What Can We Help You With?

Traffic Violation

I Received a Traffic Violation Ticket in the Columbus, Ohio Area

Criminal Offense

I Have Been Charged with A Criminal Offense in the Columbus, Ohio Area

Criminal/Traffic Maybe

I May Be the Subject of a Criminal/Traffic Violation Investigation in the Columbus, Ohio Area

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

DUI/OVI DEFENSE

DUI/OVI DEFENSE

DUI/OVI case lingering, see how we can help!

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Accused of committing a criminal or traffic offense?

TRAFFIC DEFENSE

TRAFFIC DEFENSE

Pending traffic violation? We can help you!

EXPUNGEMENTS

EXPUNGEMENTS

Need a record Expunged? We can assist.

Expertise

Why Choose Us

Columbus, Ohio has many traffic and criminal defense attorneys to choose from. Experience, knowledge, and relationships are key when it comes to helping clients charged with criminal and traffic violations. Attorney Colin Maher, with The Maher Law Firm, has been helping people accused of committing traffic and/or criminal violations since 2009. He appears in Franklin County Municipal Court and other central Ohio area courts on a daily basis. He has built excellent relationships with prosecutors and judges over the years. To find out how we can help, call us at (614) 205-2208 for a free quote.

Committed to Results

Committed to Results

We only represent people we feel we can help. It is bad business to take someone’s money knowing you can’t help them. When you call for your FREE quote, we will discuss realistic outcomes given the facts you share. The Maher Law Firm strives to get the best possible result for every client.
Award Winning

Award Winning

Over the last ten years, The Maher Law Firm has racked up plenty of awards for their excellent work. That being said, the true measure of our ability is happy clients. Check out our reviews on Google and Avvo.
Innovative

Innovative

We are constantly thinking of ways to improve representation. One such improvement is the use of an online client portal which allows for easy secure payments and communications, case updates, court date reminders, and file sharing.
Columbus DUI Lawyer Colin Maher
Experienced

How Maher
is Different

Columbus DUI / OVI and criminal defense attorneys differ in several ways. Experience, relationships with court personnel, price, style, and communication are the main differences. Columbus based lawyer, Colin Maher, has been building important relationships within various court systems since 2009. He is always available to answer your questions and will keep you informed with any new case developments along the way. His solid reputation for honesty and reason allow him to achieve positive results for his clients at a reasonable price. Call (614) 205-2208 for a FREE quote now.

10+

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

2,000+

CASES PER YEAR

10,000+

PROVIDED FREE CONSULTATIONS

Criminal Defence

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our team of highly skilled criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing you with the best possible defense. With years of experience and a track record of success, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of criminal cases.

Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. We will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Family Law Attorneys

Navigating the complexities of family law can be overwhelming. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through the process and provide you with the support you need during this difficult time. From divorce and child custody to adoption and domestic violence cases, we are here to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.

Testimonials

Client Feedback

Get Expert Legal Advice Today

Contact our experienced attorneys to discuss your case and find the best solution.

Schedule Now
Case Results

Experience Our Success Stories

See our Columbus DUI and criminal defense firm in action and our community engagement.

Franklin County Ohio Reckless Operation

Franklin County Ohio Reckless Operation

FRANKLIN COUNTY RECKLESS OPERATION- Columbus, Ohio traffic ticket attorney gets reckless operation ticket dismissed.  Client pleads to assured clear distance ahead with fine only and no license suspension.

Colin Maher
Colin Maher
29 January 2020
5 Minutes Read
Columbus Ohio Speeding Ticket

Columbus Ohio Speeding Ticket

COLUMBUS OHIO SPEEDING TICKET- Franklin County traffic attorney gets case dismissed for court costs.  No fine!

Colin Maher
Colin Maher
29 January 2020
5 Minutes Read
Columbus Ohio DUI/OVI

Columbus Ohio DUI/OVI

COLUMBUS OHIO DUI/OVI- Columbus, Ohio DUI attorney gets a dismissal of all charges except for a minor misdemeanor marked lanes ticket.  Fine and costs only.

Colin Maher
Colin Maher
29 January 2020
5 Minutes Read

TOP RATED DUI-OVI ATTORNEY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO WITH A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS

Ohio is well-known for its very strict traffic laws, especially for those relating to driving under the influence/operating a vehicle impaired (DUI/OVI). If an individual is convicted of a DUI, they can expect to face harsh penalties that can include criminal fines, potential jail time, and driver’s license suspension. And while it can feel very overwhelming to be faced with a DUI/OVI charge, it is important to remember that you are not alone.

You can enlist the help of an experienced Columbus DUI attorney if you are charged with a DUI. An experienced DUI attorney will bring experience and legal knowledge to the table that you otherwise may not know or have access to.

Here at The Maher Law Firm, we are a leading criminal defense and traffic violation firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Our founder and Columbus OVI attorney, Colin Maher, has handled all types of criminal and traffic violation cases, including DUI charges. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is prudent to reach out to The Maher Law Firm soon after. We can answer any questions you may have about the charge and offer you guidance on what legal options are available.

With Ohio’s DUI laws being some of the strictest in the country, working with an experienced and highly rated DUI attorney in Columbus, Ohio will help ensure that you are well-represented. We have successfully handled over 2,000 cases and have 10+ years of experience, allowing us to provide you with aggressive legal representation for your DUI/OVI case.

What is a Columbus DUI Attorney?

A Columbus DUI attorney is an attorney that understands the laws related to DUI/OVI charges and can provide individuals with legal representation. In Ohio, DUI/OVI charges can be especially strict and often complicated. An OVI lawyer from Columbus, Ohio will have expertise needed to address a charge, explain your rights to you, and guide you through the legal process.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI in Ohio?

There is certainly no rule saying that you need to work with a Columbus OVI attorney. But anytime you are faced with a criminal or traffic charge, we highly recommend that you hire a DUI attorney in Columbus, Ohio. Instead of attempting to represent yourself on your own or just accepting the charges, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney who can represent you with skill and expertise.

Our Columbus DUI Defense Attorney Are Here to Help

At The Maher Law Firm, our founder and Columbus DUI attorney, Colin Maher, will be able to provide you with aggressive representation no matter the charges and potential penalties you are facing. He brings years of experience to the table and a deep understanding of Ohio’s DUI laws.

By working with an OVI lawyer from Columbus, Ohio, you will be able to hand off the work of building a defense, collecting evidence, and handling the legal process to an expert. This will help ensure that your case is handled by an expert who understands current DUI/OVII laws, any minor details that may be relevant to your situation, and who understands how law enforcement officers may work to build a case against you.

If you are facing DUI/OVI charges in Ohio, reach out The Maher Law Firm today. Colin Maher has the experienced needed to help guide you through a stressful time as you seek a satisfactory resolution to your situation. You can reach out to our office over the phone at 614-205-2208 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Why You Should Hire Us at Maher Law

When it comes to facing a DUI/OVI charge, it is always better to have an experienced and trusted DUI defense lawyer from Columbus, Ohio on your side. Apart from just bringing years of experience to the table, a Columbus DUI attorney from The Maher Law Firm will be able to offer you support through the legal process, answer your questions about next steps and your rights, and handle any parties involved throughout the process.

By working with The Maher Law Firm, you will find yourself working with a Columbus OVI attorney who is:

  • Experienced
  • Focused
  • Responsive
  • Local
  • Straightforward
  • Cost-effective
  • Compassionate

Reach out to Colin Maher today over the phone or by filling out our online contact form to learn more about how he can help you.

DUI-OVI Matters We Handle in Ohio

At The Maher Law Firm, we are a criminal defense and DUI defense lawyer in Columbus, Ohio with over 10 years off experience. We handle all manner of cases, from criminal and traffic defense to DUI/OVI defense.

And when it comes to DUI/OVI defense in Ohio, we work with clients on a number of different matters including:

  • Breath Test
  • DUI Checkpoints
  • DUI Defense Strategies
  • DUI Penalties
  • Field Sobriety Tests
  • License Suspension
  • Multiple DUI

These matters all require an experienced Columbus OVI attorney who can provide you with aggressive representation from start to finish. As a highly rated criminal and traffic defense lawyer, Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm is ready and waiting to help.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Ohio

If you are arrested as a first-time offender and are convicted of driving under the influence, you could lose your license for six months and potentially as long as three years. You may be required to spend at least three days and up to six months in jail. Your fines could be as high as $1075 plus court costs. With each DUI that you are arrested for, your potential fines, jail time, and license suspension penalties can increase. Multiple DUI offenders could lose their license for life.

Below you will find some of the penalties for driving under the influence in Ohio that you may be charged with, depending on what number DUI/OVI you are facing.

First OVI:

  • Anywhere from three days up to six months in jail OR completion of a Driver Intervention Program (DIP)
  • A driver’s license suspension that ranges between one to three years
  • A criminal/traffic fine between $375 to $1,075
  • Total denial of all driving privileges for at least 15 days

Second OVI:

  • A minimum of 10 days up to six months of jail time
  • Criminal/traffic fines between $525 to $1,625
  • A driver’s license suspension that ranges between one to three years

Additional penalties that a judge may add on to the above depending on an individual’s BAC level include:

  • Potential seizure of your vehicle
  • A 90-day immobilization of your vehicle
  • An interlock device placed onto your vehicle that requires breath testing before the vehicle will start

Third OVI:

  • A minimum of 30 days jail time
  • A minimum criminal/traffic fine of $850
  • A court-imposed driver’s license suspension from two years to 12 years (including no driving privileges for 180 days)
  • A BMV license suspension (the length of this suspension will depend on if you have submitted or refused to take a test to determine the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system)

Fourth OVI:

  • A minimum of 60 days in jail
  • A minimum criminal/traffic fine of $1,350
  • A three year driver’s license suspension
  • Vehicle forfeiture, if the vehicle is registered to you
  • Participation in an alcohol and drug addiction program

Remember that traffic laws in Ohio that relate to DUI/OVI convictions are among some of the strictest in the United States. And the more DUIs that you have on your record, the more intense the penalties you face will be. DUI/OVI cases can get complicated very quickly. But there are various ways that you can defend against a DUI charge, such as working with a Columbus OVI attorney for a dismissal or to seek a lesser charge.

If you are facing a first DUI/OVI charge or second charge or above, be sure to reach out to our DUI defense lawyer in Columbus, Ohio today. The Maher Law Firm is here to assist you, no matter the type of DUI charge you are facing. We can offer you representation from start to finish of your case.

By connecting with our DUI defense attorney in Columbus, Ohio, you will be able to ask any questions you have and go over the potential legal options you may have. Call our Columbus office at 614-205-2208 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Where We Practice

We are currently accepting DUI/OVI clients in Central Ohio and the surrounding counties. Whether your case is filed in mayor’s court, municipal court, or common pleas, we can help.  Contact The Maher Law Firm today at (614) 205-2208 to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in Columbus Ohio.

Defense For DUI Charges

There are various ways to defend against a DUI charge. In some cases, individuals can work with an attorney for a dismissal or a plea to a lesser charge like physical control or reckless operation. In other cases, we will fight the charges all the way through trial. The penalties you face will vary depending on the particular circumstances of your case and your prior record for related offenses. Each case is as unique as the individuals involved.

Connect with an Experienced OVI Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio Today

Here at The Maher Law Firm, we work with clients in Columbus and throughout surrounding areas who are facing DUI/OVI charges. With over 10 years of experience, founder and Columbus DUI attorney Colin Maher is dedicated to offering aggressive representation to each case that he takes on. The knowledge, expertise, and representation of an experienced attorney can make the difference between a conviction and reduced charges or an acquittal.

If you are facing DUI/OVI charges, do not hesitate to reach out to The Maher Law Firm today. You can set up a completely free and confidential consultation with a top-rated Columbus OVI attorney. This will allow us to get a better understanding of your individual situation and give you space to ask any questions you may have.

Contact our law firm today over the phone at 614-205-2208 or by reaching out online to schedule a consultation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about legal processes and work with our Columbus DUI defense firm.

In Ohio, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level limit is .08% for any person 21 years or older and .02% for anyone under the age of 21.

For commercial drivers, they are considered to be legally over the limit if their BAC level is over .04% as laid out in Section 45511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.

BAC levels in Ohio are measured in a few different ways:

  • Breathalyzer test: This test is administered via a device that will test for someone’s BAC level.
  • Urine test: A sample of a driver’s urine can be taken and tested at a hospital or police station.
  • Blood test: Also known as a chemical test, a driver’s blood will be taken and sent for testing.

Other tests that you may be asked to complete if you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence is a Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

Depending on the individual details of your case and charges, you may be able to see charges reduced. To have the best change of seeing DUI charges reduced, please reach out to our law firm to schedule a consultation with our DUI defense lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.

A DUI/OVI conviction will remain on your record permanently as Ohio state law does not allow DUIs to be sealed or expunged. Therefore, a DUI will stay on your record and will be public record as well.

A Columbus DUI attorney can help you in a number of ways, including:

  • Providing you with skilled legal representation during a stressful time.
  • Explaining your legal rights to you.
  • Handling the legal process from start to finish.
  • Communicating with police, the court, and other involved parties.
  • Work to negotiate reduced charges and to seek leniency on your behalf.
  • Apply expert knowledge of the law to building a strong defense.

A DUI/OVI charge is a serious matter. To ensure that your case is in the hands of an expert attorney who cares, be sure to reach out to Colin Maher. Colin will fight to help you keep your driver’s license, avoid jail time, and seek reduced charges.

DUI/OVI charges in Ohio do carry potential jail time as a penalty, whether you are facing your first DUI charge or your fourth. While there is no guarantee that you will or will not go to jail, it is important to work with a DUI attorney in Columbus, Ohio who will work to help keep you out of jail or reduce potential jail time.

Yes, it is possible to challenge a DUI charge in court by utilizing various defense strategies, such as challenging the legitimacy of a traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, or negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution.

A DUI and OVI mean essentially the same thing. Both DUI and OVI indicate that a person is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both while operating a vehicle. Since both terms mean the same thing, they are often used interchangeably by prosecutors, police, and the court.

One potential penalty a driver might face after a DUI/OVI charge is having an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. An ignition interlock device is a device that connects a breathalyzer directly to a vehicle’s ignition. To turn a vehicle on, a driver will need to breath into the breathalyzer which will analyze that individual’s BAC level to determine if it is below the set level.

Lawyers in Columbus Ohio are not allowed to say they specialize in DUI/OVI cases, criminal cases, and or traffic cases. However, I can say that I have been focusing exclusively on criminal and traffic defense cases my entire career as a Columbus Ohio traffic lawyer and criminal lawyer.

have been successfully representing DUI clients since becoming a lawyer in 2009.

Every year is different and depends on officer enforcement as well as clients being able to find me online or through referrals. Generally, I handle anywhere from one to five new Columbus Ohio area DUI cases per week.

Roughly forty to seventy percent of my cases are DUI cases at any given time.

I am certainly not afraid of having a trial. In fact, I love having criminal and traffic trials in the right situations. That being said, my relationships with prosecutors and courts often allow for results that are too good to refuse. Whether or not you decide to accept a plea offer will be your decision. I will advise you of the potential benefits and risks at every turn, but I will not coerce or overly influence your decision to have a trial or accept a plea.

If your criminal or traffic case is in Franklin County, Union County, Madison County, or in one of the area mayor’s courts, you can rest assured that I am familiar with the judges, magistrates, and the prosecutors (unless they happen to be newly employed of course).

No. When hiring a Columbus DUI lawyer, the relationship of trust you have is with the attorney representing you. I have yet to find someone I trust enough to handle my client’s cases. Facing criminal and traffic charges is extremely sensitive and should only be handled by someone you trust. I hope to be that person.

Special Training
Many times, a Columbus DUI attorney will have specialized training or an advanced certification in DUI law. You might ask:

I have been able to personally witness officer’s in action and this experience is duplicated on a daily basis as I review case reports and video evidence.

Ohio does not currently permit certification as an expert in OVI, criminal, or traffic defense law. I have, however, been certified as a standardized field sobriety test practitioner. This means that I have completed the same training that many police officer’s go through in order to investigate potential DUI cases. I continue to study stay up-to-date on any new and/or changing methods.

Yes. I am a certified standardized field sobriety test practitioner.

Fees
Right away, you’ll want to know how your DUI attorney will be billing you.

The fees I quote you are for my services only. You will not receive any unexpected bill for my legal services. Other fees may come from other sources out of my control i.e. courts, treatment, BMV, insurance, experts, etc. Hiring a third party to help with some aspect of your case will merely be suggested by attorney Colin Maher if he feels it would benefit you. Payment to that third-party would be between you and them if you decide to hire them.

I currently accept all major credit cards, cash, Venmo, and Cashapp. Clients will be required to use a credit card if they choose to be on a payment plan. There are no additional fees for payment plans, but you will be expected to pay on-time.

Still have questions?

Contact us for more information.

Awards and Certifications