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Arrests In Columbus Ohio

We have a proven track record of success in handling over 15,000 criminal cases and are consistently awarded as one of Ohio’s top criminal defense firms. We are highly experienced arrests in columbus ohio lawyers in Columbus, OH and all of central Ohio. Experience matters when dealing with these cases, which prosecutors and judges handle differently on a case-by-case basis. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible.

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Arrests In Columbus Ohio

Getting arrested is a stressful and memorable event in someone’s life. If you or someone you know has recently been arrested, a solid legal team can provide you with tools to minimize the consequences. Arrests that lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction can result in a sentence that includes:

  • Jail or prison sentence
  • Heavy fines or restitution
  • Community service
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Probation

Felony convictions can result in additional consequences, including loss of civil liberties, such as the right to own or possess a firearm, and the right to vote. Restoring these rights can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, convictions can result in secondary consequences, including ineligibility to apply for social programs, such as food stamps and housing support. You could also be ineligible to apply for certain jobs or professions, graduate programs, and federal student loans.

Getting arrested is a stressful and memorable event in anyone’s life. However, a strong and supportive legal team is key to achieving the best outcome. Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm is ready to work with you to develop the best defense possible for your case.

How Do Arrests Lead To Convictions And Sentences?

Even if you have been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, you will not necessarily be convicted of that offense. All criminal offenses in the Ohio criminal court process have several elements to prove, and a state prosecutor must provide evidence to show that your actions meet the elements of the offense. This can be a very difficult burden of proof to satisfy. If the prosecutor proves that you committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, the judge or jury can find you guilty. Within days or months of the conviction, a judge will give you a sentence.

The time and events between the arrest and conviction are when an experienced criminal defense attorney can significantly improve the outcome of a case. With aggressive negotiation and advocacy skills, advanced knowledge of the law, and passion for our work, our team has successfully implemented legal strategies to:

  • Dismiss cases (eliminating the criminal charges)
  • Suppress evidence (removing evidence from a case)
  • Significantly reducing sentences

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Contacting Your Columbus Arrest Lawyer

Contact Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm for a consultation today about your misdemeanor or felony arrest in Columbus and its surrounding areas. Brian Joslyn and his team of criminal defense attorneys are experienced in representing individuals who have been arrested for criminal offenses throughout the state. We are ready for your call at (513) 399-6289.


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Information About Arrests In Columbus, Ohio

  1. Arrests for Columbus Municipal Ordinances Violations
  2. Columbus Misdemeanor Arrests
  3. Felony Arrests In Columbus
  4. Columbus Airport Arrests
  5. General Information About Airports In Columbus
  6. Out Of State Visitor Arrests In Ohio
  7. Resources For Columbus Arrests

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Arrests For Columbus Municipal Ordinance Violations

In Columbus, certain offenses are not punishable as misdemeanor or felony offenses under Ohio state law. For example, if you have been accused of violating local rules or regulations, known as “city codes” or “municipal ordinances,” you can be penalized at the local level rather than the state level. The violations are still called misdemeanors. The city of Columbus has the power to create, modify, and enforce its municipal ordinances. The more commonly known ordinances include:

  • Maintenance of buildings
  • Curfews
  • Loud neighbors
  • Rules regarding pets or animals
  • Property maintenance

The city of Columbus has an extensive list of municipal ordinances and associated penalties ranging from mild to severe. The penalties range significantly depending on the code violation. For minor violations, called “minor misdemeanors,” a penalty can result in a fine of $150. More severe violations can result in hefty fines and jail time.

Because there can be some overlap between local ordinances and state laws, knowing what to do next can be confusing and unclear. Since we have a legal team located in Columbus, we have a strong understanding of the city’s municipal codes and their penalties. If you have been arrested for violating a municipal code in Columbus, please call us today at (513) 399-6289.


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Columbus Misdemeanor Arrests

Although considered less serious crimes, Misdemeanor offenses can include drunk driving, drug offenses, domestic violence, vandalism, shoplifting, guns and weapons charges, many marijuana crimes, and assault.

If convicted, misdemeanor offenses usually include jail time and heavy fines. Under Ohio law, the minimum penalty for any misdemeanor offense is at least six months in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000. Other penalties can include community service, restitution, and paying court costs.

Some misdemeanors are classified as “minor misdemeanors,” or citations, resulting in a maximum fine of $150. These fines can usually be paid via mail, and you do not need to appear in court unless you want to contest the misdemeanor.

Although these are the general penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Columbus, your criminal defense attorney may be able to help have your charges reduced to a small fine or even probation.


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Felony Arrests In Columbus

Felony charges are usually more serious than misdemeanors. They are punishable by prison time and heavy fines. Additionally, felony offenders can face additional consequences such as gun possession restraints, an inability to vote or hold public office, and difficulty finding employment or being admitted into certain educational institutions or programs.

Under Ohio law, the most serious felony offenses include:

  • Arson and other property damage
  • Bribery, perjury, resisting arrest, harboring criminals, escape, conflict of interest, dereliction of public duty, and violation of civil rights
  • Burglary, robbery, breaking and entering, safecracking, and trespassing
  • Endangering children and domestic violence
  • Conspiracy, attempt, and complicity
  • Corrupt activity
  • Racketeering
  • Drug offenses
  • Forgery, fraud, and other theft offenses
  • Gambling and inciting violence
  • Homicide
  • Assault
  • Menacing acts
  • Kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, extortion, and coercion
  • Sex crimes
  • Riot and disorderly conduct
  • Theft, writing bad checks, and credit card offenses
  • Weapons and explosives

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Columbus Airport Arrests

Columbus, Ohio is home to two major airports, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport. Bolton Field Airport is Columbus’s third, and smallest, airport and serves businesses, private pilots, and recreational aviation needs. Arrests can and do happen at all of them. Typically, arrests happen when out-of-state residents travel to and from Ohio and are unaware of Ohio laws. Airport arrests typically involve:

  • Disorderly conduct or public intoxication
  • Firearms and other weapons
  • Illegal possession of marijuana or other controlled substances
  • Resisting arrest
  • Violent crimes

Airports in Columbus have their own police force operated by Columbus Regional Airport Authority. In addition to enforcing their own rules in the airport, they enforce the laws, regulations, and ordinances of the City of Columbus and the state of Ohio. They also enforce federal aviation and Transportation Security Agency (TSA) regulations.

Like other police forces, airport police will investigate criminal acts on airport property. Airport police typically receive the same training as other police officers, and they receive additional training in areas unique to airports.

Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has created security checkpoints throughout the airport to search an individual’s body or luggage.


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General Information About Airports In Columbus

If you are meeting someone or have questions regarding airport policies, the links below will provide information on flight statuses, terminal locations, parking, contact information, and other airport-related topics.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – This airport serves ten airlines and is located at:

John Glenn Columbus International Airport
4600 International Gateway

Columbus, Ohio 43219

Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)– The smaller of the two international airports, LCK welcomes those flying with Allegiant Air. The airport is located at:

Rickenbacker International Airport

2241 John Circle Drive

Columbus, Ohio 43217


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Out Of State Visitor Arrests In Columbus

If you have been arrested in Columbus while visiting from a different state, our experienced criminal defense lawyers can help you avoid multiple return trips to Columbus for court appearances. We have successfully used the options below:

  • Dismissal – Your criminal charges could be dismissed entirely if you have a clean criminal record.
  • Court Appearances – If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, a lawyer can typically appear in court on your behalf, and you would not need to appear.

Additionally, a criminal defense lawyer can typically make arrangements with the court so that you would not have to appear until the alleged offense is set for trial.


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Resources For Columbus Arrests

City of Columbus Police Department – When an individual has been arrested in Columbus, they will be taken to a booking unit with the Columbus Police Department, where they will be processed for their criminal charges. This site also provides information on crime prevention initiatives, frequently used telephone numbers, and other information about the police department. If you are looking for records, including arrest, warrant, criminal, or other public records, the police department can help you find a report. The Columbus Police Department is located at:

Columbus Division of Police

120 Marconi Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (612) 645-4760

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – Guided by Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responds to the Columbus community’s safety needs, preserves peace, and protects the personal liberties of those living in Franklin County. Additionally, this site provides information on county jails, how to search for an inmate, and miscellaneous information on the sheriff’s department. The Sheriff’s Department is located at:

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
373 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3333


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Misdemeanor And Felony Arrest Attorney

Contact Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm today if you have been arrested for a felony or misdemeanor offense in Columbus or the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable Columbus criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping you avoid the most serious penalties of the allegations against you. Call (513) 399-6289 today for a free consultation about your arrest for a criminal offense in Columbus.


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  • Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye.
  • Columbus CEO magazine has yearly selections for the best attorneys in Columbus Ohio. Brian Joslyn has been identified as one of the most highly skilled attorneys across central Ohio.
  • Brian Joslyn has earned recognition for community leadership by Lawyer LegionLawyer Legion
  • Preeminent Attorney Award. Peer rated for highest level of professional exellence.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.

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