1. Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, OVI/DUI defense, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft crimes, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OVI/DUI, drug possession and distribution, assault, domestic violence, theft, traffic violations, vehicular assault, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, suppression hearings, traffic court representation, expungements, record sealing
Background: Luftman, Heck & Associates is a criminal defense law firm based in Columbus, Ohio, serving clients throughout Central Ohio including the Short North, Bexley, Upper Arlington, Whitehall, Dublin, Worthington, and Groveport. Benjamin L. Luftman is a managing partner with over 20 years of experience. The firm has received over 400 five-star reviews on Google for their criminal defense work. The attorneys handle both misdemeanor and felony cases in Franklin County and surrounding areas.
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Franklin County)
Contact: (614) 500-3836 | https://www.columbuscriminalattorney.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, OVI/DUI defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OVI/DUI, underage drinking, aggravated vehicular homicide, embezzlement, drug offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals, federal court representation
Background: Koffel Brininger Nesbitt is a criminal and DUI defense firm that handles 100% privately retained cases. Managing attorney Brad Koffel has been selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and was named 2017 Lawyer of the Year for DUI/DWI Defense in Columbus by Best Lawyers. He has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. The firm is one of only four in Ohio ranked “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” by U.S. News for DUI/OVI defense. Brad Koffel opened his private practice in Upper Arlington, Ohio, in 1994, and the firm has grown into a ten-person practice group. The firm handles cases throughout Ohio and in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio.
Location: Upper Arlington, Ohio (serving Columbus and Central Ohio)
Contact: https://www.koffellaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Joslyn Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, OVI/DUI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OVI/DUI, drug trafficking, drug possession, rape, kidnapping, abduction, assault, murder, theft, probation violations, expungements
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, plea negotiations, investigation, evidence review, expungements, record sealing
Background: Brian Joslyn is the managing attorney of the Joslyn Law Firm. He has been named a top criminal lawyer by Columbus CEO Magazine and selected as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. The firm has handled over 15,000 criminal cases. The firm has obtained dismissals and favorable outcomes in serious cases including drug trafficking charges and sex offense allegations. The firm serves Columbus, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County, and Fairfield County. The firm has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Franklin County)
Contact: (614) 444-1900 | https://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Brandon Shroy, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, traffic offenses, OVI/DUI defense, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, OVI/DUI, traffic violations, assault, weapons charges (improper handling of firearm), rape allegations, expungements
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, motion practice, plea negotiations, traffic court, expungements, record sealing, federal court representation
Background: Brandon Shroy has been a Columbus criminal defense attorney since 2006 and practices exclusively in criminal and traffic cases in Ohio and federal courtrooms. He is a former Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney. He has been named a “Best Lawyer” in the area of General Criminal Defense by Columbus CEO Magazine through peer review. He is a member of the Columbus Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Federal Bar Association. He has been consulted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Columbus Division of Police as a trusted resource on legal issues. He has obtained case results including charges reduced (improper handling of firearm), not guilty verdicts at trial (OVI/DUI), and charge dismissals (rape allegation).
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Central Ohio and Federal Court, Southern District of Ohio)
Contact: (614) 601-1456 | [email protected] | https://www.shroylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation (in person, phone, or video)
5. Attorney Adam Burke, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, OVI/DUI defense, federal criminal defense, driving under suspension, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, OVI/DUI, drug offenses, driving under suspension (DUS), traffic violations, expungements
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, jury trials, expungements, record sealing
Background: Adam Burke has over 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Ohio. The firm has represented clients in both federal and state courts in Columbus and surrounding areas. Attorney Jason Helmstetler joined the firm in 2024 after beginning his career in criminal law. Attorney Mellissia (Mel) Fuhrmann joined the firm in 2023, bringing 30 years of government experience as a former prosecutor. The combined experience of the legal team exceeds 30 years. The firm offers free consultations and emphasizes transparent communication with clients throughout their cases.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contact: (614) 280-9122 | https://attorneyadamburke.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Ohio
Ohio requires attorneys to pass the Ohio Bar Examination and meet character and fitness requirements before admission to practice. The Supreme Court of Ohio regulates attorney conduct and discipline through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Board of Professional Conduct.
Ohio does not have a state bar-administered specialty certification program for criminal law like Texas or California. Attorneys may hold certifications from national organizations such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), which is accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in criminal trial advocacy.
Ohio operates a county-based public defender system. Franklin County has a Public Defender’s Office that represents indigent defendants. The Ohio Public Defender provides appellate representation and death penalty defense statewide. Indigency determinations are made by the court, typically based on income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, though courts have discretion.
Ohio felonies are classified by degree: Unclassified Felony (aggravated murder and murder, life imprisonment or death), First Degree Felony (3 to 11 years, or 3 to 16 years and 11 years with certain specifications), Second Degree Felony (2 to 8 years), Third Degree Felony (9 months to 36 months, or 12 months to 60 months with certain specifications), Fourth Degree Felony (6 to 18 months), and Fifth Degree Felony (6 to 12 months). Ohio misdemeanors are classified as: First Degree (up to 180 days), Second Degree (up to 90 days), Third Degree (up to 60 days), Fourth Degree (up to 30 days), and Minor Misdemeanor (fine only, no jail). Ohio retains the death penalty for aggravated murder with certain specifications, though there has been a de facto moratorium on executions since 2020.
Attorney advertising in Ohio is governed by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys may not make false or misleading communications about their services.
Ohio’s expungement laws (record sealing) are found in Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.32. The laws were significantly expanded in recent years to allow sealing of more offense types. Misdemeanors may be eligible for sealing one year after final discharge. Third, fourth, and fifth degree felonies are generally eligible three years after final discharge. Certain offenses are not eligible for sealing, including first and second degree felonies, violent felony offenses, sexually oriented offenses, and offenses where the victim was under age 13. Traffic offenses, including OVI/DUI, are not eligible for sealing. Ohio now allows for the sealing of unlimited low-level felony convictions as long as they are not sexual offenses or crimes of violence.
Ohio has repeat offender sentencing enhancements. Repeat Violent Offender specifications can add additional prison time to sentences. The Major Drug Offender statute provides enhanced penalties for drug trafficking involving large quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens after I am arrested in Franklin County, Ohio?
A1: After an arrest in Franklin County, you will be transported to the Franklin County Jail for booking and processing. You will typically appear before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance or arraignment within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the court will advise you of the charges against you, inform you of your constitutional rights, and set bail or bond. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office to represent you, subject to a financial eligibility determination. For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be scheduled within 10 days if you remain in custody, or the case may proceed directly to the grand jury for indictment. The Columbus Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases, while the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas handles felony cases.
Q2: What are the OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) penalties in Ohio for a first offense?
A2: In Ohio, drunk driving is called OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). A first-time OVI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 to 0.17 is a first degree misdemeanor. Penalties include a mandatory minimum of 3 days in jail (or 3 days in a driver intervention program) up to 6 months, fines of $375 to $1,075, license suspension of 1 to 3 years (limited driving privileges may be available after 15 days), possible installation of an ignition interlock device, and possible vehicle immobilization or forfeiture. If BAC is 0.17 or higher (high-tier OVI), mandatory minimum penalties increase to 6 days in jail, fines of $375 to $1,075, and license suspension of 1 to 3 years. Ohio law also provides for license suspensions for refusing breath/blood testing under implied consent laws. Effective September 2025, OVI fines are increasing under House Bill 37.
Q3: Does Franklin County have any diversion programs for criminal defendants?
A3: Yes, Franklin County offers several diversion and intervention programs. The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office operates a Pretrial Diversion Program for certain first-time offenders charged with non-violent felonies. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of charges. Franklin County also has specialty courts, known as dockets, including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and CATCH Court (addressing human trafficking). These courts provide treatment-based alternatives emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration. Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) is another option under Ohio law for defendants whose crimes were related to drug or alcohol use or mental illness. An attorney can evaluate whether you qualify for these programs based on your charges and background.
Q4: How does the expungement (record sealing) process work in Ohio?
A4: Ohio’s record sealing process requires filing an application with the court where the conviction occurred. Under Ohio Revised Code 2953.32, you must wait the required time period (generally one year for misdemeanors, three years for lower-level felonies) after your final discharge (completion of sentence, probation, and payment of fines). You must not have any pending criminal charges. The application requires a filing fee, typically around $50 depending on the court. The prosecutor is notified and may object. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the sealing without a hearing. If the prosecutor objects, a hearing will be scheduled where you must demonstrate that your interest in having the record sealed outweighs the government’s legitimate need to maintain the record. Not all convictions are eligible for sealing, including first and second degree felonies, violent offenses, sex offenses, and traffic offenses including OVI. If your motion is denied, refiling may be limited, so having an experienced attorney is important.
Q5: What should I do if police in Columbus want to search my car or home?
A5: If police request to search your vehicle or home, you have Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. You are not required to consent to a search. Clearly and politely state: “I do not consent to a search.” For homes, police generally need a warrant to conduct a search unless an exception applies (consent, exigent circumstances, or search incident to arrest). For vehicles, police may search without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime, you consent, you are arrested and the search is incident to arrest, or evidence is in plain view. Even if you do not consent, do not physically resist. If you believe the search was unlawful, your attorney can file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained. Ohio courts have suppressed evidence when police conducted stops or searches without proper legal justification. Document everything you can remember about the encounter and contact a criminal defense attorney promptly.