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Michael Stephen Probst

Criminal defense Attorney at Columbus, OH

4.9   16 reviews

Licensed for 23 years

Virtual consultation available

Free consultation

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    35%
    Probst Law Office is a boutique law firm formed in 2009 representing clients charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout Ohio. Our practice is focused on drug offenses, weapons offenses and sex offenses.

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Federal crime
    35%
    Probst Law Office has significant experience representing individuals charged with serious federal offenses involving major weapons offenses and drug conspiracy charges.

    18 years, 100 cases

  3. DUI and DWI
    30%
    Probst Law Office represents individuals charged in misdemeanor and felony OVI offenses. Michael Probst has been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on DUI detection through the use of standardized field sobriety testing.

    23 years, 500 cases

EXPERIENCED TRIAL LAWYER IN COLUMBUS OHIO FOR CRIMINAL, TRAFFIC, OVI, DUI & DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE.
Michael Probst has 20 years of legal experience handling criminal, traffic, OVI and DUI cases in state and federal courts throughout Ohio.
 
As a former adult felony assistant prosecuting attorney, Michael has significant courtroom and trial experience and he knows how to be tough and aggressive in the courtroom and he knows how prosecutors think and prepare for criminal cases.
 
Michael now uses his prior experience to represent clients charged only with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic offenses and DUI, OVI and drunk driving offenses.  Michael currently handles, and has significant experiencing representing clients in all of the following types of cases:
 
* Rape
* Gross Sexual Imposition
* Importuning Sex Offenses
* Possession and Transferring Child Pornography
* Felonious Assault
* Robbery
* Burglary
* Weapons Offenses
* Drug Trafficking
* Drug Possession
* Domestic Violence
* Underrage Drinking
* Theft/Shoplifting
* OVI, DUI, Drunk Driving
* Reckless Operation
* Hit-Skip
* Speeding
* Expungements
 
Michael appears in all Courts throughout Ohio, including the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and regularly appears in courts in the following Ohio counties:
 
Franklin County
Delaware County
Union County
Pickaway County
Licking County
Fairfield County
Madison County
 
Michael also regularly appears in Mayor's Courts in:
 
Upper Arlington
Westerville
Dublin
Reynoldsburg
New Albany
Grove City
 
Michael is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.
 
The team at Probst Law Office prides itself in providing superior legal representation for all of our clients, no matter the type of case. We strive to provide an experience for our clients that revolves around constant communication and case status.
 
Michael is married with 3 beautiful children. In his spare time Michael enjoys working out and playing the piano.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 23 years
State OH
Status Active
Acquired 1999
Updated 02/02/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Michael

Michael Stephen Probst
1207 Grandview Avenue
Suite 201
Columbus, OH, 43212

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
6%
3 Star
 
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Posted by Ralph | February 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Mr. Probst is currently fighting to have my 30 year old record expunge in the Franklin Common Pleas Criminal Court. He is currently taking my case to the state appeals Court. I currently reside in Tennessee and I have not experienced any issues with Mr. Probst and he has done an excellent job communicating with me and representing me in Court. If you need to have your record expunged carefully consider Michael Probst. You will happy that you did. Thank you Michael for representing me.
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Posted by Nathan | December 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Underage Consumption at Ohio State
It's been a number of years, but I've only ever hired one lawyer in my 28 years of living, and Michael Probst was excellent. I had a beer can in my hand at a roped off, college party being held outside. This all happened when I was a junior attending The Ohio State University. The notorious STOP program as I believe it's called involves undercover police officers wearing Ohio State jerseys casually walking into college party areas with the sole goal to cite as many underage students as possible. Whether you agree with the taskforce they had back then or not, I was caught, and I the anxiety was intense. Michael was calm, cool, and seamless to work with. He attended court on my behalf and expeditiously got me a deal where I could attend a day-long program at a church about making smart decisions, alcohol, taking ownership, etc. Afterwards, I sent him my certificate, and he got my case dismissed and later expunged. This was my only time ever getting into any type of legal trouble but Michael Probst was on my side and honestly, I am unsure any other lawyer could have done it better. Thank you for your help back then, Michael. I was so worried the day I was cited but looking back, I learned from it but never dealt with lifelong consequences due to your polished representation of me.
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Posted by Dave | July 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very sweet
He helped me with my DUI. He is very cute, sweet, and to the point. He knows how to save time. He is very detail oriented. I was happy to have him. I love him so much. I would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2015
Fantastic
I was pulled over a few months back and was charged with a DUI. I went and saw Michael Probst the following day for guidance, since a friend had used him in the past. Not only did he make me feel better about the situation at hand, he wasn't outrageous on price like some of the other lawyers you'll find. Michael took care of everything and made the entire situation as painless as possible. When it was all said and done Michael was able to get the charge dropped to a physical control charge and I also received driving privileges. I would recommend him to anyone in the same situation I was in.
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Response from Michael Probst May 8, 2015
I'm so happy that we were able to achieve this result and have you keep your job. Thank you for allowing me to represent you.
Posted by James | April 22, 2015
DUI charge dropped
I was charged with DUI despite testing well under the legal limit in both a breathalyzer and urine test. Michael was able to get the charge dropped in return for pleading guilty to two minor traffic violations
Response from Michael Probst May 8, 2015
James, this was a great result - and the correct result! You never should have been arrested. This just goes to show the danger associated with taking field sobriety tests. Not all officers know what they are doing.
Posted by Charlene | October 29, 2014
Thank you for ur much appreciated help!
Micheal is very competent with , courteous and competent staff (Stacey being my favorite ) . The kept me informed and updated at all times , responded to emails and calls in a timely manner . Did exactly what I hired them to do . A friend recommended them to me because she was very impressed with him and I am as well! Thank u mike and Stacey !
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Response from Michael Probst April 22, 2015
Thanks Charlene! I'm so happy to have helped you with your legal matter.
Posted by Amanda | October 29, 2014
Honest and dependable legal representation
After feeling very discouraged and misguided seeking expungement/sealing on two dismissed charges, I came across Michael at Probst Law Office. He took the time to listen to all circumstances around my charges before just quoting me a rate. Before he even decided to proceed with representing me he did research and ensured that he was confident that we could accomplish my goals for sealing my records. I greatly appreciate the time and effort and honesty provided by Michael. I would recommend his services to anyone seeking legal representation. Thanks for everything!
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Response from Michael Probst April 22, 2015
Amanda, it was a pleasure working for you. Thank you for trusting your most important legal affairs to me.
Posted by Cody | December 20, 2013
One of the Best!
I was extremely happy for the way Mr. Probst represented me. He is very knowledgeable and used his many years of experience to achieve the best possible outcome for my case. I was charged with suspicion of OVI and he worked very hard to get a plea deal for me, but the prosecutor would not budge with my previous driving record. The case was actually moved to a trial with a jury of my peers. This is where Mr. Probst really excelled. He worked tirelessly on my case which took over 5 months to conclude. He would contact me on Saturday's and Sunday's with questions about my case so he really does work 7 days a week. The cards looked to be stacked against us at first but with his courtroom experience and vast knowledge he was able to prove my innocence. He was upfront about all my options about the case as well as the price that it would cost for each option. I can not thank Mr. Probst enough. I absolutely recommend Mr. Probst.
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Posted by Ashley | November 20, 2013
I would recommend Michael to get the job done.
Michael is a very competent lawyer. I feel good about the decision I made to hire him as my lawyer for an ovi charge. I plan on contacting him for any future needs. I would encourage anyone considering to hire a lawyer to contact Michael.
Posted by steven | October 30, 2013
One stop legal services....
I, and my family have retained Mr. Probst over the years for various legal matters, all of which were handled and resolved in a Professional and timely manner. We will continue to retain this office for all our legal needs.
Posted by Max | October 12, 2013
Fantastic attorney
Was tremendously knowledgeable and helpful. Always available and personable. Best of all I have no OVI on my record and I believe Michael Probst is to thank 100%. Great guy who truly wants to help you achieve the best possible outcome. A++
Response from Michael Probst October 16, 2013
Thanks Max! I was thrilled to get a great result for a good guy and a good client!
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2013
Criminal Defense
He handled the case efficiently and effectively. His knowledge of the court and its processes was quite valuable in negotiating a reduced charge and getting probation.
Posted by Don | October 6, 2013
Good Lawyer
He has done a very good job for me. He is very connected to the community. And he keeps the line of communication open. Very easy to contact. Michael is a good man and a good lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2013
Well worth it ... throughout the whole process
We have never faced any legal issues before so when we needed to hire an attorney we didn't even know what we needed or what we were looking for. Mr. Probst was just what we needed! He walked us through each step of the process, kept us informed via phone and email and did everything within his power to find the truth. Having never been through an experience like this before, the fear and unknowing feeling were overwhelming. Mr. Probst was able to help us not only legally but emotionally as well. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed legal services such as his. We started with a different attorney but found quickly that we needed communication. Mr. Probst kept us informed at every turn which helped with some of our anxiety. He was thorough with his explanations and when I didn't understand the legal system he took the time to explain it to me. His fees were fair and his knowledge was exemplary in his field. Without going into detail, the system now makes you prove your innocent and assumes you're guilty. Mr. Probst was able to find the facts that did just that for us. We will be forever indebted to him for what he gave back to us; our peace of mind and the life of a family member.
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Response from Michael Probst October 8, 2013
Thank you for the kind words. I was more than thrilled with the result of your case! All the best -Michael
Posted by Whitney | January 9, 2013
Excellent Attorney!
I recently hired Mike to assist me in an OVI charge. He was extremely knowledgeable and went out of his way to help me get a good result. He was great in responding to any questions I had and stayed in touch with me regarding the status of the case. I trusted his opinions and followed his advice and couldn't be happier with the result! He's amazing in the court room as well....professional and charismatic. I would highly recommend him!
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Posted by Mitch | October 11, 2013
Mike Probst, good lawyer
He gave me all the info and options I needed. Was very responsive and professional. Also a down to earth guy and easy to talk to.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 22500-25000 per hour
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Probst Law Office, Inc.
  • 2009 - Present
  • Associate
  • Decker Vonau
  • 2005 - 2009
  • Associate
  • Connor Behal, LLP
  • 2002 - 2005
  • Assistant Prosecutor
  • Union County Ohio Prosecuting Attorney's Office
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Staff Attorney
  • Ohio Court Of Appeals, Third Appellate District
  • 1999 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • Capital University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • The Ohio State University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • State v. Roberts
  • OVI reduced to Reckless Operation
  • State v. Acomb
  • OVI Dismissed
  • State v. Chilcote
  • Reduced to Reckless Operation
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2009 - Present
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • 2002 - Present
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • 1999 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Top Lawyers
  • Columbus C.E.O. Magazine
  • 2015
  • Certification for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • 2011

Speaking Engagements

  • Ohio Driver Intervention Program
  • OVI Field Sobriety Testing
  • 2014
  • Ohio Driver Intervention Program
  • Dangers of Breath Testing
  • 2014
  • Ohio Driver Intervention Program
  • Multiple OVI Offenses
  • 2013
  • Advanced OVI Seminar
  • Technology and use of iPad in the Legal Field
  • 2010
  • Legal Issues for Ohio Professional Engineers
  • Acts constituting violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (21)
Endorse Michael
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike’s passion for criminal defense has served both his client’s and the defense bar well. On many occasions Mike and I have worked into the late hours discussing strategy and researching law to gain an edge for our clients. I admire his devotion to his clients, and he is a man who can be trusted with your case. I highly recommend him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the opportunity to know Michael Probst professionally for a number of years and in my opinion he is an extremely hard working and competent criminal defense attorney. He researches legal issues thoroughly and is never afraid to get in the courtroom and mix it up on his client's behalf. I strongly endorse Michael Probst to anyone in need of legal representation in a criminal or OVI case."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Expungement Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Other
"I have know Mike since we attended law school together. I have referred him cases knowing that he will represent clients well. He is an outstanding attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael Probst is a former prosecutor who knows both sides of the criminal system. Michael Probst is aware of the motivations of prosecutors and knows how to help is clients navigate the courts. Since switching over to the defense, Michael has been an advocate for clients and a strong voice in the criminal defense legal community. I recommend Michael to anyone needing strong criminal defense representation without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a seasoned attorney who zealously represents his clients to the fulliest. He is widely respected by the legal community."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have been practicing law in Franklin County for twelve years. Michael Probst is a shining example of how lawyers should practice. His professionalism and performance set him apart from other lawyers. He is well respected by the judiciary. He is consistently getting good results. There is no better choice for a criminal defense attorney in this town."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Friend
"If you are trying to decide between a couple different attorneys, allow me to make your decision for you. Michael Probst is one of the most honest, trustworthy and hard working defense attorneys I have known and I have been involved with this industry for over 30 years. He takes his clients issues to heart and deals with them as if they were his own. I would not hesistate to hire Michael as my lawyer or the lawyer for any family member. I trust him implicitly. If I need a defense attorney i will hire Michael Probst."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike has been a friend and colleague for several years. He is an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer with a proven record of success. He is an excellent advocate for his clients and I would happily recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney. He has my highest endorsement."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Probst is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Criminal Defense and specifically OVI Defense. He is passionate about the law, his clients, and his business. He is admired for his professional relationships with Judges, court staff, and prosecutors. Attorney Probst absolutely fights for his clients and achieves great outcomes in his cases; he is an outstanding attorney."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Probst is an outstanding lawyer. He is dedicated to making himself even a better lawyer through his attendance at educational seminars which keep him one step ahead of everyone else. Mike will fight to protect your rights and provide you the best representation possible."
View more endorsements
Columbus Criminal defense Lawyer Michael Stephen Probst
Michael Stephen Probst
Criminal defense Attorney
Columbus, OH
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available