Recent Criminal & DUI Case Results

The following are case examples of clients who chose to hire The Koffel Law Firm to represent them after being charged with Ohio felonies, misdemeanors, and DUI / OVI in Ohio. In over 90% of our cases, charges are dismissed or reduced. No two cases are alike nor are any results guaranteed. Each client chose to hire our lawyers and follow our advice. Many times each year, even though we have made our best effort, favorable results cannot be obtained. At that point, we will attempt to minimize the punishment and sentence.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Ohio and wish to consult with a member of The Koffel Law Firm, call 614-884-1100. There is no fee associated with a telephone consultation.

REVERSAL OF TRIAL COURT JUDGMENT IN OVI CASE: Our client was sentenced to 6 ½ years after a DUI accident. On July 27, 2011 he was indicted on four counts of aggravated vehicular assault and two counts of OVI. He pled guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular assault, one count of vehicular assault and one count of OVI. His plea was accepted, but the trial court merged the defendant's OVI offense with the aggravated vehicular assault offense. Our client appealed on the basis of trial court error in sentencing without making the required findings which are required by § 2929.14C(4). The trial court had sentenced him to a consecutive prison sentence for aggravated vehicular assault as well as vehicular assault. The defendant appealed and, in the end, our firm was able to secure a reversal of the trial court's judgment on the basis that it erred in sentencing our client.

28 YEAR OLD LAW GRAD GETS OVI CASE DISMISSED: Our client, a 28 year old Capital Law School graduate, was driving along High Street after going to a wine tasting with his mom when he struck a pedestrian that ran out in front of his car. Knowing he hadn't drank much, our client agreed to perform field sobriety tests and submit to the breathalyzer. He blew .06%, under the legal limit. Even though this was the case, our client was placed under arrest for OVI because, according to the officers, he had "glassy eyes and admitted to drinking." Luckily our client was not charged in relation to the accident because officers and witnesses agreed the pedestrian was at fault. After nearly 5 months of representation, Attorney Will Nesbitt was able to get the entire case dismissed for costs. No fine was imposed. (Represented by Attorney Will Nesbitt.)

53 YEAR OLD CLIENT PLEADS TO RECKLESS OPERATION: Our client came into contact with police officers after he rear-ended another vehicle at a stop light. He was suspected of being under the influence and when asked, refused to submit to field sobriety tests. He was placed under arrest for OVI. He was also charged with ACDA in relation to the accident. His license was automatically suspended for one year. After he decided to hire the Koffel Law Firm, Attorney Will Nesbitt was able to get a stay of the license suspension after only five days. Five months after his arrest, our client entered a plea to a reduced charge of Reckless Operation. He was placed on probation for two years and participated in a driver intervention program. His original license suspension was terminated and he was not placed on a court-ordered license suspension. He had to pay a fine of $350 plus court costs. (Represented by Attorney Will Nesbitt.)

IT CONSULTANT CHARGED WITH OVI PLEADS TO MINOR MISDEMEANOR: Our client was pulled in Reynoldsburg for speeding. When the officer asked if she had been drinking, she admitted to having 3 mixed drinks that evening. After doing very well on the field sobriety tests, the officer still suspected our client of being under the influence and therefore placed her under arrest for OVI. She refused to take the breath test and was immediately placed under a 1 year license suspension. Only three months after her arrest, Attorney Will Nesbitt was able to work out a deal with the prosecutor in which our client entered a plea to the minor misdemeanor charge of reckless operation. Her BMV license suspension was terminated and she was not placed under any other license suspension. Only 2 points were added to her license—compared to what would have been 6 if she had plead to the OVI—and she paid a fine of $100. (Represented by Attorney Will Nesbitt.)

TEXAS RESIDENT GETS OVI REDUCED TO PHYSICAL CONTROL: Our client is a 38 year-old electrician that resides in Texas. While in Ohio for work, he was pulled over late one night for not using his turn signal while exiting the highway. After talking with the police, our client was suspected of having been drinking and was asked to submit to field sobriety tests. He was then placed under arrest. After blowing .108, our client was charged with his first OVI. After 4 months of representation, Attorney Tod Brininger was able to resolve the case without our client having to travel back to Ohio. Our client pleaded guilty to Physical Control, a non-moving offense. He was required to attend a Driver Intervention Program, which he completed in his home state of Texas. He paid fines and court costs totaling $879. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger.)

OVI CHARGES REDUCED FOR FATHER OF THREE: Our client is a 48 year-old plant manager with three children. He was pulled over by Ohio PD for speeding, 46mph in a 30mph zone. He submitted to field sobriety tests. After being placed under arrest, our client blew .158%. This was his first offense. He was placed under a 90 day administrative license suspension. He hired Attorney Tod Brininger. 15 days after his arrest, our client was granted driving privileges so he could continue to work. Approximately three months after his first court date, our client pleaded guilty to speeding and physical control, a reduction of the OVI. His license suspension remained in effect but was completed only two days after his final court date. Our client completed an alcohol/drug assessment in lieu of attending a 3-day driver intervention program. He paid a fine of $375 plus court costs. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger.)

AUTOMOTIVE WORKER PLEADS TO PHYSICAL CONTROL AFTER FALLING ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL: Our client is 23 years old and works in the automotive industry. Pickerington PD found him at a stop light, asleep behind the wheel. When the police officer tried to wake him up, our client's foot slipped off the brake and his car coasted forward into the curb. When our client finally woke up, he was asked to step out of the vehicle and submit to field sobriety tests. After completing these, our client was asked to take the breathalyzer, which he agreed to do. At the police station, he blew .158% and consequently was charged with an OVI and marked lanes violation. He was placed under a 90-day suspension. He then hired Attorney Tod Brininger. After waiting the required 15 days, Attorney Brininger was able to get our client limited driving privileges so he could continue working. Two months later, our client pleaded guilty to physical control. His 90 day suspension remained in effect, but most of this time was served while his case was in progress. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, 7 of which were suspended, and the remaining 3 were completed through his participation in a driver intervention program. He was fined $400 plus court costs. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger.)

OSU STUDENT SEEKING MED SCHOOL PLEADS TO MINOR MISDEMEANOR: Our client, a 23 year old OSU student with plans to attend medical school, was pulled over for speeding—47 in a 35 mph zone. After being pulled over, our client was suspected of having been drinking and was asked to do field sobriety tests. After submitting to the tests, our client was charged with an OVI, placed under arrest, and was asked to take the breathalyzer. He blew a .203, known as a "high test" which is a misdemeanor of the 1^st degree and, if convicted, requires restricted plates and a minimum of 6 days in jail. Our client was immediately placed under an administrative license suspension for 90 days. Attorney Will Nesbitt was able to get our client limited driving privileges so he could continue working and going to school while the case was being resolved. After a few months, our client pleaded guilty to reckless operation of a motor vehicle, a minor misdemeanor. Our client did not serve any time in jail, but instead attended a 3 day Driver Intervention Program. His license suspension was completed by his final court date, he did not have to get yellow plates, and he paid a $75 fine.

19 Y/O WITH PRIOR OVI/UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION GETS CHARGES DISMISSED: Our 19 year old client was arrested for underage consumption and criminal trespassing at the Mid-Ohio races after lying to police officers about his age, claiming he was 21, and being unable to provide proof of his pass. He had a previous OVI/underage consumption conviction. He also had previously been charged with criminal trespassing and obstruction of justice after running from the police, though these charges were dismissed after he completed diversion. After four months of representation, Attorney Tod Brininger was able to get the underage consumption and criminal trespassing charges dismissed after our client completed an alcohol/drug assessment. He paid court costs in the amount of $188. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger.)

POLICE OFFICER'S DUI CASE DISMISSED: Our client, a 46 year-old police officer, was charged with his first OVI after being stopped for crossing over the center line. There was also a 911 call from a concerned motorist about erratic driving on the part of our client. He was found to have an open container in his car. He refused to take the breath test and therefore was facing a one year license suspension and up to 180 days in jail. After 4 months of representation from Attorney Tod Brininger, the OVI was dismissed and our client pleaded down to a reckless operation moving violation. He attended an alcohol education program which credited 5 days towards his jail time and the remaining 25 days were suspended. He paid a fine of $325. His one year administrative license suspension for refusing to take the breath test was terminated and there was no license suspension imposed by the court. At the original arraignment date, we were able to "stay" the license suspension, so our client was only without a license for a few days. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger & Steve Fox)

OVI CHARGE REDUCED AND CHILD ENDANGERING CHARGE DROPPED- After a 911 call about erratic driving, our client was pulled over for a marked lanes violation after crossing the fog line. After submitting to field sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest for an OVI, lanes violation, and child endangering since his 4 year old daughter was in the car when he was stopped. He refused to take the breath test and therefore was facing an administrative license suspension of one year. He retained Attorney Tod Brininger, and after three months of representation, the child endangering charge was dropped and our client was able to get the OVI amended to a lesser charge of reckless operation. His one year license suspension was terminated and was replaced with a court-imposed 180 day suspension, 38 days of which were credited. Our client was able to obtain driving privileges, was fined $385, and was not placed under probation. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger)

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT CASE DROPPED: Our client, a 42 year old architect, was stopped near a DUI checkpoint for a marked lanes violation. He submitted to the field sobriety tests, was arrested for an OVI, and blew a .146%. Our client was placed under a 90 day state-imposed license suspension which was served while his case was pending. He was granted limited driving privileges during this time. After 5 months of representation by Attorney Tod Brininger, our client pleaded to a minor misdemeanor reckless operation. He attended a 3 day driver intervention program and paid a $150 fine plus court costs. No additional driver's rights suspension was imposed. (Represented by Attorney Tod Brininger.)

DRUG TRAFFICKING – 33 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA -- our client, a Colorado resident, was arrested for trafficking and possession of 33 pounds of marijuana. He retained Mr. Koffel to represent him. The trafficking case was dismissed and the client entered a guilty plea to possession of 33 pounds of marijuana, a 3^rd degree felony, with a presumption of prison. At the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor admitted, "This is the first time in my 30 years, that I believe the defendant has rebutted the presumption of prison". The judge agreed. Our client was given credit for 28 days in jail "time served". He was not placed on felony probation. Represented by Brad Koffel

NOT GUILTY VERDICT IN 2ND OFFENSE DUI -- our client was charged with his 2nd DUI / OVI in as many years. The case proceeded to trial after the client rejected a plea bargain. The client was acquitted in 45 minutes. (Represented by Attorney Steve Fox)

OHIO DUI /OHIO OVI CHARGES DROPPED -- Out of State Entrepreneur escapes OVI conviction--our client, a 45 year old business owner was charged with Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI. This is the 1st Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge for our client. He submitted to a breath test and blew a .187. After 4 months of representation, Attorney Will Nesbitt discovered the arresting officer was no longer available to testify against our client. Mr. Nesbitt scheduled the case for a jury trial and when the arresting officer failed to appear the prosecutor dismissed the case for "insufficient evidence". (Represented by Attorney Will Nesbitt.)

OHIO DUI /OHIO OVI CHARGES DROPPED, UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGE DROPPED, AND OPEN CONTAINER CHARGE DROPPED - College Student Athlete Pleas to a Non-Moving, No Points Violation--our client, a 19 year old collegiate athlete, was charged with Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI after a mark lane violation. This is the 1st Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge for our client. He refused to submit to a breath test. After 5 months of representation, Attorney Will Nesbitt entered into plea negotiations with the prosecutor and our client pled to a non-moving, no points violation. The mandatory one year license suspension was terminated and our client will spend only six weeks under a license suspension. Our client will also pay a 250 fine and was place under unsupervised probation. (Represented by Attorney Will Nesbitt.)

SELF EMPLOYED CONTRACTOR WITH MULTIPLE OVI CONVICTIONS AVOIDS JAIL AND YELLOW PLATES -- Our client is a 34 year old father of two who works as a self-employed contractor. Our client had 2 previous OVI convictions within 6 years when he was arrested for this offense. Our client was involved in a single car accident. After a field investigation was conducted our client submitted to a breath test and registered a .162%. Our client was facing a minimum of 30 days in jail and a license suspension of 2-10 years with yellow plates and the ignition interlock device required. After 6 months of representation by attorney Brad Koffel our client pleaded to a stipulated 1st offense OVI. He received no jail time and the minimum license suspension with driving privileges restored immediately without the yellow plates or breath tester in his vehicle. He agreed to spend 3 days in a certified driver intervention program and paid a fine of $375. Our client will spend 2 years on probation. Represented by attorney Brad Koffel

SALES REPRESENTATIVE AVOIDS OHIO DUI/OHIO DUI CONVICTION -- Our client is a 41 year old sales representative responsible for covering the mid-west sales region for his company. Our client was pulled over for speed and charged with Ohio DUI/Ohio OVI. Our client refused a breath test resulting in an administrative license suspension for 1 year with a period of 30 days with no driving. At our clients initial court date attorney Steve Fox petitioned the court to return full driving to our client immediately. Our petition was granted. After 5 months of representation our client entered a guilty plea to a reckless operation. His one year suspension was terminated in favor of a court ordered license suspension lasting 180 days. Our client was granted occupational driving privileges immediately. Our client submitted to an alcohol assessment in lieu of a 3 day driver intervention program and paid a fine of $375. No probation was ordered. Represented by attorney Steve Fox.

IT SPECIALIST AVOIDS OHIO DUI/OHIO OVI CONVICTION -- Our client is a 31 year old IT specialist with Nationwide. He was pulled over for speeding and charged with Ohio DUI/Ohio OVI. Because our client had previously refused a breath test he was subject to a 2 year license suspension with a 90 day period of no driving. At his initial court appearance attorney Brad Koffel petitioned the court to return full driving to our client immediately pending the outcome of the case. Our petition was granted. After 3 months of representation our client plead guilty to a no point, non-moving violation. His two year license suspension was reinstated but the 90 day period of no driving was waived. He was granted occupational driving privileges immediately. Our client attended a 3 day driver intervention program and paid a fine of $375. He was not placed on probation. Represented by attorney Brad Koffel

OU STUDENT HAS UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION/POSSESSION CHARGE DISMISSED -- Our client is a 19 year old sophomore at Ohio University. Our client was charged with possessing/consuming alcohol while being underage. She has prior alcohol related offenses. Attorney Will Nesbitt represented our client and was able to get these charges dismissed upon our client completing an underage drinking course. Our client did not pay a fine, only court costs and was not placed on probation. Mr. Nesbitt and our client immediately filed for the dismissal of this case to be expunged from her permanent record.

Ohio Breath Test OVI Charge Reduced to Minor Misdemeanor Reckless Operation -- Our client, a 36 year old fund accountant for a large national corporation, was stopped by a local township police officer for allegedly driving with a malfunctioning headlight. The driver participated in field sobriety tests at the officer's request and was subsequently arrested after he performed unsatisfactorily. Once at the police station, he submitted to a breath test which yielded a result of .139%. Videotape evidence seemed to discredit the officer's version of events in regards to the headlight violation, but corroborated the officer's observations in regards to the field tests. At an evidentiary hearing to determine the basis for the stop and probable cause for the arrest, the prosecution offered a substantial reduction of the charges, and after nearly 7 months of representation, our client entered a guilty plea to a minor misdemeanor reckless operation. Upon his plea, he was ordered to pay a $150 fine plus the court costs. His Administrative License Suspension was terminated and he received no additional license suspension. He was not required to serve any period of probation. (Represented by Attorney Steve Fox).

• 2010 DUI Case Results
• 2009 DUI Case Results
• 2008 DUI Case Results
• 2007 DUI Case Results
• 2006 DUI Case Results