpoints are part of a larger PR stunt and not an actual attempt by the state to curb DUIs. He instead argues that checkpoints should appear around Columbus’s arena district instead of “misusing taxpayer money throughout the city.”
When the local police department countered and told Koffel that funds for the checkpoints came from a grant, Koffel held firm. He reminded officers that there was no concrete proof that the checkpoints would reduce local DUIs.
DNA Felony Bill
In 2009 and 2010, Ohio lawmakers worked in tandem with concerned parents to push the state to pass a DNA Felony Bill. This bill would require anyone charged with a felony crime to undergo a mouth swab. Officers would then enter the person’s DNA into a database, much like they would with a person’s inked fingerprints.
The push driving the state to pass this law stemmed from the law’s success in other states. Originally called “Katie’s Law” in New Mexico, the law had a history of helping law enforcement track down rapists and other felony offenders.
However, Koffel argued that it would be too easy for the state government to take advantage of a database of people’s DNA. Koffel argues that someone might steal another person’s genetic information from government care or that the government might start to treat state residents as suspects, not individuals.
State legislatures argued back, claiming that anyone not convicted of a felony crime could move to have their DNA expunged from the database.
DNA Felony Bill Part 2
Ohio interest groups continued to push the state to pass legislation similar to New Mexico’s “Katie’s Law.” The law would allow state police officers to take a mouth swab from anyone charged with a felony crime upon their arrest. Ideally, the genetic information would help police officers track down criminal offenders and prevent second, third, and fourth offenses.
Despite concerns from Brad Koffel and his fellow criminal defense attorneys, a law similar to
Katie’s Law” passed with overwhelming support in Ohio’s Senate. The bill had bipartisan support from state sponsors. As of 2024, Ohio is one of 25 states to have such a law in place.
Koffel reiterated his concerns about the security of any genetic information entered into this database. His counterparts argue that the genetic information gathered is no different than a person’s fingerprint and that it may actually exonerate innocents wrongfully accused of felony misconduct.
State officials also reiterate that anyone charged but not convicted of a felony crime may move to have their genetic information expunged from the state’s records.
Memorial Tournament
Central Ohio’s Memorial Tournament brings together golf fans from all walks of life for Ohio’s version of the Kentucky Derby. However, the Memorial Tournament also raises local concerns about binge drinking and drunk driving. Unfortunately, many local businesses and residents report a considerable uptick in DUI offenses during the event.Some reports claim that attendees use the Memorial Tournament as an excuse to go to house parties and attend events that provide them with a considerable amount of alcohol. Unfortunately, the city-wide nature of the event can see those people hit the road after they’ve been drinking, thus endangering the people around them.Brad Koffel is experienced in drunk driving cases and also reports a considerable uptick in DUI cases during the Memorial Tournament. According to him, the Memorial Tournament is an Ohio criminal defense lawyer’s greatest opportunity to take on the year’s most significant number of DUI cases. Locals’ opinions on the Memorial Tournament may be split, but local businesses hope attendees can find a happy balance between fun and practicality. In the words of one business owner, “We’d like you to come and have fun, but we’d like you to leave safe.”
Black Tar Heroin
Unfortunately, Ohio is now considered an central hub for heroin distribution. The popularity of black tar heroin has skyrocketed over the past few years as the drug has found a new audience among young people. Brad Koffel reports that he and his firm frequently find themselves defending “preppy” kids or kids from affluent families.
Koffel reports a concentrated pipeline from prescription medication abuse to heroin abuse. Meanwhile, recovering addicts – many of whom have broken from their usage after the death of friends and loved ones – want the stigma around heroin use to lift so more people feel comfortable seeking out help.
Koffel and his fellow criminal defense attorneys specifically provide legal services for heroin addicts whose addictions have driven them to desperate measures. Koffel challenges accusations of criminal misconduct and can help clients advocate for themselves in the face of possession, distribution, and related charges.
Koffel has also helped heroin addicts challenge charges of robbery with weaponry – not invalidating his clients’ behaviors but instead advocating for their right to grace, considering the impact heroin had on their mental well-being.
Halting Heroin – Black Tar Heroin
Once upon a time, heroin was a boogieman drug, rarely found in affluent Ohio cities. Nowadays, the target audience for heroin dealers is considerably younger – and considerably more affluent – than it used to be. Today’s investigators can find black tar heroin in suburban Ohio communities thanks to its reduced cost and wide availability.Reports reveal that the market price of black tar heroin comes in between $5 and $10. Recovering addict Michael Stechison, one of Brad Koffel’s clients, reports that cities like Upper Arlington frequently see drug deals as young people seek out heroin as an alternative to prescription painkillers.The Drug Enforcement Agency reports witnessing drug deals in malls, gas stations, and pharmacy parking lots. Koffel describes prescription painkiller and heroin use as a “slippery slope” that “zombifies” its users, robbing them of their good sense and future ambitions. Client Stechison may be behind bars in Franklin County – a result of his heroin-induced robberies – but his work alongside Koffel has helped raise awareness about the effusion of black tar heroin into Ohio’s most unsuspecting communities.
