Who Bryan Jobs is and what he handles
Bryan Jobs is a DUI defense attorney based in Columbus, Ohio. He focuses on cases involving driving under the influence charges, including OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charges, which is Ohio's term for DUI. His practice centers on defending people facing these charges in Franklin County and surrounding areas.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Columbus, understanding what a specific attorney does—and whether their approach matches your situation—matters before you contact them. This guide explains what to look for in a DUI defense attorney and how to think about your options.
Key Takeaways
- Bryan Jobs practices DUI defense in Columbus and handles OVI charges under Ohio law, which carries different penalties depending on your prior record and test results.
- When choosing a DUI attorney, look for someone who knows the specific court system where your case will be heard and has handled cases similar to yours.
- Your first conversation with any attorney should cover what happened, what charges you face, and what the realistic outcomes might be—not promises of a particular result.
- Ohio DUI cases often involve breath or blood tests, license suspension, and potential jail time, so your attorney's experience with these specific issues matters.
- You have the right to speak with multiple attorneys before deciding; many offer initial consultations at no cost.
How DUI charges work in Ohio and Columbus courts
In Ohio, the charge is called OVI—Operating a Vehicle Impaired—not DUI. A first offense OVI can result in license suspension for six months to three years, fines between $375 and $1,075, and possible jail time. If you refused a breath or blood test, the penalties are often more severe. Subsequent offenses carry mandatory jail time and longer suspensions.
Columbus cases are heard in Franklin County Municipal Court (for misdemeanor OVI) or Franklin County Common Pleas Court (for felony OVI, usually after a prior conviction). The specific court matters because judges, prosecutors, and procedures differ between them. An attorney who regularly appears in the court where your case is assigned knows how that particular judge typically handles OVI cases and what plea offers are realistic.
The evidence in your case usually centers on the traffic stop itself, any field sobriety tests, and breath or blood test results. An attorney's job is to examine whether the stop was lawful, whether tests were administered correctly, and whether the results are reliable. This requires knowledge of both Ohio law and the specific equipment and procedures used by Columbus police.
What to ask when you contact an attorney
Before you decide to work with any attorney, including Bryan Jobs, ask these questions: How many OVI cases have you handled in Franklin County? What is your experience with the specific court where my case will be heard? Do you handle breath test challenges and refusal cases? What are the likely outcomes given my charges and prior record?
You should also ask about fees. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for an OVI case; others bill hourly. Understand what is included—does the fee cover trial, or only negotiation? What happens if your case goes to trial? A clear fee agreement in writing protects both you and the attorney.
Pay attention to how the attorney talks about your case. Anyone who promises a specific outcome—"I will get your charges dropped" or "You will not go to jail"—is not being honest. Outcomes depend on the evidence, the judge, and the prosecutor. A trustworthy attorney explains what is possible given your facts, not what they may provide.
The role of breath and blood tests in Columbus OVI cases
If you took a breath test (usually at the police station on a breathalyzer machine) or a blood test, that result is central to the prosecution's case. In Ohio, a reading of 0.08 or higher is considered per se impairment for drivers 21 and older. However, breath and blood tests are not infallible, and an experienced attorney knows how to challenge them.
Common issues include whether the machine was properly calibrated, whether the officer followed the correct procedure before the test, whether you had food or mouth alcohol that skewed the result, and whether the blood sample was properly stored. These challenges require technical knowledge and sometimes informed witnesses. An attorney who regularly handles OVI cases in Columbus knows which labs process tests, which machines are used by which police departments, and what records to request.
If you refused the test, the situation is different but not necessarily worse. Ohio has an implied consent law, meaning refusal itself carries penalties (automatic license suspension, for example), but refusal also means there is no breath or blood result for the prosecution to use. Your attorney's strategy in a refusal case focuses on the stop and any other evidence of impairment.
License suspension and your driving privileges
A separate process from the criminal case determines whether your license is suspended. When you are arrested for OVI, the officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit valid for 30 days. During that 30 days, you have the right to request a hearing with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to contest the suspension.
This hearing is not the same as your criminal case. You can win the BMV hearing and lose the criminal case, or vice versa. Many OVI attorneys handle both the criminal defense and the BMV hearing, because the two are related—evidence from one can affect the other. Ask whether an attorney includes the BMV hearing in their fee or charges separately.
If your license is suspended, you may be able to obtain a limited driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. The rules vary depending on whether it is a first offense and whether you refused the test. Your attorney can explain what is available in your situation and how to request it.
When to contact an attorney and what to bring
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. The sooner you have representation, the sooner your attorney can request police reports, dash camera footage, and other evidence. Some evidence degrades or disappears over time—for example, video footage may be overwritten after 30 or 60 days depending on the police department's policy.
When you meet with an attorney, bring any documents you have: the citation or arrest paperwork, the temporary license suspension notice, any correspondence from the court, and the police report if you have received it. Write down what you remember about the stop, the tests, and anything the officer said. Bring names and contact information for any witnesses who were present.
Be honest with your attorney about what happened. Attorney-client conversations are confidential, and your attorney cannot help you effectively if they do not know the full story. If you had been drinking, if you refused the test, or if you made statements to the officer, tell your attorney. That information shapes the strategy.
Other resources and next steps
The Franklin County Public Defender's Office provides free representation to people who cannot afford an attorney. If you meet the income requirements, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. Public defenders handle OVI cases regularly and have relationships with prosecutors and judges in the system.
The Ohio Judicial Conference publishes information about OVI law and your rights. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas website lists court dates, procedures, and contact information for the prosecutor's office. These resources do not replace an attorney, but they can help you understand the process.
If you are struggling with alcohol or substance use, ask your attorney about treatment programs. Judges often view participation in treatment more favorably during sentencing, and some programs can reduce or eliminate jail time. Your attorney can connect you with resources or explain what the court requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DUI and OVI in Ohio?
Ohio uses the term OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) instead of DUI. The charge and penalties are the same; it is straightforward Ohio's terminology. You may hear both terms used, but in court documents and official records, it will be called OVI.
Can I get my OVI charge dismissed?
Dismissal is possible if the stop was unlawful, the tests were administered incorrectly, or the evidence is insufficient. However, dismissal is not may provide. Your attorney reviews the evidence and advises you on whether a motion to dismiss is realistic in your case. Many cases result in plea agreements rather than dismissal or trial.
What happens if this is my second OVI?
A second OVI within 20 years is a more serious charge with mandatory jail time (at least 10 days), longer license suspension (at least one year), and higher fines. The penalties increase further for each subsequent offense. Your attorney's experience with repeat offender cases is especially important.
Do I have to take a breath test if the officer asks?
You have the right to refuse, but refusal has consequences: automatic license suspension and potential criminal charges for refusal itself. There is no straightforward answer to whether refusing is better than taking the test—it depends on your specific situation. Discuss this with your attorney if you are ever in that position.
How long does an OVI case take from arrest to resolution?
Timeline varies. Some cases resolve within a few months through a plea agreement. Others take six months to a year or longer if they go to trial or if evidence challenges require informed review. Your attorney can give you a more specific timeline once they review your case and the court's schedule.