1. Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA)
Focus Area: Criminal defense and OVI/DUI with focus on preserving criminal records
Practice Areas: OVI/DUI, drug charges, assault charges, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations
Background: The firm maintains over 500 five-star reviews from clients. Attorney Benjamin L. Luftman is the founding partner and has practiced criminal law in Franklin County for over a decade, focusing exclusively on criminal defense and traffic violations. Attorney Joseph J. Kunkel joined in 2013 after gaining experience at other Columbus criminal defense firms. The firm provides aggressive representation throughout central Ohio, including Short North, Bexley, Upper Arlington, Whitehall, Dublin, Worthington, and Groveport. Available 24 hours a day for contact.
Location: Columbus, Ohio (serves central Ohio and Franklin County)
Contact: (614) 500-3836 or (614) 304-3402 | https://www.columbuscriminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Dominy Law Firm, LLC
Focus Area: DUI/OVI defense with nationally recognized expertise
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, serious vehicular crimes (vehicular homicide, vehicular assault), criminal defense, record expungement and sealing
Background: The Dominy Law Firm is one of only four Ohio law firms ranked as a “Tier 1 Best Law Firm” for DUI/OVI defense by U.S. News & World Report, and also ranked as a “Best Law Firm” for General Criminal Defense. Attorney Shawn Dominy is on the SuperLawyers list (top 5% of attorneys) for both criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense, and was named one of the Top 50 Lawyers in Columbus by Columbus Monthly. He is one of two lawyers in Ohio chosen as one of the Best Lawyers in America for both criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense. He holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 rating on Avvo. The firm is BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Location: Columbus, Ohio (serves central Ohio)
Contact: (614) 717-1177 | https://www.dominylaw.com/
Consultation: Available; firm accepts limited number of clients to provide thorough representation
3. Akamine Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, theft, property crimes
Background: Attorney Nathan Akamine is a former Franklin County Prosecutor who has defended hundreds of Ohio citizens. His experience as a prosecutor provides insight into how prosecutors build cases and allows him to anticipate strategies used against defendants. The firm has been recognized among the best criminal defense attorneys and best DUI lawyers in Columbus by multiple authorities. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and provides personal attention, accessibility, and responsiveness to each client. Attorney Akamine has 20+ years of experience.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contact: (614) 443-6818 | https://www.akamine-law.com/
Consultation: Free review available
4. Bowen, Scranton, & Olsen, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense and OVI with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: OVI/DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, drug crimes, theft, assault
Background: All attorneys at the firm are former prosecutors, providing insight into how the state approaches criminal cases. The firm has completed standard field sobriety testing training with the Columbus Division of Police, equipping attorneys with essential skills for OVI/DUI defense. The firm maintains solid contacts and professional relationships across Franklin County and extends reach into Pickaway County, Athens County, and Fairfield County. Attorneys regularly hire experts to enhance investigations, even in misdemeanor cases. Each client receives the direct phone number of their attorney for prompt and personal support.
Location: Columbus, Ohio (serves Franklin, Athens, Pickaway, Delaware, and Madison Counties)
Contact: (614) 254-6517 | https://www.bsodefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Adam Burke Consulting
Focus Area: Criminal defense with federal court experience
Practice Areas: OVI/DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes, federal criminal defense, driving under suspension, arson, aggravated arson
Background: Attorney Adam Burke is an experienced criminal trial lawyer whose firm won the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Law in 2004. The firm represents clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in both state and federal courts. Attorneys take a team approach, combining expertise to litigate and win complex legal issues. The firm has over 30 years of combined experience and provides dedicated representation in Franklin County, Delaware County, Pickaway County, and surrounding counties in Ohio.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contact: (614) 280-9122 | https://attorneyadamburke.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Ohio
Felony Classifications
Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees, with first degree being the most serious:
Unclassified Felony (Aggravated Murder/Murder): The most serious category. Aggravated murder carries potential death penalty or life imprisonment. Murder carries 15 years to life imprisonment.
First Degree Felony: Includes rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and aggravated burglary. Penalties range from 3 to 11 years in prison (indefinite sentencing may apply for some offenses) and fines up to $20,000.
Second Degree Felony: Includes felonious assault, robbery, and burglary. Penalties range from 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
Third Degree Felony: Includes certain drug trafficking offenses, theft over $150,000, and vehicular assault. Penalties range from 9 months to 36 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Fourth Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, certain drug possession offenses, and domestic violence (third offense). Penalties range from 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Fifth Degree Felony: The least serious felony, including theft between $7,500-$150,000, certain drug offenses, and breaking and entering. Penalties range from 6 to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First Degree Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including assault, domestic violence (first offense), theft under $1,000, and OVI. Maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Second Degree Misdemeanor: Includes obstructing official business and certain drug paraphernalia offenses. Maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and fines up to $750.
Third Degree Misdemeanor: Includes negligent assault and criminal mischief. Maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
Fourth Degree Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and minor misdemeanor theft. Maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and fines up to $250.
Minor Misdemeanor: The least serious, including certain marijuana possession and minor traffic offenses. No jail time; fines up to $150.
Record Clearing Options
Sealing: Ohio allows sealing of eligible criminal records, which removes records from public access but maintains them for limited government purposes. Waiting periods vary: 6 months for minor misdemeanors, 1 year for misdemeanors, 1 year for fourth or fifth degree felonies, and 3 years for third degree felonies.
Expungement: True expungement (destruction of records) is available 10 years after records become eligible for sealing for felonies, and after shorter periods for misdemeanors. Expunged records are permanently destroyed and irretrievable.
Ineligible Offenses: First and second degree felonies cannot be sealed or expunged. Violent felonies, most sex offenses with registration requirements, domestic violence (except fourth degree misdemeanor), OVI/DUI, and traffic offenses under specific code sections are also ineligible.
Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE): Available for individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions who face collateral sanctions on employment. The CQE can remove barriers to employment and licensing without sealing the record.
OVI/DUI Laws
Ohio’s Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) laws carry significant penalties. A first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor with mandatory minimum 3 days in jail or 3-day driver intervention program, license suspension of 1-3 years, and fines of $375-$1,075. Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses and high BAC levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Ohio?
In Ohio, sealing and expungement are distinct remedies. Sealing removes records from public access so they do not appear on most background checks, but government and law enforcement agencies retain access for specific purposes. Expungement goes further by permanently destroying records so they are irretrievable, with only law enforcement retaining limited access. Sealing is available after shorter waiting periods (6 months to 3 years depending on offense), while expungement requires waiting an additional 10 years after sealing eligibility for felonies. Both allow you to legally state the offense did not occur in most circumstances.
Can I get an OVI/DUI expunged from my record in Ohio?
No. Ohio law specifically prohibits the sealing or expungement of OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) convictions and nearly all other traffic offenses under Ohio Revised Code chapters 4506, 4507, 4510, 4511, and 4549. This includes physical control while impaired. An OVI conviction remains on your record permanently. However, if your OVI case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, those records may be eligible for sealing. This is one reason why mounting a vigorous defense to OVI charges is critical.
How long do I have to wait to seal a felony conviction in Franklin County?
Waiting periods for sealing felony convictions in Ohio depend on the degree: for fourth or fifth degree felonies, you may apply 1 year after final discharge (completion of sentence, probation, and payment of fines and restitution). For third degree felonies (if you have one or two), you may apply 3 years after final discharge. First and second degree felonies cannot be sealed. “Final discharge” does not include payment of court costs, so unpaid court costs should not block your application. After sealing, you must wait an additional 10 years before the record is eligible for expungement.
What should I expect at my arraignment in Franklin County?
At arraignment in Franklin County, you will appear before a judge who will formally read the charges against you and ask you to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). You have the right to have an attorney present. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a public defender. The judge will also address bail and conditions of release. Most defense attorneys recommend entering a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve all options and allow time to investigate the case. You should not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your attorney.
What are collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Ohio?
Beyond direct penalties like incarceration and fines, a criminal conviction in Ohio can have lasting collateral consequences. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights while incarcerated (restored upon release), loss of firearm rights, potential impact on child custody proceedings, and barriers to employment and professional licensing. Even misdemeanors can affect employment opportunities, housing applications, and immigration status for non-citizens. Ohio offers Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE) to help alleviate some employment-related collateral sanctions, even when sealing is not available. An experienced defense attorney can help you understand and minimize these consequences.