Violent Crime Lawyers in Columbus, OH

Columbus, Ohio, saw over 4,500 instances of violent criminal acts in 2019. While this gives the capital city a slightly lower violent crime rate than the national average, crimes like murder and assault are not tolerated. Law enforcement in Columbus makes it a point to prioritize prosecuting individuals who commit violent acts over others.

Being accused of a violent crime can make you feel as though you are presumed guilty. Prosecutors might seek to hold you in custody pending trial by claiming you are a threat to others. Even if you secure your pretrial release, your reputation among your colleagues and friends may suffer.

The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. believe that you are innocent of all crimes, even violent offenses, until a Columbus court finds you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We are committed to protecting your rights by holding the government to its obligation to prove your guilt.

Our Columbus violent crimes attorneys will stand by you through all stages of your case and serve as your voice in court. Contact us immediately if you need quality representation.

Examples of Violent Offenses We Assist in Defending

Homicide is just one example of violent crime that’s prosecuted in Columbus, but it is by no means the only one. Numerous criminal acts are considered to be violent crimes. These offenses all have a common theme as well: they are committed against another person using force or the threat of force.

Contact your criminal defense team in Columbus at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. if you have been charged with any of the following crimes:

Murder and Other Homicide Offenses

The unlawful killing of another human being characterizes all degrees of murder and manslaughter. The circumstances under which the killing takes place are what determine how severe the offense is.

The most serious offense, aggravated murder, includes the premeditated and calculated killing of another person or the killing of a law enforcement officer. At the other end of the spectrum is negligent homicide.

This offense is defined as the careless or negligent killing of another person using a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. A hunting accident or similar mishap could qualify as negligent homicide, depending on the facts of the case.

It is essential to note that Ohio recognizes an unborn fetus as a “person” for purposes of its homicide offenses. You can be charged with any homicide offense if your unlawful behavior causes a person’s pregnancy to terminate if all the other elements of the crime are met.

Kidnapping and Abduction

A person commits kidnapping if they hold a person under 13 against their will or take someone to another location. In so doing, a kidnapper intends to terrorize the victim, commit a sexual offense against them, hold them for ransom, or use them to help commit or flee from a felony crime.

Abduction criminalizes similar conduct committed against a person of any age. It also makes it illegal to hold someone in a condition of involuntary servitude.

Robbery

Assault

Experienced Representation for Misdemeanor and Felony Crimes

Crimes such as murder and kidnapping are felonies that get heard in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas located at 345 South High Street. Some misdemeanor offenses may be prosecuted at the Franklin County Municipal Court, which you can find at 375 South High Street.

No matter the offense or where it is heard, the prosecution has the burden of proving every element of that offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot, you cannot be convicted. Do not relieve the prosecution of its burden by taking a plea deal without first talking to The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.

Your Columbus violent crimes defense lawyer will review the evidence in your case and conduct an independent investigation. We will then work with you to develop an effective strategy for confronting your allegations.

This process might involve seeking a plea or taking your case to trial. If it gets to that point, The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. are ready to fight on your behalf. We can provide you with skilled representation at all stages of your case.

Defenses to Violent Crimes

You may have valid defenses to the offenses you’ve been charged with. Taking a plea too early in your case means you do not get to assert these and potentially escape conviction.

This is why the Columbus criminal defense team at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. insists on looking at your case before considering a plea. Potential valid defenses to violent crime charges include:

Lack of Mental State

You cannot be convicted of any violent criminal offense if you did not at least act negligently. Moreover, there is a difference in the way negligent violent acts are punished and the manner in which the law treats those committed intentionally and with forethought.

Your mental state might not lead to a complete exoneration. However, having a skilled defense attorney demonstrate your true mental state can keep you from being convicted of more serious violent crimes.

Defense of Self and Others

Ohio law permits you to use physical force against an aggressor who is threatening to harm you or another person. You are allowed to use as much force as you believe is reasonably necessary to address the threat. This includes using deadly force if the situation causes you to believe you are about to be seriously wounded or killed.

It’s also important to know that there is no duty to retreat in Ohio. If you are lawfully present in a place and are attacked or threatened, you do not need to try to seek safety first before responding.

Defense of Property

You can use force, including deadly force, if someone breaks into your home without authorization in an attempt to commit a crime. Once again, you do not have a duty to retreat from your home or attempt to flee to safety before using force to defend yourself and your family.

There are risks associated with raising any of these defenses. It is best that you discuss them with The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. first before deciding how to proceed. We can explain these and other defenses that might be available to you, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Call or Contact The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. Today

When you have been arrested and charged with a violent crime in Columbus, you need an experienced and knowledgeable defense team that’s ready to get to work immediately. The Columbus attorneys at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. are prepared to be that team.

We are litigators who regularly practice in court, not in an office. We are fighters and will not stop fighting for you and your freedom from the moment you retain us. Whether you need to argue for a bond, assert a self-defense claim, or take your case to trial, we are equipped and prepared to protect you.