Franklin County Attorney — Columbus, Ohio

Full-Service Legal Representation in Franklin County, Ohio

Franklin County is the most populous county in Ohio and home to Columbus, the state capital. With over 1.3 million residents, the county is served by a multi-tiered court system — from the mayor's courts in Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Bexley, and a dozen other suburbs, to Franklin County Municipal Court at 375 S. High Street, to the Court of Common Pleas and Probate Court just steps away. Jwayyed Law LLC provides experienced legal representation across every practice area in every Franklin County court — OVI and DUI defense, criminal misdemeanor defense, traffic violations, civil litigation, business matters, landlord-tenant proceedings, estate planning, and probate administration. Call (614) 285-5482 to discuss your Franklin County legal matter.

OVI / DUI Defense in Franklin County

OVI arrests in Franklin County are common along I-270, I-71, I-70, US-33, US-23, and the major suburban corridors. Whether you were stopped by Columbus Police, the Franklin County Sheriff, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, or a suburban police department, an OVI arrest triggers two separate proceedings that both require immediate attention: the criminal OVI case under Ohio Revised Code 4511.19 and the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) under ORC 4511.191. You have only 30 days from the date of arrest to appeal the ALS in Franklin County Municipal Court — missing this deadline permanently forfeits your right to contest the suspension.

Under HB 37, effective April 9, 2025, a first OVI conviction in Franklin County carries a mandatory minimum of 3 days in jail or a certified Driver Intervention Program, fines of $565 to $1,075, and a license suspension of 1 to 3 years. High-tier OVI (BAC 0.17% or above) carries enhanced mandatory minimums even for first offenses. A second OVI within 10 years escalates significantly: 10 consecutive days minimum, $715 to $1,625 in fines, and 1 to 7 year suspension with 90-day vehicle immobilization. Our firm handles OVI cases at Franklin County Municipal Court and at every mayor's court in the Franklin County suburbs we serve.

Criminal Misdemeanor Defense in Franklin County

Franklin County Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal charges for Columbus and all Franklin County municipalities. Our firm defends the full range of misdemeanor charges heard in this court, including theft and shoplifting under ORC 2913.02 (M1 for amounts under $1,000 — up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), domestic violence under ORC 2919.25 (with significant collateral consequences including the federal Lautenberg Amendment's permanent firearm prohibition triggered by any misdemeanor DV conviction), assault under ORC 2903.13, drug possession under ORC 2925.11, disorderly conduct under ORC 2917.11, and open container under ORC 4301.62. For cases involving drug addiction or mental illness, the court's HART and MAVS specialized dockets may offer treatment-based alternatives to traditional prosecution.

A misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record accessible to employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards. Early, informed advocacy — reviewing all evidence, identifying constitutional issues, understanding the local prosecutor's practices — can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a diversion program that leaves no permanent record. Our firm obtains all available evidence before evaluating any plea offer and fights every case from the first hearing to the last.

Franklin County Courts — Where Your Case Will Be Heard

Columbus Defense Pages

Charged in Columbus or at Franklin County Municipal Court? Select your practice area below.

Franklin County Suburbs

Charged in a Franklin County suburb? Find your community below.

Whether you are facing an OVI arrest on I-270, a theft charge in Hilliard, a domestic violence allegation in Westerville, or need to plan your estate or form a Columbus business, Jwayyed Law LLC is ready to help. Contact us at (614) 285-5482 or schedule a consultation online. For OVI cases, time is critical — the ALS appeal must be filed within 30 days of arrest.