• Joslyn Law Firm
• Franklin County

Franklin County 

Franklin County has been labeled as the number one most populated county in the state of Ohio with a population at approximately 1,300,000 according to the 2010 census. It’s home to the city of Columbus, the state capital and considered the most populous city in Ohio. Franklin County’s success is thanks to its diverse economy based on education, government, insurance, banking, steel industry and technology. 

Unfortunately, the bustling success of Franklin County doesn’t hinder its problem with people operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI or DUI). Ohio has consistently been ranked as one of the top DUI states, with Franklin County being a huge factor as law enforcement arrested nearly 2,717 people for DUI-related incidents.

If you or someone you know has been charged with OVI, it’s imperative you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. The penalties for an OVI are life-altering, time-consuming and can be incredibly costly. 

Defense Attorney for Franklin County in Ohio

You may think you can tackle OVI charges on your own, but you could majorly regret that decision. Operating a vehicle while under the influence has steep penalties including expensive fines, license suspension and possibly time behind bars. The judge could also impose additional conditions to your sentencing such as rehabilitation treatment or a DUI class or program.

Fight back with legal representation from Joslyn Law Firm. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys will utilize our knowledge to your case. We have represented numerous people from first-time DUI offenders to people charged with vehicular assault or manslaughter. No case is too big for us. Call (513) 399-6289 today to schedule your first consultation.

Joslyn Law Firm represents people throughout the greater Franklin County area and surrounding counties including Hamilton County, Butler County, Fairfield County, and Pickaway County.

Overview of Franklin County OVI  

• DUI or OVI Statistics for Franklin County Ohio
• Major Highways and State Roads in Franklin County
• Summary of OVI Penalties
• Useful DUI Resources in Franklin County
• Additional Resources 

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DUI or OVI Statistics for Franklin County, Ohio

The Ohio Highway Patrol collects statistics from their officers annually and compile them on their website for the general public. These statistics indicate the trends in traffic safety and OVI incidents over the years through infogram or patrol operational reports. The following are those statistics gathered from Franklin County. 

In 2017, law enforcement reported the following in Franklin County. 

• Franklin County reported up to 2,411 OVI-related arrests;
• The Highway Patrol had set up and conducted two checkpoints that year;
• It was found that 546 people were injured because of a drunk driver; and
• 14 people unfortunately perished due to an OVI incident.

In 2018, the Ohio Highway Patrol recorded that Franklin County had the following OVI statistics. 

• There were 2,717 OVI-related arrests;
• Law enforcement conducted two checkpoints that year in Franklin County;
• It was recorded that 491 people were injured as a result of an OVI; and
• 24 people died because of a DUI-related incident 

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Major Highways and State Roads in Franklin County

Franklin County residents use public freeways every day to navigate their daily lives. Many Franklin County citizens utilize these highways on their commute to work, especially for people working in the Columbus downtown area. While these freeways are convenient, they are also a major hub for state patrol officers looking for people driving under the influence.

The following are some major highways and state roads found in Franklin County.

• Interstate 70 (I-70);
• Interstate 71 (I-71);
• Interstate 270 (I-270 or the Jack Nickalus Freeway);
• Interstate 670 (I-670);
• S. Route 23 (US 23);
• S. Route 33 (US 33);
• S. Route 40 (US 40 or the Main Street of America);
• S. Route 62 (US 62);
• Ohio State Route 3 (SR 3);
• Ohio State Route 16 (SR 16);
• Ohio State Route 104 (SR 104);
• Ohio State Route 161 (SR 161);
• Ohio State Route 257 (SR 257); and
• Ohio State Route 315 (SR 315); 

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Summary of OVI Penalties in Franklin County, OH

It’s important to note the difference between a “high” and “low” BAC. According to Ohio law, a “high test” result for an OVI case includes: 

• Breath test results that are higher than .17;
• Urinalysis results more than .238;
• Whole blood test that result to more than .17; or
• Blood serum or plasma results that equal above .204

Ohio considers a “low test” OVI to include one of the following results:

• A breath test at or below .17, but above .08;
• Urinalysis reading at below .238, but above .11;
• Whole blood sample at or below .17, but above .08; or
• Blood serum sample that’s at or below .204, but above .096

A refusal is when a person doesn’t submit to a blood, urine or breathalyzer test. This is due to Ohio’s implied consent laws, which state any person on Ohio’s roadways are implicitly bound to submitting to chemical testing by law enforcement. Refusal to do so will result in an administrative license suspension that isn’t related to any criminal charges. It is a separate suspension that can be added to your court ordered suspension if you don’t get it overturned in a hearing at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

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DUI Resources in Franklin County, Ohio

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles – The Bureau of Motor Vehicles oversees all administrative suspensions related to driving under the influence. The Bureau allows you a chance to fight back by scheduling a hearing to prove why you were not under the influence at that time. This must be done quickly, and it’s highly recommended you seek legal counsel beforehand.

Driver’s Intervention Programs – The state of Ohio offers an alternative to its mandatory three-day jail term for first time OVI offenders. You can instead attend a Driver’s Intervention Program (DIP), which provides traffic safety education on alcohol and drugs in small group discussions. Visit the Ohio government site to access their certified DIP directory.   

Franklin County Clerk of Courts – If you’ve been charged with OVI, it’s likely you will have to visit the Franklin County clerk. The clerk of courts handles all necessary documents for all the courts in Franklin County. Visit the site to learn more about court fees, e-filing documents and accessing their public records.

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas – The majority of DUI/OVI cases are transferred to the Court of Common Pleas. This court handles all felony trial cases as well as certain high-class misdemeanors including operating a vehicle while under the influence. Access the court’s site to find their docket, important information to bring and the court rules.

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Additional Resources

Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Visit the official website for the Ohio chapter for MADD, otherwise known as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Access their site to read DUI statistics, their daily blog, events to join and get involved and stories from the victim impact panel.

Ohio’s OVI Laws – Visit the official website for Ohio’s laws for operating a vehicle while impaired on drugs or alcohol. Access the statute to learn more about “low test” OVI and “high test” OVI as well as the suspension consequences you may face for being charged with DUI. 

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OVI Defense Attorney in Franklin County, Ohio

If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence, then it’s time you get in contact with an experienced attorney with Joslyn Law Firm. Our lawyers understand the social stigma surrounding OVI charges and we want to save you from any more judgement. We can do this by effectively defending you in the courtroom. Let us spare you from the harsh statutory penalties by setting up your first consultation completely free.

Call us now at (513) 399-6289 to set up your first free appointment. We can discuss your charges further and see what the next best step is. Joslyn Law Firm practices throughout Franklin County including Columbus, Bexley, Dublin, Grandview Heights, Gahanna and Whitehall.

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This article was last updated on July 25, 2019.