Delaware Ohio DUI / OVI  Attorneys

614-675-4845

Since 1993, we have been asked to represent and defend hundreds of people charged with DUI / OVI in Delaware County, Ohio.  Nearly every Friday morning, we have a Delaware Ohio DUI / OVI scheduled for arraignment in Delaware, Ohio.   

Most of the DUI / OVI arrests in Delaware County Ohio are from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (Delaware OH Post), Delaware County Sheriff's Office, and Powell (Ohio) Police Department.  Southern Delaware County appears to be a "hot bed" of DUI / OVI enforcement.  

Some things to bear in mind if you or someone you know has a Delaware Ohio DUI / OVI case pending.  Most of the cruisers that patrol for DUI / OVI in Delaware County are equipped with cruiser video systems.  The notable exception is the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.  As of 2010, we haven't seen any DCSO cruisers with cruiser video.  

Normally we will handle the first court date for our clients without them having to appear. Restricted driving privileges in Delaware County Ohio DUI / OVI arrests can be tricky to obtain.  If you refused a breath test or if you have a prior DUI / OVI arrest, it is unlikely that either Judge Sunderman or Judge Gormley will grant you restricted driving privileges on your eligibility date (day 31 on 1st offense refusal cases).  Typically, they will wait until the end of the case to grant restricted driving privileges.  However, if you took a breath test and tested between .080% and .150% it is likely you will be granted restricted driving privileges on your eligibilty date (day 16 for 1st offense breath tests).

Our Practice Manager, Dauna Butte, handles most of our contact with the Delaware County Municipal Court.  She says, 

"It has been a pleasure working with different court personnel in Delaware over the years.  As a former supervisor in the Franklin County Clerks Office, I can personally appreciate the job they have to do.  As a result, I have made it a point to build relationships with Delaware Court personnel to ensure that our clients are handled with the highest level of care.  Due to these relationships, I am able to expedite certain aspects of a case that normally would take much longer to achieve."

"Also, I am contacted personally by the Judges' staff and assignment coordinators to schedule each court date which ultimately helps to accommodate our Client's schedule.  This helps avoid the need to continue cases due to scheduling conflicts.  Although this communication is typically done through phone calls and emails, I have grown to know the Delaware Court staff on a first name basis."

You must also be aware that the Clerk of Courts in Delaware County, Ohio requires that you pay a Petition Fee to request driving privileges and that you fill out a BMV registration form to obtain restricted plates ("DUI Plates", "Party Plates").  Delaware County, Ohio judges do order restricted plates much more frequently than judges in other counties, even for 1st offenders.

Next, you must be aware that both judges routinely require the installation of ignition interlock devices.  These are breath testers in cars.  A private company pre-approved with the Delaware County Municipal Court will rent offenders this device and install it at your expense. 

Within 30 days, either Mr. Koffel or Mr. Brininger will have reviewed all of the evidence and are in a position to evaluate the legal options for our clients.

Most of our DUI cases proceed to a motion hearing where the arresting officers will be cross-examined by either Mr. Koffel or Mr. Brininger as to their opinions and investigation.

It should be noted, as well, the court costs in Delaware County, Ohio are very high.  There is fee for everything that quickly adds up.  For instance, as of 2010, there is a $300 per year cost to be on probation.  So, if an offender receives a suspended jail sentence and is placed on probation for 3 years, it will cost that person $900 to be placed on probation.  This is in addition to all the other court costs.  It is now common for court costs to actually exceed fines in Delaware Municipal Court. 

With the recent completion of the expansion of the Delaware Ohio Municipal Court, it is a great place for lawyers to practice law.  The courtrooms are very nice, spacious, and designed well for conducting hearings and trials.  The judges are approachable yet firm in their respective positions.  Both Judge Sunderman and Judge Gormley are always on top of the most recent appellate decisions.  The bailiff staff keeps the courtrooms in order and running in a timely fashion.  The probation officers are some of the best in the business. 

To inquire about representation, call Attorney Brad Koffel directly at 614-675-4845 (including evenings, weekends, and holidays).