Author: Colin Maher

What is a Super DUI in Ohio?

Posted on by Colin Maher

In Columbus Ohio, a driver who is found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that is over .08% or greater is considered to be driving under the influence. This can also be applied to operating a vehicle with certain concentrations of drugs or other substances in one’s blood or urine.

For a BAC that falls between .08% to .16%, an individual will usually face a normal DUI charge and the associated penalties.  In the case of a higher BAC level, you may find yourself facing a “high tier” DUI, sometimes referred to as a super DUI in Ohio.

What is a Super DUI in Columbus Ohio?

So what exactly is a super DUI in Ohio? A super DUI is when an individual has a much higher BAC level indicating a higher level of impairment.

A BAC level that can lead to a super DUI is one in which an individual’s BAC level is higher than 0.17%.

This BAC level is considered by law to be overly excessive in Ohio. If you are pulled over and agree to be tested for your alcohol concentration levels and they come in at .17% or higher, you can face a high tier DUI, otherwise known as a super DUI (high level means increased penalties).

This BAC level and the percentage may change depending on the kind of test you are asked to take like:

  • Breath test
  • Blood serum test
  • Urine test

For more on what concentrations can constitute a DUI in Ohio, see Section 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Penalties for a DUI vs. Super DUI

With a higher BAC level resulting in a higher-level DUI charge, the penalties do change as well.

The penalties for an average DUI, if it is your first offense, will typically be:

  • Jail time ranges from 3 days to 6 months (program alternative to jail available)
  • Fines that range from $375 to $1,075
  • License suspension from 1 to 3 years

Keep in mind that penalties will change depending on how many DUI charges you have faced in the past. For example, if it is your third offense within a time span of 10 years, you could face jail time that ranges from 30 days to 1 year.

As we look at the penalties of a DUI vs. a super DUI, you will notice that they change in how they are presented. Several of the penalties now come with a mandatory minimum. Possible penalties for a first offense, high tier DUI include:

  • Mandatory jail time with a minimum of 6 days (this can be split between 3 days in jail and 3 days in a driver’s intervention program) with a maximum possibility of 6 months.
  • Fines that range from $375 to $1,075
  • A mandatory license suspension of 1 year with a maximum of 3 years
  • Mandatory restricted plates along with an associated fee
  • Losing driving privileges for at least 15 days from the date of the offense itself

Penalties for DUI’s and super DUI’s can significantly impact an individual’s life. With consequences like suspended licenses limiting someone’s ability to travel, probation fees, and the possibility of a permanent record of the conviction, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible.

For further information on the penalties, you can face for a DUI in Columbus Ohio, be sure to see our general guide on DUI/OVI penalties.

Connect With a DUI Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

If you find yourself in a situation where you are facing a super DUI in Ohio, it can be especially important for you to reach out to an experienced Columbus Ohio DUI defense attorney. The Maher Law Firm has been representing DUI/OVI clients for over 10 years.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, you can contact us online or reach out over the phone at 614-205-2208 for a free quote today.

Posted in DUI

What if I lost my speeding ticket in Ohio?

Posted on by Colin Maher

What do I do if I Lost My Speeding Ticket in Ohio?

In the aftermath of receiving a speeding ticket in Columbus Ohio, you might find yourself in a situation where you lost your copy of your ticket. If this happens, you will undoubtedly want to know how to proceed with either paying for your speeding ticket or how to move forward in contacting an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to help you.

Below, we answer a few of the most common questions that come from an individual who is asking “what if I lost my speeding ticket and what do I do next?”.

What Do I Do If I Lost My Columbus Ohio Speeding Ticket?

Occasionally, drivers misplace or lose a speeding ticket. It happens.

If you have lost or misplaced your speeding ticket, you will want to be as proactive as possible. Columbus Ohio speeding ticket cases will not just disappear because your copy of the ticket was lost.

You will want to get a new copy of your speeding ticket as soon as possible or find your case using court online docket searches. According to the Ohio State Patrol’s website, if you have lost your speeding ticket, you can also contact the Patrol Post that issued the initial ticket (or the agency that issued the ticket if not the Highway Patrol).

From there, the Patrol Post should be able to provide you with contact information for the specific court jurisdiction in which the ticket was issued. Once you have the relevant contact information, you can reach out to the court for a new copy of your speeding ticket or at least inquire as to the court date or payment due.

If you are unable to get a new copy of your speeding ticket, speak with a Columbus Ohio traffic ticket lawyer as soon as possible.

What Happens If I Lost My Speeding Ticket?

The most immediate thing that happens if you have lost your speeding ticket is you lose important information that you need to know. 

Getting a hold of a new copy of your speeding ticket will be helpful to you because it will give important information like:

  • The kind of traffic violation
  • Citation number
  • The location, time, and date of the traffic violation
  • The issuing police officer’s name
  • The deadline you have in which to respond to the ticket
  • The fine from the ticket (or who to contact for the fine amount)
  • Where and how to pay the fine

Curious about steps to take on how to fight a Columbus Ohio traffic ticket? See our post here.

How Do I Pay My Speeding Ticket If I Lost It?

If your speeding ticket qualifies, you might be able to pay it online. Without a copy of the speeding ticket, you have lost important information like where and how to pay the associated fine.

In order to pay your speeding ticket, you will need to reach out to the court jurisdiction where you received your ticket. From there, you can speak to the court clerk about how to pay the ticket or when and where to contest the ticket.

If you wish to fight the traffic ticket, contact a Columbus Ohio traffic attorney from Maher Law Firm, LLC for assistance.

Dealing With A Speeding Ticket In Ohio? Reach Out To A Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you have recently received a speeding ticket in Columbus, Ohio or you have questions that relate to traffic tickets, get in touch with Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm, LLC today! As a Columbus Ohio traffic ticket lawyer, Colin has over 10 years years of experience handling a range of traffic ticket cases that range from minor violations like red lights and speeding to more serious violations like reckless operation and DUI.

Traffic tickets can have a variety of consequences such as requiring a fine payment to seeing your insurance rates rise afterward.

The Maher Law Firm offers a free initial quote over the phone. You can contact them online or by phone at 614-205-2208 now!

What happens if you miss court for a traffic ticket?

Posted on by Colin Maher

Say you do miss court for a traffic ticket, or you think that you may miss court. You are going to be wondering what happens if you fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket.

At the end of the day, you may face consequences for missing court. We will look more specifically at what happens if you miss court for a traffic ticket below. Keep in mind that should you know about a scheduling conflict before the date, you can reach out to the court to see about rescheduling.

What Happens if I Miss Court for a Traffic Ticket?

So, what happens if I miss court for a traffic ticket, you ask yourself.

If you do not appear in court, you may find yourself facing a Failure to Appear from the judge. This can result in Failure to Appear fees and a bench warrant against you. A bench warrant can be issued by the judge if you fail to appear, and it is an order to appear in court under penalty of arrest. This means that if you do not show up to speak with a judge or magistrate of your own accord, you could be arrested.

A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual has not adhered to conditions of a pre-existing offense like a court appearance, fine payments, or complying with a court order. And as a bench warrant is a public document, it will appear on background checks even after you respond to it.

If you miss your traffic court date, a bench warrant is the best result you can expect to face.

Should you miss your court date for any reason, get in contact with a traffic defense attorney from Maher Law Firm who can represent you. We are familiar with the procedures and complications that come with bench warrants and will be able to assist you.

Are There Additional Penalties After a Bench Warrant?

There are additional penalties that a judge may add or impose on you if you miss your court date.

  1. They can add an additional fine tied to the Failure to Appear.
  2. They are able to suspend your driver’s license. That suspension will apply to your non-commercial license and a commercial license if you have one.

Common Reasons For A Missed Court Appearance

While we have covered what happens if you fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket, we want to take a short look at some of the common reasons that someone might miss court.

Some common reasons an individual might miss court include:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Unable to find childcare for the date
  • The court never sent a notice
  • A change in address occurred and notice was never received
  • Work or school overlapping with court
  • Mandatory travel for work

It is important to keep in mind that it is your responsibility to contact the court to let them know that you will be missing your scheduled time as soon as you know of any potential conflict.

You can also work with a Columbus traffic defense attorney. They will be able to handle rescheduling a court date as well as soon as you let them know about any kind of scheduling conflict.

Get In Contact with A Columbus Traffic Defense Attorney

Working with a Columbus traffic defense attorney as soon as you think you may miss your traffic court date or if you have already missed the court date is important. You can reach out to the experienced team of traffic attorneys at Maher Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation.

Each consultation is completely confidential, and we take on most cases on a flat fee basis. You can reach us today by calling us at 614-205-2208 or by contacting us online.

What Does a Charge of Criminal Simulation Mean

Posted on by Colin Maher

For individuals facing allegations of a criminal simulation charge, the immediate question is going to be “what exactly does that mean?”. The name itself may be confusing, so we are going to break down what exactly a criminal simulation charge in Columbus Ohio is.

What Exactly Does a Criminal Simulation Charge in Ohio Mean?

According to the Ohio Revised Code, criminal simulation involves the act of counterfeiting or forging items. These items can include things like films, photos, sound recordings, rare objects, and even the wrapper or labels on alcohol.

The crime itself that is related to criminal simulation is when an individual is illegally profiting off of the portrayal of something by implying more value or authenticity than the item actually has.

As laid out in section 2913.32 of the Ohio Revised Code, any of the following actions count as criminal simulation under Ohio law:

  1. Making or altering any kind of “object so that it appears to have value because of antiquity, rarity, curiosity, source, or authorship, which it does not in fact possess”.
  2. Fraudulently or falsely “making, retouching, editing, or reproducing” any kind of photo, movie, videotape, recording tape, or a phonograph record
  3. Falsely or fraudulently making, simulating, forging, counterfeiting, or altering any kind of wrapper, or “label, stamp, cork, or cap prescribed by the liquor control commission”.

Other specific actions that count as criminal simulation include:

  • Using any kind of “wrapper, label stamp, cork, or cap, prescribed by the liquor control commission” more than once.
  • Uttering or “possessing with the intent to utter” any kind of object or item that an individual is aware of having been simulated in any manner.

On a broader level, criminal simulation falls under the category of theft and fraud.

Are you facing a charge of criminal simulation? Reach out to The Maher Law Firm today for a free phone consultation about your case.

Examples of Criminal Simulation

Now that you have a better understanding of what a criminal simulation charge actually means, we can take a look at a few specific examples. Here are a few examples of actions that might result in a charge of criminal simulation in Ohio:

  • Creating fake labels to put onto alcohol bottles of any kind
  • Purposefully aging and causing a piece of furniture to look antique in an effort to sell it as an antique
  • Creating and charging for fake online photos and videos
  • Altering the appearance of documents to make them look antique before selling them

When it comes to a criminal simulation charge in Columbus Ohio, keep in mind that if someone winds up being mistaken over the authenticity of a document, a label, or even a piece of furniture’s status as an antique, you normally will not face a charge. A charge of a criminal situation requires actual knowledge and intent of the wrongdoing occurring.

The knowledge and intent of wrongdoing are needed in all cases involved in theft and fraud.

What To Do If You Have A Criminal Simulation Charge

If you are facing a criminal simulation charge, it is recommended that you get in touch with a Columbus criminal defense attorney who has experience handling criminal simulation charges. They can help you to further understand the charge you are facing and use their expertise to develop a defense strategy.

Facing a Criminal Simulation Charge in Ohio? Get In Contact With The Maher Law Firm

Should you find yourself facing a charge of criminal simulation in Columbus Ohio, reach out to Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm today for assistance. As an experienced criminal simulation attorney, Colin is able to provide legal advice and representation.

You can contact him online or over the phone at 614-205-2208 for a completely free phone consultation.

How Long Do You Go To Jail For Traffic Tickets in Ohio

Posted on by Colin Maher

In the state of Ohio, traffic violations can result in a number of different potential consequences that have a lasting impact on you, your driver’s license, and your ability to drive. Whether you are an average everyday driver or you drive at a professional level (such as being a truck driver or bus driver), understanding the possible consequences of traffic tickets is important to know.  Knowing the penalties can help guide how you approach fighting them or choosing to just pay the ticket and deal with the consequences.

If you receive a traffic ticket in Columbus Ohio, you will likely have questions like: Can I go to jail? If so, for how long? How can having an Ohio traffic attorney like you help my situation? Below, we will take a closer look at the possible jail time a driver can face in Columbus Ohio in relation to traffic tickets.

What Kind of Traffic Tickets Exist?

The most common kind of traffic ticket is a speeding ticket. It is a very common traffic violation in Columbus Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, 1,685,985 speed violations were handled from 2016 to 2020.

Other common traffic violations that may result in traffic tickets include:

  • Reckless operation of a vehicle
  • Right of way
  • Passing a school bus
  • Street racing
  • Violations of traffic devices like lights and signs

The traffic ticket you receive may change the possible consequences you face. Reach out to The Maher Law Firm with further questions about your individual situation by calling 614-205-2208.

How Long do You go to Jail for Traffic Tickets in Ohio?

Many traffic tickets in Columbus Ohio do not carry the possibility for jail time.  That being said, missing court or not hiring a Columbus traffic attorney to go for you can result in a warrant for your arrest, license blocks, and additional court costs. Even though many tickets don’t involve the risk of jail time, there are plenty of situations where you might be facing jail time.

To provide a specific example, we will look at different speeding scenarios that have different penalties. According to the Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.21, the following speeding cases can affect the possible penalties for a driver beyond just needing to pay a fine:

  • Construction zones: You will see your traffic fine doubled if you are speeding in a construction zone with posted signage and workers present.
  • Minor misdemeanor: A majority of speeding tickets issued to drivers in Columbus Ohio are minor misdemeanors. The penalties for a speeding ticket like this are up to $150 fine, court costs, and up to 30 hours of community service.
  • Fourth-degree misdemeanor: If you have two speeding tickets within the previous year, the ticket can be a fourth-degree misdemeanor. A fourth-degree misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $250, court costs, up to 30 days in jail, and up to 200 hours of community service.
  • Third-degree misdemeanor: A third-degree misdemeanor may occur if you have three or more previous traffic-related violations within a one-year period. The possible penalties for this kind of misdemeanor include a fine of up to $500, court costs, up to 60 days in jail, and up to 200 hours of community service.

Other jail time penalties for traffic tickets in Columbus Ohio will vary based on the level of offense lawmakers have assigned to the prohibited behavior.

Other penalties that can result from a traffic ticket include probation, points being added to your driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and driver’s license suspensions or revocations.

Contact Maher Law Firm to Speak with a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

If you are facing traffic tickets in Columbus Ohio, contact The Maher Law Firm today. Call attorney Maher at 614-205-2208 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation phone consultation.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Ohio

Posted on by Colin Maher

On the topic of criminal possession of a controlled substance in Ohio, the state laws surrounding these kinds of charges are very strict. They can also be complex, which is where working with a Columbus criminal defense lawyer can be especially helpful.

According to Section 2925.11 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), it is a crime for anyone to “knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog.” When it comes to possession charges, possession does need to be proven.

Types of Possession

In relation to possession charges, there are two types of possession that an individual may be charged with:

  • Actual possession: where an individual has actual physical hold or control of a substance
  • Constructive possession: where an individual has knowledge and access to a substance

Charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance often lead to jail time, fines, and have the potential for other consequences following a conviction. Depending on the quantity and type of drugs, the potential consequence will vary.

While we can’t list every potential consequence in a single post, we will go through the major penalties associated with each offense level.

Penalties for Various Criminal Possession Charges in Columbus Ohio

As laid out by ORC section 2925.01 (D), the penalties that an individual might face for different drug possession charges will depend on the kind and amount of drug involved. Ohio also maintains its own list of controlled substances that are broken down into five broad categories. One category is Schedule I, which includes drugs like marijuana, LSD, and heroin.

Drugs that are included in Schedules III-V include:

  • Codeine
  • Ketamine
  • Tramadol
  • Zolpidem
  • Diazepam

Charges for criminal possession of a controlled substance start at the misdemeanor level before moving to felony charges. Whether a criminal possession of a controlled substance charge is a misdemeanor or a felony is dependent on the above factors we mentioned (substance/drug and amount).

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor of the 1st degree has a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree Felony

For a 5th degree felony charge, there is a maximum fine of $1,000 and you may face 6-18 months in prison.

Read more about criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th degree charge here.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree

A criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th degree misdemeanor has a maximum fine of $250 and 30 days in jail.

A 4th degree felony has a maximum fine of $5,000 and you could face 6-18 months in prison.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree

A misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd degree has a maximum fine of $500 and 60 days in jail.

A felony of the 3rd degree has a maximum fine of $10,000 and you can face 1-5 years in prison.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree

A criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd degree misdemeanor holds a maximum fine of $750 and 90 days jails in jail.

A 2nd degree felony has a maximum fine of $15,000 and possible prison time of 2-8 years.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree Felony

Criminal possession of a controlled substance 1st degree felony has a maximum fine of $20,000 and possible prison time of 3-11 years.

Reach Out to a Columbus Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer for Defense Against Criminal Charges

If you find yourself facing charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in Columbus Ohio, getting in contact with a criminal defense lawyer should be a top priority. Colin Maher of the Maher Law Firm is an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has helped thousands of clients throughout Columbus and the surrounding areas. Contact Colin online or by phone at 614-205-2208 for a free phone consultation.

If I Take Defensive Driving Will My Ticket Be Dismissed

Posted on by Colin Maher

As a driver who may be facing a traffic ticket in Columbus Ohio, you should be wondering how to avoid some or all of the associated penalties by getting the ticket dismissed.

One question you may have is if you can get a ticket dismissed by taking a defensive driving course.  The answer is maybe.  Defensive driving courses are available in Ohio, but you want to make sure the course you take will provide the benefit you seek i.e. dismissal, points credit, etc.

Can I Get a Ticket Dismissed Through Defensive Driving Courses?

To immediately answer the question of if you can get a ticket dismissed through defensive driving courses, the answer is maybe.  Each courthouse and even each prosecutor within that courthouse may have a different position in relation to completing defensive driving courses.  You will want to make sure that you or your Columbus traffic attorney appears in court to discuss the potential benefit of completing a course if any.  As with many traffic tickets, the outcome of contesting a ticket will depend on the individual facts of the case as well as a variety of other factors i.e. the prosecutor, judge/magistrate, standard policy/procedure, etc.  Working with a Columbus traffic defense attorney who has experience dealing with these variables can make a huge difference. Read Also: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Ohio

A Columbus traffic defense attorney, like one at The Maher Law Firm, will be able to navigate the often complex legal process tied to trying to dismiss a ticket through defensive driving or other means.

For more information on traffic defense, check out our FAQ here.

What is a Defensive Driving Course?

For those that might not be familiar, defensive driving is basically where you learn and/or refresh your ability to comply with traffic rules and safe driving techniques.  Courses may be available online or in-person, but online versions are less acceptable in many courts. 

A defensive driving course may help with the points you have on your driver’s license. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, one of the possible suspensions drivers in Ohio can face comes from points that can accrue on your license.

If you receive 12 or more points on your driving record within a two-year period, you can face a 12-point suspension. To have your license reinstated after a 12-point suspension, certain requirements must be met including but not limited to:

  • Serve a six-month suspension,
  • Complete a remedial driving course, such as defensive driving.
  • Pay a reinstatement fee,
  • Re-take a full driver’s license exam, and
  • File a certificate of insurance called an SR22.

In order to avoid the penalties associated with a 12-point suspension, consider taking a defensive driving course (aka remedial driving course) approved by the Ohio BMV to extend your point allowance to 14 for the two-year period rather than 12.

How Do I Know if I Qualify For a Remedial Driving Course?

While every case might not result in getting a ticket dismissed through defensive driving courses, there is a simple way to tell if you might be eligible to take a remedial driving course to help with points.

According to the Ohio BMV, if you have “at least two points but fewer than 12 points on your driving record” you might be eligible to take a remedial driving course that provides a 2 point credit.

It is important to note that completing a remedial driving course may not result in a dismissal of your ticket or remove points from your record. But it “can act as a cushion against future convictions that may take you to 12 points within a two-year period.”

Speak With a Columbus Ohio Traffic Defense Attorney

Should you have questions about how you might contest a ticket in Columbus Ohio, reach out to an experienced traffic defense attorney like Colin Maher of the Maher Law Firm. He has handled thousands of cases involving traffic offenses like speeding, DUI/OVI, and driving under suspension.  If you can name a traffic violation, chances are he has handled them.

He provides free phone consultations to all potential clients. You can contact him online or by calling 614-205-2208.

How to Fight Improper Turn Ticket in Ohio

Posted on by Colin Maher

When it comes to making an improper turn in Columbus Ohio, they are completely prohibited by the Ohio Revised Code, Section 4511.36. This section details out the correct ways to make right turns and how to make left turns on two-way and one-way roads. When it comes to being a driver at an intersection, some of the specifics of Section 4511.36 include:

  • “Approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.”
  • “At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and bypassing to the right of such centerline where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the centerline of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.”

With other rules viewable within the section of the Ohio Revised Code itself, it is also important to note that turning can differ depending on the markers or signs at an intersection and how they are placed at the intersection. Before we get to how to fight improper turn tickets in Columbus Ohio, let us understand the possible penalties.

Tickets that are tied to improper turns at intersections in Ohio do have penalties. Improper turns are most often considered a minor misdemeanor. The penalties for a minor misdemeanor can include:

  • Up to 30 hours of community service
  • Court costs
  • A fine of up to $150

How to Fight Improper Turn Ticket in Columbus Ohio

Should you be faced with a ticket for improper turning, reaching out to a Columbus Ohio traffic defense lawyer can be an excellent way to ensure that you have someone on your side.

If you are wondering if you should fight a right turn on red ticket or a no left turn ticket in Ohio, you will want to consider how points may impact your license currently and moving forward as well as comparing the cost of hiring a Columbus traffic attorney as compared to paying the ticket and dealing with insurance rate increases. The other two options, apart from working with a Columbus Ohio traffic defense lawyer are as follows:

  • You can pay off the improper turn ticket, which equates to pleading guilty, or
  • You can decide to handle the case on your own.

By working with a Columbus traffic defense lawyer, you will have someone on your side with the necessary knowledge and experience to assist you throughout the process.

How to Fight A Right Turn on Red Ticket and How to Fight a No Left Turn Ticket in Columbus Ohio

When it comes to disputing a right turn on the red ticket or a no-left turn ticket, the process will be similar to fighting any other improper turn ticket. The best thing you can do is reach out to a Columbus Ohio traffic lawyer who can then explain your options and the potential penalties you face with each option. 

A Columbus traffic defense lawyer, like Colin Maher with The Maher Law Firm, will work with you to determine the best approach. Possible defenses and likely outcomes will depend on the individual situation.

For example, if you have a good driving record with no other or very few traffic offenses, your options will be more favorable than those of a person who has a consistent record of traffic violations.

Speak With a Columbus Traffic Defense Attorney about Contesting a No Left Turn Ticket in Ohio

Simply speaking with a traffic defense attorney in relation to contesting an improper turn ticket in Ohio can be quite helpful. Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm offers completely free phone consultations. He can be contacted online or by calling him at 614-205-2208 today!

Have Uber and Lyft Reduce DUI’s in Columbus?

Posted on by Colin Maher

Rideshare companies have seen a massive increase in use over the years. Uber started operating in the state of Ohio in 2013 and Lyft followed suit in 2014. With their popularity growing and both companies serving as an alternative to driving oneself home, this brings us to the question of if Uber and Lyft have helped to reduce DUI’s in Columbus.

In Franklin County, where Columbus, Ohio is situated, the Ohio State Highway Patrol 2021 OVI arrest data shows that 502 OVI arrests have been made as of June 7, 2021. Since the year is not over just yet, we can take a look at the number of OVI arrests over the last three years in Franklin County as well.

2019 saw 1,986 OVI arrests.

2018 saw 2,717 OVI arrests.

And 2017 saw 2,409 OVI arrests.

When averaged together, OVI arrests from 2017 to 2019 sits at 2,370.67 per year. This shows us that people are still driving under the influence at a fairly consistent rate in Columbus with no real drop in OVI arrests.

To answer the question of if Uber and Lyft have reduced the number of DUI’s in Columbus may not be a straightforward yes or no. In the long run, a rideshare service like Uber of Lyft can certainly help to keep you from needing to get in contact with a Columbus DUI lawyer.

If you are looking for help on how to fight a speeding ticket or a DUI charge, consider getting into contact with a Columbus DUI lawyer or a Columbus traffic ticket attorney.

Can We Pinpoint if Uber and Lyft Reduce DUI’s Elsewhere?

Interestingly, Uber did share in a blog post from 2014 that DUI arrests were decreasing “by more than 10%” in Seattle after the rideshare company started there. They utilized arrest data that was provided by the Seattle police department and filtered data specific to DUI’s.

In an article from Safety.com, a 1% decrease was found in the number of impaired drivers that were involved in fatal car crashes. That number sat at 21% in 2012, which is right around the time when Uber and Lyft were taking off.  That number dropped to 20% in 2017.

Just as the Safety.com article indicates, it can be difficult to find direct correlations between a decrease in DUI’s and the increase in the use of rideshare companies. Numbers in various studies may differ across the board depending on location and the data used to support a particular conclusion.

One study from 2016 found that the “deployment of Uber services in a given metropolitan county had no association with the number of subsequent traffic fatalities”.

Similar to the answer on if Uber and Lyft have reduced DUI’s in Columbus, Ohio specifically, determining the impact of rideshare companies on a reduction in DUI’s elsewhere in the United States can be hard to pinpoint exactly. There is data to support a reduction in DUI’s in certain cities, but there still is no definite yes or no answer.

Consider Reaching Out to A Columbus DUI Lawyer

If you are facing a potential DUI charge in Columbus Ohio, or if you are looking for more information on how to fight a speeding ticket or any other traffic violation, it can be a great time to reach out to a Columbus traffic ticket attorney. An experienced Columbus DUI lawyer or Columbus traffic ticket attorney will be able to walk you through any necessary steps and potential results related to your situation.

Getting in touch with a Columbus traffic ticket attorney or Columbus DUI lawyer is certainly something you should consider if you are facing criminal, traffic, and/or DUI charges in Columbus Ohio.  Feel free to reach out to an experienced criminal and traffic defense attorney in Columbus like The Maher Law Firm.  You can contact us online or by calling 614-205-2208.

Posted in DUI

Know What to Do When You Have a Warrant Out for Your Arrest

Posted on by Colin Maher

Right off the bat, and based on my years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer working in and around Columbus, Ohio, I’ll list three things you should never do:

  • Do not intentionally evade a warrant because you fear consequence such as jail time.
  • Do not ignore an arrest warrant thinking that the alleged offense is no big deal.
  • Do not panic.

Once a warrant for your arrest is issued, it remains active until it is executed (satisfied through arrest). The warrant never expires, and any law enforcement officer can act on it even if the statute of limitations for prosecuting the underlying offense has run out. An arrest on an outstanding warrant can occur during a traffic stop or when you show up in court for a completely unrelated matter such as taking care of a family issue.

The warrant will also show up during background checks for jobs, loans, and professional licensing. If left unresolved, an arrest warrant can create a significant barrier to many important opportunities.

On top of that, ignoring or evading a warrant makes you subject to arrest and imprisonment even if the alleged offense would not have resulted in either. For instance, a judge may issue a bench warrant after missing traffic court. That warrant authorizes your arrest even though the original charge is not a jailable offense. 

If a warrant for your arrest has been issued, you will want to contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.  They should know, or at least be able to find out, the best way to avoid being arrested i.e. approaching the judge to cancel the warrant and set a new court date. Dealing with the warrant in a timely and reasoned manner enables you to work toward resolving your problems with police and the courts without facing unnecessary and unwelcome complications.

Find Out Why the Warrant Was Issued

A court may attempt to notify you after it issues a warrant for your arrest, but a warrant can also be a surprise. If you have any suspicion that there may be a warrant for your arrest, I encourage you to see if that particular location has a way to search for warrants online.  In Columbus, Ohio, the City Attorney maintains this website as a publicly searchable database of all the outstanding warrants in the city and surrounding county for people who “have either not shown up for a court hearing, have failed to pay fines and costs as court-ordered or who may be in violation of a condition of probation.”

The website also offers this warning, in bold text: “All individuals with outstanding warrants are strongly encouraged to contact an attorney and/or turn themselves in.” As noted above, figuring out the best strategy for dealing with the warrant is a good idea. Make sure you contact an experienced criminal or traffic defense attorney to come up with a game plan. 

Immediately driving over to the courthouse or police station may not be the best way to deal with the warrant.  Rather, you should confirm that the warrant is valid then determine your options. Good steps to take include:

  • Calling the court clerk to acknowledge receiving or learning about the warrant for your arrest.
  • Confirming all the information in the warrant is correct, especially your name, age and address. The warrant might actually be for someone else who has the same name as you. Police and courts make mistakes.
  • Clarifying the alleged criminal offense or other legal matter that led a judge to issue the arrest warrant. If you are under suspicion of theft, for instance, knowing the details of the charge may make it clear to you that the whole situation is merely a misunderstanding over ownership and permission. You will still need to turn yourself in, but you’ll go in having a plan for organizing your defense against the underlying charge.
  • Asking if you have a deadline to report in person. The clerk will likely tell you should turn yourself in at the nearest police station as soon as possible. The point here is that expressing willingness to comply should keep police from knocking on your door before you have time to consult with a criminal defense lawyer and to prepare for the potential of spending some time away from work and home.

Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney

If an arrest warrant has been issued, you will appear before a judge regardless of whether you turn yourself in or police take you into custody. For this reason alone, you should arrange to have the advice and representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The attorney you contact regarding your arrest warrant should be able to offer advice about all of the following:

  • When and where to turn yourself in;
  • What types of questions you will be asked to answer while speaking with the officers assigned to your case;
  • Whether you can expect to spend time in a holding cell; and
  • Whether you will be required to post bail or if you can expect to be released on your own recognizance pending further proceedings.

The attorney you consult regarding your arrest warrant should also be available to accompany and advise you while turning yourself in, during any preliminary interrogation, at your arraignment, then throughout the remainder of your case.