Traffic violations might start as a simple citation for speeding or a minor moving violation, but they can quickly turn into serious criminal charges with lasting consequences.
Ohio law treats traffic offenses differently depending on their severity. Minor moving violations like speeding or running a stop sign usually carry points on your license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. More serious violations, like reckless operation, are misdemeanors and can lead to criminal records and harsher penalties. Leaving the scene of an accident and OVI can carry felony-level consequences.
You need clear guidance on how to respond to citations and how to protect your driving privileges. Probst Law Office, Inc, helps clients handle traffic-related criminal charges in Columbus, Ohio and beyond. We have hands-on experience in both court negotiations and jury trials and can advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Call Probst Law Office, Inc, today to learn more about your traffic violations and how we can help.
Ignoring a traffic ticket is a bad idea, even if it seems minor. When you fail to respond to a citation, the court may enter a default judgment against you. This usually results in fines, additional fees, and license suspension through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Once your license is suspended, driving is a criminal offense. Repeat violations increase the penalties.
Insurance companies are notified when tickets go unpaid or when a license is suspended, which can lead to higher premiums. If you miss multiple court dates, the court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Even first-time offenders can face these consequences.
You need a lawyer who understands the nuances of Ohio law, knows how prosecutors operate, and has real trial experience. Founding attorney Michael Probst has over 19 years of experience in criminal and DUI defense, which means you’ll have access to courtroom skills and legal strategy that make a difference.
Probst Law Office, Inc, defends clients charged with both misdemeanors and felonies, including traffic offenses and OVI/DUI. Hiring Probst Law Office, Inc, means you’ll benefit from strong subject matter knowledge and aggressive courtroom advocacy. When you work with us, we’ll fight to protect your rights and your driving record.
Probst Law Office, Inc, defends against a variety of criminal traffic violations, including:
Operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI, sometimes called DUI) is one of the most common criminal traffic charges in Ohio. You can be charged with OVI if you drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, or if law enforcement believes you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.
An OVI first offense can end in license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. The penalties increase sharply for repeat offenses, higher test results, and accidents that result in injury or death. Administrative penalties from the BMV begin almost immediately, often before you can resolve your criminal case.
We defend every OVI charge by determining whether the stop, testing, or arrest were lawful—and we challenge the state’s evidence when law enforcement failed to follow the rules. We also help you navigate BMV hearings and explore limited license options that let you continue driving to work or school while your case is pending.
Reckless operation is also called “Operation in Willful or Wanton Disregard of Safety.” This misdemeanor is worse than a simple speeding ticket. It’s usually filed when an officer believes that your driving showed disregard for safety—even if no one was hurt.
We approach reckless driving cases by investigating what actually happened. Police reports and dashcam footage often tell a different story than what’s written on the citation. We look for ways to reduce the charge or challenge the officer’s observations in court. If you have prior offenses, we focus on minimizing penalties and protecting your ability to drive.
Leaving the scene of an accident, sometimes called hit-and-run, can be a felony or misdemeanor. The law requires you to stop and provide your information after any accident involving property damage or injury. Sometimes, people leave the scene out of confusion, fear, or not realizing there was damage. We step in to explain your side and work to keep your criminal record clear.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor. Each time you drive while your license is suspended, the penalties increase. You could face fines, jail time, and an even longer suspension period.
We help you understand why your license was suspended in the first place—whether it was for unpaid fines, an OVI, or missing a court date—and we take immediate steps to get you back on track.
Sometimes, resolving the underlying issue can help reduce or dismiss the new charge. We also request limited driving privileges whenever possible.
Failing to stop for police or trying to avoid a traffic stop can lead to a fleeing or eluding charge. This offense can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a felony, depending on whether anyone was harmed or if the officer’s safety was at risk.
We know that not every alleged “flight” is intentional. Sometimes drivers don’t realize they’re being pulled over, or they’re trying to stop in a safer location. We gather all available evidence, including dashcam and dispatch recordings, to challenge the claim that you deliberately tried to evade police.
Vehicular assault and vehicular homicide are among the most serious traffic-related charges. These violations involve causing injury or death while driving recklessly or under the influence.
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, our approach is thorough and fact-driven. We work with experts to analyze accident reports, scene evidence, and witness statements to challenge whether the state can meet its burden of proof.
Every traffic-related conviction adds points to your driving record. Accumulating twelve points in two years can lead to automatic suspension. Sometimes, fewer than 12 points can trigger insurance increases or nonrenewal.
We explain to clients how their current charges interact with their driving history and insurance status. If your license is suspended, we can help you apply for limited privileges or reinstatement. We also explore ways to prevent further penalties.
Many traffic offenses are criminal violations that appear on background checks. Some violations can be sealed or expunged, depending on the outcome and how much time has passed—but the process can be complex. When the law allows, we can pursue record sealing to give you a clean start. Our goal is to handle your current charge and position you for the best possible long-term outcome.
If you’ve been charged with a traffic-related offense in Ohio, timing matters. The State is already moving forward with its case, and every day you wait limits your options. Probst Law Office, Inc, can take immediate steps to protect your license and challenge the evidence against you. Whether your case involves an OVI, reckless driving, or a suspended license, we’ll fight for the best possible outcome and make sure you understand your options.
Call Probst Law Office, Inc, today to find out how we can help.
