Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Aggressive Defense Across Every Charge
From DUI to violent felonies, Rutan Law defends clients throughout Ohio — 24/7, free consultation.
Call 614-307-4343 — Free ConsultationFull-Spectrum Criminal Defense in Ohio
No matter what charge you're facing, the stakes are high. A conviction can mean prison time, fines, a permanent record, and the loss of your career, your family, and your freedom. At Rutan Law, we fight every charge with the same intensity — because your future depends on it.
Drunk Driving Defense
DUI / OVI Defense
Ohio's OVI laws are among the toughest in the nation. We challenge breath tests, blood draws, field sobriety tests, and BMV administrative hearings to protect your license and your freedom.
A first OVI conviction in Ohio carries up to 6 months in jail, a $1,075 fine, and a 1–3 year license suspension. Don't face it alone.
What We Defend
- Breath & blood test challenges
- Field sobriety test suppression
- BMV administrative license hearings
- First offense, repeat offense & felony OVI
- Underage DUI & CDL holder defense
- Drug-impaired driving (DUID)
Drug Offense Defense
Drug Crimes
Drug interdiction is aggressive and unconstitutional seizures happen every day. We challenge the stop, the search, and the evidence — from possession to trafficking.
Ohio drug trafficking charges can carry mandatory prison sentences of 3–11 years. Early intervention is critical.
What We Defend
- Drug possession (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, meth)
- Drug trafficking & distribution
- Drug manufacturing & cultivation
- Prescription drug offenses
- Illegal search & seizure challenges
- Federal drug charges
Violent Crime Defense
Violent Crimes
Allegations of assault, robbery, rape, or murder carry life-altering consequences. We build aggressive defenses challenging evidence, witness credibility, and constitutional violations.
Aggravated robbery in Ohio is a first-degree felony carrying 3–11 years in prison. You need a defense attorney immediately.
What We Defend
- Assault & felonious assault
- Robbery & aggravated robbery
- Murder & manslaughter
- Rape & sexual assault
- Kidnapping & abduction
- Menacing & stalking
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic Violence
A domestic violence charge can result in immediate removal from your home, loss of firearm rights, and jeopardize your parental rights. We act fast to protect your family and your future.
Ohio law allows police to arrest on probable cause alone — even without a victim complaint. You can be charged based solely on an officer's assessment.
What We Defend
- Domestic violence charges (misdemeanor & felony)
- Temporary protection order (TPO) defense
- Civil protection order (CPO) hearings
- Parental rights protection
- False accusation defense
- Violation of protection order
Theft Defense
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft charges escalate quickly based on value. From shoplifting to identity theft, burglary, and fraud — we fight to reduce or dismiss charges before they permanently damage your record.
Theft of $7,500 or more in Ohio is a felony. Multiple misdemeanor theft convictions can be elevated to felony charges.
What We Defend
- Shoplifting & retail theft
- Employee theft & embezzlement
- Burglary & breaking & entering
- Robbery
- Identity theft & fraud
- Receiving stolen property
Weapons Offense Defense
Weapons & Firearms
Ohio weapons charges can trigger mandatory prison sentences and lifetime consequences — including loss of your Second Amendment rights. We challenge unlawful stops, searches, and the underlying charge.
A firearm specification added to a felony charge in Ohio mandates an additional 1–3 years in prison — served before the underlying sentence.
What We Defend
- Carrying concealed weapons (CCW violations)
- Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle
- Having weapons under disability
- Felony firearm specifications
- Federal firearms charges
- Illegal possession of dangerous ordnance
Traffic Crime Defense
Traffic & Vehicular Crimes
Serious traffic offenses can result in felony charges, license forfeiture, and prison time. We defend CDL holders, commercial drivers, and everyday Ohioans facing serious traffic charges.
Vehicular homicide in Ohio is a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in prison and a mandatory license suspension.
What We Defend
- Driving under suspension (DUS)
- Hit-skip (hit & run)
- Reckless operation
- Street racing
- Vehicular homicide & vehicular manslaughter
- Aggravated vehicular assault
Clean Your Record
Expungement & Record Sealing
Ohio's expungement laws have expanded significantly. We analyze your full criminal history to determine eligibility and file petitions to seal or expunge records that are holding you back.
Ohio now allows sealing of many felony convictions. A sealed record is not visible to most employers, landlords, or the public.
What We Defend
- Misdemeanor expungement
- Felony record sealing
- Juvenile record sealing
- Eligibility analysis
- Petition preparation & filing
- Employer background check relief
Sex Crime Defense
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations are among the most serious charges a person can face. We provide aggressive, confidential defense — challenging evidence, witness credibility, and constitutional violations.
A sex crime conviction in Ohio can result in mandatory sex offender registration for 15 years to life. Early defense is essential.
What We Defend
- Rape & sexual battery
- Gross sexual imposition
- Importuning & solicitation
- Pandering obscenity
- Internet sex crimes
- Sex offender registration challenges
White Collar Defense
White Collar Crimes
White collar charges — fraud, forgery, money laundering, and computer crimes — carry serious prison time and financial penalties. We defend professionals, business owners, and executives.
Federal white collar charges carry sentencing guidelines that can result in years of prison time even for first-time offenders.
What We Defend
- Fraud (wire, mail, bank, insurance)
- Forgery & uttering
- Money laundering
- Computer crimes & hacking
- Bribery & corruption
- Securities fraud
DUI / OVI Defense
Detailed OVI Defense Resources
Every OVI situation is different. Explore our in-depth guides for your specific charge, test, or circumstance — then call for a free consultation.
Facing Charges? Call Rutan Law Now — 24/7
Every hour matters after an arrest. The sooner you have an attorney, the better your outcome. Call or text Rutan Law any time — day or night.