Criminal Defense Lawyers In Westerville, OH

If you are facing criminal charges in Westerville, Ohio, you need the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. A criminal conviction can significantly disrupt your life in several ways, and it’s best not to leave the outcome of your case up to chance.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., our firm is recognized nationally for our dedication to seeking justice for our clients charged with criminal offenses. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your case. We’re available 24/7 and respond quickly to calls and messages.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Any time the police arrest you or prosecutors charge you with a crime, you need a criminal defense attorney in your corner to fight for your rights.

After an arrest by the police, you have certain rights, such as the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. You should make sure not to speak with the police until after you have requested your attorney and they are present. Once your attorney is there, they can make sure you don’t say or do anything that could make the situation worse.

Even if the police say they are just trying to clear up a misunderstanding, it is in your best interest to get a lawyer.

Criminal charges can impact your relationships with friends and family, and may even result in you losing your job. This is before a conviction even occurs. If convicted, you could face a jail or prison sentence, fines, and other criminal penalties in addition to the stigma and other challenges that come with a conviction. For example, a criminal conviction could make it harder to find a job in your desired field.

Criminal Defense Cases Our Team Handles in Westerville

The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. handles all kinds of criminal cases in Westerville, Ohio, from OVIs and traffic offenses to violent crimes and domestic abuse. The most common types of cases we see include:

OVI – Operating a vehicle under the influence usually means the police believe your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over 0.08 percent. However, you can still be arrested for OVI with a BAC below the legal limit if the police believe you were too impaired to drive.
Sex Crimes – Sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and other sex crimes come with harsh penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender. Depending on the severity of the offense, this registration may be lifelong.
Violent Crimes – Homicide, assault, and weapons offenses like robbery are among the crimes with the most severe penalties. Those convicted of violent crimes may face decades in prison.
Drug Offenses – Charges related to drugs can vary widely from simple possession to trafficking. What makes these offenses particularly troublesome is that you may face federal drug charges, depending on the circumstances.
Domestic Abuse – These cases often rely on witness credibility, making it essential to work with a lawyer who knows how to effectively depose and cross-examine a witness.
White-Collar Crimes – While these financial crimes are non-violent, convictions often come with severe penalties, such as high fines and lengthy prison sentences.
Theft – Stealing someone else’s property may initially sound like a minor crime, but it can quickly become very serious. The penalties associated with theft crimes are typically related to the value of the property stolen.
Burglary – Entering private property with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, is burglary.
Traffic Violations – While often viewed as minor, receiving multiple traffic violations can still lead to fines and the potential loss of your driver’s license.

Felony Penalties in Ohio

Depending on the crime you are accused of, you may face either misdemeanor or felony charges. Misdemeanors are for less serious crimes, while felonies are for more serious crimes, with first-degree felonies being the most serious and fifth-degree felonies being the least serious.

The penalties you could face when charged with a felony depend primarily on the degree of the offense:

First-degree felony convictions may result in between three and 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Second-degree felony convictions may result in between two and eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Third-degree felony convictions may result in between nine and 36 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Fourth-degree felony convictions may result in between six and 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Fifth-degree felony convictions may result in between six and 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Other factors may contribute to the penalties you could face, including if you have a previous criminal record or if any aggravating circumstances apply to your case.

Possible Defenses We May Be Able to Use

When charged with a criminal offense, developing the right defense is crucial. The defenses available to you will depend on the exact charges you’re facing and the circumstances of your case. However, some defenses are more common than others.

One of the most common defenses is lack of evidence. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime they claim you did. If the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to support that claim, it can be difficult for them to get the jury to convict.

To help facilitate this defense, our lawyers may be able to restrict the evidence the prosecution can present at trial by filing motions to withhold certain evidence. We may also be able to dispute the prosecution’s interpretation of some of the evidence they present, such as field sobriety test results in an OVI case.

Another common defense is lack of intent. Many convictions rely on proving you intended to commit a crime. However, you may be able to demonstrate that you believed you were not committing a crime, such as if you believed a property owner gave you permission to take something in a theft case.

Some other defenses you may be able to use are mistaken identity, false accusation, self-defense, and unlawful search and seizure. Our lawyers will work with you to determine the best defenses for your case.

How Our Defense Lawyers Can Help with Your Westerville Case

A criminal defense lawyer does more than just represent you in court. When you work with The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we’ll be by your side from the beginning to the end of your case, protecting your rights in various ways the entire time.

Toward the start of your case, we’ll investigate the alleged incident and gather evidence that supports your version of events. We can also negotiate for a plea deal with the prosecutors if going to trial doesn’t appear to be particularly favorable. And we’ll work to prevent unfavorable evidence from entering the courtroom, boosting your chances of success.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Westerville, Ohio

If prosecutors charged you with a crime in Westerville, Ohio, contact The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. for a free consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our award-winning firm is committed to providing results-oriented legal services to individuals charged with crimes in Ohio, and we’re prepared to do what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.