• Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Franklin County

    Rutan Law

    Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio | Protect Your Rights with Expert Legal Representation Submit Your Case for Help
  • Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus

    Rutan Law

    Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio | Protect Your Rights with Expert Legal Representation Submit Your Case for Help
  • Criminal Defense Attorney

    Rutan Law

    Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio | Protect Your Rights with Expert Legal Representation Submit Your Case for Help

Criminal Attorney Columbus Ohio

Even as you face a felony charge in Ohio, you still have rights – and all it takes to best assert them is having the proper criminal defense attorney at your side. Serving Columbus, Franklin County, and the entire Ohio State, The Rutan Law Firm provides you with the necessary legal assistance to defend the criminal charges leveled against you. Whether it involves a DUI or an OMVI offense, a drug-related charge or a graver felony, a criminal accusation will make a serious impact on your person and reputation.


Schedule Your Consultation



    Ohio Expungement Laws: Clear Your Criminal Record

    Oqmzwnd3thu1714565290

    A criminal record can have a negative effect on an individual’s life, sometimes long after they’ve paid their dues to society. Such a record can hinder employment opportunities, limit housing options, and affect one’s reputation within the community. Recognizing this, the Ohio legislature has made provisions within the Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.32, which as of April 6, 2023, provides updated guidance for the sealing and expungement of criminal records. If you or someone you know wants to have their Ohio criminal record expunged, read on.

    We at Rutan Law are dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of these legal remedies, with particular attention to eligibility and procedures. We are at the forefront of helping individuals get a second chance to rebuild their lives without being perpetually penalized for past transgressions.

    Sealing vs Expunging Criminal Records: What is the Difference?

    In the eyes of Ohio law, “sealing” a criminal record does not erase the crime as … Continue reading

    Finding Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus

    Sasun bughdaryan e11oa3kvx4c unsplash (1)

    Being faced with a criminal charge is undeniably a challenging and stressful time in one’s life. Such a scenario is fraught with uncertainty, especially for individuals who are not familiar with the legal system. Minimizing the negative outcomes of this situation requires a good understanding of what you should and shouldn’t do when facing criminal charges.

    An essential ally in such circumstances is a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney. If you find yourself in such a situation in Columbus, Rutan Law should be your first call. As an experienced criminal defense firm in Columbus, we have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to guide you through this stressful period successfully.

    Immediate Action: Engaging a Criminal Defense Attorney

    One of the most crucial steps you need to take as soon as you learn about your criminal charges is to hire a criminal defense attorney. It’s important to realize that criminal law is complex and that any mistake can lead to … Continue reading

    Navigating Probation Violation Consequences in Ohio

    If you’re on probation in Ohio and break the law, what’s next? This blog explains the common probation violation consequences, known in the state as “community control” breaches.

    Common Probation Violations

    Probation violations can seriously impact your life, especially if you don’t have an efficient criminal defense attorney. Here are common probation violations that you have to understand: 

    Not reporting to your probation officer Skipping required programs Failing drug tests Not completing community service Getting arrested again

    Probation Violation Consequences in Ohio

    According to Pew, in 2016, nearly 29% of people who finished their probation didn’t do so successfully. Out of them, 12% ended up behind bars. 

    In Ohio, facing a probation violation is a serious matter that can have significant consequences. As a law firm specializing in criminal defense, our legal team at Defense Ohio understands the complexities of probation agreements and what is at stake when they are violated. Here, we outline the possible … Continue reading

    Understanding Bench Warrants in Ohio: What You Need To Know

    Judge's Gavel on top of a black background.

    If you’re facing legal trouble in Ohio, you need to understand bench warrants. What is a bench warrant in Ohio? It’s a court-issued order that gives law enforcement officers the authority to arrest you. Bench warrants can have severe consequences on your life. We will examine bench warrants in Ohio, discussing their nature, reasons for issuance, and potential solutions.

    When Are Bench Warrants Issued in Ohio?

    Bench warrants in Ohio are commonly issued when individuals fail to appear in court as scheduled. This might include missing a hearing related to a criminal case, violating the terms of probation, or not showing up for a court-mandated appointment. 

    Additionally, if you disobey a direct court order, such as failing to pay fines, child support, or restitution, the court may issue a bench warrant. Ignoring a summons for jury duty can also trigger a bench warrant in Ohio.

    Bench Warrant vs. Arrest Warrant in Ohio

    While both types of warrants authorize your arrest, … Continue reading

    How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case in Ohio

    IntroFinding a criminal defense lawyer in Ohio can be a daunting task. It’s important to research and find the right lawyer for your case to ensure that you receive the best legal advice and representation. With the right criminal defense lawyer, you can build a strong defense and feel more confident in the outcome of your case. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to identify the best criminal defense lawyer for your case in Ohio.

    Understand the Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in OhioBeing charged with a criminal offense in Ohio can be a very scary and stressful experience. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it’s important to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can help protect your rights and interests.Criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending individuals and companies charged with criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. They have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complex criminal justice system and help you … Continue reading

    Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney If You Face Any of These Signs

    People who are not knowledgeable about legal procedures make serious mistakes that can land them in huge trouble. For instance, you might be innocent but when you are faced with criminal charges, your first, natural reaction is to oppose the allegations by justifying yourself, which can be a mistake. Whenever you face criminal charges of any sort, you should control your emotions and immediately get in touch with a top criminal defense attorney in Ohio. It is essential to consult with an attorney because the prosecution knows how to manipulate the case and turn it against you in court. An experienced attorney will assess your case thoroughly and accordingly advise you to conduct yourself so that you do not unknowingly make any mistake. But, how can you know whether you need to contact a criminal defense attorney or not? In this blog, we will tell you some key signs that indicate you need assistance of … Continue reading

    False Accusations and Our Expert Domestic Violence Lawyer in Ohio: Let’s Discuss

    A recent survey revealed that at least 8 percent (20.4 million adults) of Americans are falsely reported for domestic violence. It might sound shocking, but false accusations are pretty prevalent. Relationships can be pretty tricky and can turn quite ugly at times. Disagreements happen, tempers boil, and one thing leads to the other. Once the allegations start flying and accusations reach the legal end, it can shock the recipient.

    From tarnished reputation to overwhelming mental and emotional stress and possible incarceration, the accused’s life seems to take a 360-degree turn while seemingly stacking everything against his/ her odds. The legal maze can seem more challenging as it feels that the burden of proof is all on the accused’s shoulders.

    Our expert domestic violence lawyer in Ohio shares the motivation behind the accusation and tips to address the situation effectively.

    Continue reading

    Eliminating Domestic Violence Charges with a Criminal Defense Attorney

    A minor family argument turning into an opportunity for someone to call the cops and use the situation to target a person is not a rare scenario. Before the person realizes the severity of the problem, the other party may be ready with arrangements to land them in jail. In such a situation, a criminal defense attorney in Columbus can be the only savior for the person accused of domestic violence.

    Whether the person is partially involved or completely innocent, a criminal case may affect their personal and professional lives in the long run. And it may happen to anyone with no prior notice, including you. So, it is essential to have an idea of how a criminal attorney can ease things for you.

    Initial consultation

    Being accused of domestic violence can be overwhelming for someone with little to no involvement in the … Continue reading

    What to do if you are pulled over and suspected of a DUI

    Let’s be clear, Driving under the Influence is a serious offense for the courts and the law enforcement agencies. Getting caught in a DUI can affect your life in more ways than one. Conviction of a DUI has its own social stigma and legal repercussions. This is why it is important that you know how to react and what steps to take if you pulled over for a suspected DUI.

    There are certain steps that the best DUI defense attorney will tell you can help you lower the chances of you getting convicted of a DUI. Make sure you read the following tips and steps carefully and follow them to the core.

    Have the Necessary Documents with You

    According to the best DUI defense attorneys, You should always have documents like your registration number, your insurance card and documents pertaining to the ownership of the vehicle with you at all times. If you are stopped for a DUI, the … Continue reading

    Ohio Drug Offense Lawyer

    Ohio Drug Offense Lawyer Will Be Needed For Dangerous Drug Offenses in Ohio. The Federal and state authorities have come down heavily on drug offenses. The State of Ohio is no different; the state is home to complex and wide-ranging drug laws. If you are caught in a dangerous drug offense fighting your way out of the situation can be overwhelming, to say the least. The only way to get you free from drug trafficking charges is to hire high-quality Ohio drug defense lawyers who are able to better understand the laws in the application and the complexity of the case.

    Types of Drug Offenses Some of the common drug offenses in Ohio include:

    Drug Trafficking Drug Abuse Possession of chemical to manufacture drugs Allowing Abuse of drugs Manufacturing drugs Illegally Deception to obtain dangerous drugs Abusing Harmful intoxicants Corrupting another with drugs Abuse of Controlled Substances Severe Penalties in Drug Offenses

    The penalties for drug offenses under … Continue reading

    A new way to defend escalated DUI enhancements for refusals

    I found this post on Facebook. Kansas got it right before all other States. Kansans who refuse to submit to a breath or blood test in DUI investigations cannot be criminally prosecuted for that refusal, the state’s Supreme Court ruled Friday. The court found unconstitutional a state law making it a crime to refuse such a test when no court-ordered warrant exists. In its 6-1 ruling, the court found that the tests were in essence searches and the law punishes people for exercising their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

    Under Kansas law, anyone who operates a motor vehicle in the state has given implied consent to submit to such testing. But the court ruled that the implied consent is not irrevocable and withdrawal of that consent cannot be criminally punished. “Once a suspect withdraws consent, whether it be express consent or implied (under the statute), a search based on that consent cannot proceed,” the court … Continue reading

    Client Charged With Attempted Murder Acquitted in 2 Hours—August 12, 2015 Jury Verdict

    The Rutan Law Firm is a Columbus criminal defense firm that represents clients all over Ohio who are charged with serious criminal offenses. Rutan Law is mindful of the fact that every time we enter a courtroom on behalf of our clients, there is a great deal at stake. All lawyers must have the ability to negotiate, know the law and the ability to try cases.

    Last week on August 12, 2015, after all, negotiations failed, the Rutan Law firm buckled down for a trial and used the most important tool lawyers can and should have. The ability to try a case and succeed at trial. The client’s most serious charges were attempted murder, having weapons under disability and firing into a habitation. After 2 hours of deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty on all counts. Not because she was innocent but because the State could not meet its burden. The jury asked me why I … Continue reading

    15 Minute Verdict-Vickroy found not guilty in child abuse-related case – Logan Daily News Article

    Posted: Saturday, July 11, 2015, 1:00 am By DEBRA TOBIN Logan Daily News Editor dtobin@logandaily.com

    LOGAN – Within 15 minutes of going into deliberations, a jury of eight women and four men determined a Rockbridge woman was innocent of all charges in a child abuse-related case. In March, Theresa A. Vickroy, 53, of Rockbridge, was indicted by the grand jury of endangering children, a felony of the second degree; endangering children, a third-degree felony; aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony; domestic violence, a misdemeanour of the first degree; and assault, also an MM1. According to the Hocking County Sheriff’s report, Vickroy allegedly choked her 11-year-old son after a family argument ensued in January. The child testified in court on Thursday, as well as his 15-year-old brother, alleging repeated abuse. However, the jury did not find the children’s testimony credible and determined shortly after going into deliberations that Vickroy was not guilty of the crimes of which she was accused. … Continue reading

    get legal consultation:

    614-307-4343

    © 2025 Rutan Law. All Rights Reserved
    Verified by MonsterInsights