Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Dublin, Ohio
Established in 1987, our law firm brings decades of experience in civil and criminal legal matters. Our founder, Charley Hess, holds a Juris Doctor from University Law School and has practiced in all Ohio and Colorado courts, as well as multiple federal jurisdictions. With a career spanning over 35 years, including service in the U.S. Naval Reserve and Army Reserve JAG Corps, we combine military discipline with legal expertise. Our practice covers complex litigation, contract disputes, vehicle lease issues, and criminal defense, supported by a dedicated team with deep local knowledge. We maintain active memberships in the Columbus Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards.Our office manager, Anita Plew, brings specialized skills in client coordination and real estate management, enhancing our service delivery. We prioritize transparent communication, meticulous case preparation, and personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. Our extensive courtroom experience across 88 Ohio counties and temporary licenses in multiple states positions us to handle diverse legal challenges. We emphasize client education through detailed contract reviews and proactive legal guidance, particularly in high-risk areas like construction law and vehicle leasing. This commitment to excellence has sustained our reputation as a trusted legal advocate in Central Ohio for over three decades.
Services
Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense
Vehicle Lease Disputes
Contract Conflicts
Lemon Law Cases
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of courtroom experience in Ohio and Colorado
- Our practice spans all Ohio counties through temporary licenses
- We provide personalized contract review and legal strategy sessions
- Our team maintains active memberships in major legal associations
- We combine military discipline with civilian legal expertise
Services
Civil Litigation
Handling complex civil disputes including construction conflicts, contract breaches, and business disagreements. Our experience spans all Ohio counties and federal jurisdictions. We provide strategic representation from initial filing through trial and appeals.
Criminal Defense
Defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in Ohio and Colorado courts. We specialize in case dismissal strategies, diversion programs, and criminal record expungement for first-time offenders across all criminal case types.
Vehicle Leases
Consumer protection services for vehicle lease agreements. We analyze residual values, termination fees, and mileage restrictions while advising on cost-effective purchase options at lease end.
Contract Conflicts
Resolving business and consumer contract disputes with emphasis on construction agreements and commercial leases. Our services include contract review, breach claims, and enforcement of legal obligations.
Lemon Law Cases
Representing consumers with defective vehicles under Ohio's Lemon Law. We handle claims for repeated repair failures, safety issues, and substantial impairment of vehicle use or value within warranty periods.
People
Charley Hess
Attorney
Licensed since 1981 with experience in Ohio, Colorado, and federal courts. Former Vorys Sater associate, solo practitioner since 1987. Holds multiple federal court admissions including Supreme Court of the United States.
Anita Plew
Office Manager
Supports legal operations since 1990 with NLP certification and real estate expertise. Coordinates case management, client conferences, and administrative functions while maintaining dual professional roles.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We practice in all Ohio and Colorado courts with temporary licenses in FL, NC, VA, TX, and NJ. Our physical office is located in Dublin, Ohio.
What payment options exist for consultations?
Initial consultations are available for $75.00. We accept major credit cards and offer flexible payment arrangements for ongoing representation.
How do you handle construction contract disputes?
We review agreements, enforce warranties, and represent clients in breach claims. Our experience includes both homeowner and contractor perspectives in residential construction conflicts.
Can you assist with out-of-state legal matters?
Yes, through temporary pro hac vice admissions in multiple states. Our federal court practice also handles interstate legal disputes across various jurisdictions.
What vehicle lease protections do consumers have?
We educate clients on mileage restrictions, residual values, and early termination fees. Our services include lease agreement analysis and end-of-term purchase evaluations.
How are criminal records handled?
We pursue charge dismissals through diversion programs and expunge eligible first-offense convictions. Our defense strategies focus on minimizing long-term legal consequences for clients.
