Columbus, Ohio DUI/OVI FAQ
DUI/OVI Defense Attorney – Columbus, Ohio
If you have been charged with DUI/OVI in Columbus, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI/OVI case.
Columbus, Ohio DUI/OVI – Where Will Your Case Be Heard?
If you are arrested for DUI/OVI in Columbus, Ohio, you case may be heard in one of two courts, depending upon several factors. If you have never been convicted of DUI/OVI or have only one previous conviction, the offense will be charged as a misdemeanor and will proceed in Franklin County Municipal Court. If you have been convicted of multiple prior DUI/OVI offenses, the offense may be charged as a felony and your case may proceed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
Arraignment – Do I Have to Appear?
DUI/OVI cases in Columbus, Ohio are scheduled within five (5) business days after your arrest. If you hire Attorney David Johnson prior to the arraignment, he may be able to appear on your behalf at the arraignment so that you do not have to take time off from work or school to attend. Moreover, Attorney Johnson can appeal your administrative license suspension, enter a not guilty plea, file for discovery of the prosecution’s evidence, and obtain police reports and dash camera footage of the stop.
Driving Privileges
A number of options are available when seeking driving privileges. First, if you hire Johnson Legal, LLC to represent you, Attorney David Johnson will evaluate Form 2255 to determine if there are any errors. If errors are present, it is possible that your driver’s license suspension will be terminated. However, if Form 2255 does not contain any errors, a stay or your driver’s license suspension will be sought.
A stay of your driver’s license suspension will result in your driver’s license being returned to you while your case is pending. Franklin County Municipal Court will generally grant a stay, provided your case does not have a particularly negative fact pattern and there was not an accident. This stay of your driver’s license suspension will be sought at the arraignment and, if approved, you will receive a copy to take to the BMV and one to keep while your case is pending.
If Form 2255 is without errors, and a stay is not granted, Attorney David Johnson will negotiate for limited driving privileges. If granted, limited driving privileges would allow you to drive to school, work, and medical reasons. With the assistance of Attorney David Johnson, this process will not be difficult. Once driving privileges are approved, you will be given a copy to keep in your vehicle at all times.
Where are the Franklin County Courts Located?
Franklin County Municipal Court is located at 375 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Franklin County Common Pleas Court is located at 373 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Refer to the following map below.
What are the Penalties for DUI/OVI in Ohio?
Penalties for DUI/OVI vary based on a number of factors, including:
- Whether the person has any previous convictions for DUI/OVI;
- Whether the person cooperated with law enforcement as required under Ohio’s implied consent law; and
- Whether there was an accident that occurred because of the intoxicated driver.
A first DUI/OVI conviction will be a first degree misdemeanor. This offense carries a minimum three (3) days and a maximum of six (6) months in jail, a fine of $375-$1075, and 6 months to 3 year driver’s license suspension. However, with the help of Attorney David Johnson, if you are found guilty of DUI/OVI, you may be able to avoid jail by completing a driver’s intervention program. Subsequent convictions for DUI/OVI, however, will result in increased and harsher penalties.
How Will My DUI/OVI Case Proceed in the Franklin County Courts?
In some cases, where there are evidentiary issues, the prosecutor may offer a reduced charge, such as physical control or reckless operation, as part of a plea agreement. However, if a plea agreement is not in your best interests, or you do not wish to enter into a plea agreement, a suppression hearing will most likely be conducted and a jury trial will be sought.
Columbus, Ohio DUI/OVI Attorney
If you have been charged with DUI/OVI in Columbus, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI/OVI case.
Helpful links for Columbus: Franklin County Clerk of Courts, Franklin County Law Library, Franklin County Auditor, Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency, Franklin County Jobs and Family Services
Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office
Ron O’Brien – Franklin County Prosecutor
373 S. High Street, 14th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3555
Franklin County Municipal Court
375 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-8186
Franklin County Common Pleas Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch
373 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus City Attorneys Office
Richard C. Pfeiffer Jr. – Columbus City Attorney
77 N. Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7385
120 Marconi Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-4545 (non-emergency)
911 (emergency)
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
373 S. High Street, Floor 2B
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3333