Criminal Defense Lawyers In Worthington, OH

Being charged with a crime is a distressing experience that can have an enormous impact on your life. Between the possibility of prison time and the social consequences of a conviction, a criminal charge can cause great uncertainty and anxiety. You might feel like no one is on your side or that there are no options for relief.

If you are facing criminal charges in Worthington, OH, the criminal defense attorneys from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. want to hear from you. Criminal charges are a serious matter and deserve a serious response. We can review the charges against you and work to secure the best possible resolution, whether it’s an acquittal, case dismissal, or charge reduction.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. for Criminal Defense in Worthington

A big mistake many people make is not immediately hiring an attorney when they are charged with a crime. The longer you wait to work with an attorney, the harder it will be to defend against the criminal charges. An attorney from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. can start promptly building your case to protect you.

Our attorneys collectively hold decades of experience in criminal law and can use our skills and resources to adapt to your unique legal circumstances. More specifically, we can:

Investigate the alleged crimes
Gather evidence and find any eyewitnesses
Build a creative, strategic defense
Attend motion hearings
Negotiate with the prosecution for reduced or dismissed charges
Represent you at trial

Your freedoms and liberties are on the line, so you need a criminal defense attorney who won’t back down, like those at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.

Criminal Cases We Manage in Worthington

Our attorneys have extensive experience managing a wide range of criminal cases in and around Worthington, OH. No matter what crime you’ve been charged with, we can provide an effective defense that protects your rights and interests.

OVI/DUI.We have extensive experience defending Ohio residents against OVI charges for drinking and driving. We can determine whether the police stop resulting in the arrest was illegal or breathalyzer tests are inaccurate or improperly administered.
Domestic abuse.Domestic abuse cases are fraught with high tensions and emotions. We can defend you against domestic abuse accusations with sensitivity.
Drug offenses.We can also provide criminal defense for a wide range of drug crimes, including possession, trafficking, and distribution.
Violent crimes.Violent offenses, such as assault and battery, can carry harsh criminal penalties. One possible defense against allegations of violent acts is arguing self-defense. We’ll find the defense strategy that works best in your situation.
Theft and white collar crime.Theft and white collar crimes like fraud can carry significant prison sentences and may require the offender to compensate the victim for the cost of lost or stolen property.
Traffic violations.We are experienced in managing cases related to traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving without a license.

We can intervene during any part of the criminal process and manage situations involving arrest warrants, bench warrants, posting bail, and sealing criminal records.

Classifications and Penalties for Crimes in Ohio

Ohio divides crimes into five degrees of misdemeanors and five degrees of felonies. In general, misdemeanor convictions carry a jail term of one year or less, while felonies carry a prison sentence of more than one year.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors in Ohio are categorized into five levels. First through fourth-degree misdemeanors carry jail sentences, while minor misdemeanors only carry a fine. In many cases, repeated misdemeanor offenses can result in elevated to felony charges.

First-degree misdemeanors carry a maximum 180-day jail term and a $1,000 fine. Petty theft, assault, and joyriding are common first-degree misdemeanors.
Second-degree misdemeanors have a maximum $750 fine and a 90-day jail sentence. Examples include resisting arrest.
Third-degree misdemeanors can impose a maximum $500 fine and 60 days in jail. Criminal mischief and loitering for prostitution are third-degree misdemeanors.
Fourth-degree misdemeanors include public indecency and drug paraphernalia possession and carry a maximum $250 fine and 30 days in jail.
Minor misdemeanors carry a maximum $150 fine and no jail sentence. Disorderly conduct is typically charged as a minor misdemeanor.

ORC 2901.13 places a two-year and six-month general time limit on prosecuting misdemeanor and minor misdemeanor crimes, respectively.

Felonies

Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees, ranging from most to least severe. Ohio law doesn’t define specific prison sentences for crimes but assigns ranges. For first—and second-degree felonies, judges select an authorized minimum prison term and calculate a maximum prison term to create a range. The maximum term is equal to 50 percent more than the minimum term. Other felonies carry a definite prison term within a specific range.

First-degree felonies carry a minimum prison term of three to eleven years and a fine of up to $20,000. Kidnapping and rape are first-degree felonies.
Second-degree felonies have a minimum prison term of two to eight years and a $15,000 fine. Aggravated theft and felonious assault are second-degree felonies.
Third-degree felonies carry a prison sentence between nine and 36 months and a $10,000 fine, though many third-degree felonies have higher mandatory prison terms. Sexual battery and burglary are third-degree felonies.
Fourth-degree felonies can impose a prison term between six and 18 months and a $5,000 fine. Vehicle theft is a common fourth-degree felony.
Fifth-degree felonies are the lowest felony category and carry a prison term between six and twelve months as well as a $2,500 fine. Breaking and entering and forgery are fifth-degree felonies.

Certain offenses, such as aggravated murder, sex with a minor under 13, and kidnapping with a sexual motivation, are unclassified felonies that may carry a life sentence or the death penalty.

Can You Expunge Criminal Convictions in Worthington?

A criminal conviction can remain on your permanent record and interfere with housing and employment opportunities. As such, a common question we receive is: Can you expunge criminal convictions in Ohio?

Ohio allows for the expungement of certain criminal convictions, but the process can be long and arduous. Not all crimes are eligible for expungement, either. ORC 2953.32 lists several crimes that cannot be expunged, including:

First and second degree felonies
Sexual assault and battery
Pornography involving a minor
Sexual imposition
Violent crimes

Misdemeanor crimes can be expunged once one year has passed since their sentence ended, while felony crimes can be expunged after ten years.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Even a minor crime can have undesirable consequences, so you should always hire an attorney if you’re facing criminal charges. Many might think that hiring an attorney is a tacit admission of guilt, but nothing could be further from the truth. An attorney from The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. can ensure that you receive a fair trial and that you have adequate defense against the charges. We will do everything in our power to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Contact us online or call our office today for a free case consultation with a criminal defense attorney serving Worthington, OH. Our attorneys are available 24/7, so feel free to call whenever it is convenient for you.