Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio

The Ohio criminal justice system is complicated. From the instant of your arrest, scores of people are working to build a case against you, including law enforcement, investigators, and prosecutors. Protecting yourself can feel like an uphill battle; most people don’t know where to start.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience defending people who have been arrested for or charged with crimes in Ohio. We know what it takes to mount a strategic defense plan that offers you the best opportunity to obtain a favorable outcome in your situation.

We know it can feel like the odds are stacked against you, so we work hard to even that balance of power. Our Ohio criminal defense team uses its legal knowledge and experience to defend you from day one.

If you are facing criminal charges in Ohio, contact the Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. immediately for responsive and aggressive legal help. A criminal attorney can meet with you confidentially to discuss your situation and legal options. Our offices proudly serve the communities of Columbus, Delaware, Mt. Gilead, New Lexington, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.

Why Do You Need an Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer?

One of the first and most critical mistakes most people make is not hiring a criminal defense lawyer when arrested and questioned by law enforcement.

Unfortunately, most people think hiring an attorney makes them look guilty. You cannot talk your way out of this situation, nor should you try. The first phone call you make must be to an accomplished and aggressive Ohio criminal defense attorney.

A criminal defense attorney has the legal knowledge and resources to create strategic defense tactics that address your case’s unique facts and circumstances. An attorney can also advocate for you and protect your legal rights as you move through the criminal justice system. At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., our criminal defense team can help you by:

Conducting an investigation. Obtaining knowledge of your case and examining all of the evidence will allow us to build a strong criminal defense strategy. Investigating every possible avenue makes us the most prepared team in the courtroom.
Preparing for a trial. Not every case goes to trial, but not every case can be resolved through negotiation. From day one, we build each case to be trial-ready, making it clear to prosecutors that we will not back down. We have the proven ability to argue even the most serious criminal defense cases in front of a judge and jury.
Approaching each case with an unwavering commitment to results. When we take on a case, we bring the vision, work ethic and determination needed to see the case through. Because each case is unique, we listen to your goals and objectives. We build a criminal defense strategy based on your needs, and we follow through in pursuit of results. Our impressive history of verdicts and settlements is proof of that.

Criminal Defense Attorneys In All Ohio Courtrooms

From our law offices in Columbus, Delaware and Mt. Gilead, we provide criminal defense representation in all courtrooms throughout the state. We defend people in both state and federal court. We also provide mayor’s court and municipal court representation.

Mayor’s court is unique. In mayor’s court, your case will be heard by a magistrate who is appointed by the mayor. Although you can have a trial in mayor’s court, the trial will be handled by the magistrate, and you will not be given the option of having a jury trial. If you demand a jury trial, your case will be transferred to the county’s municipal court.

Our lawyers are well-versed in handling cases in every courtroom, from mayor’s court to federal court. You can be confident in our ability to help you navigate the process while protecting your rights and preserving your freedom.

Types of Ohio Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

From minor infractions and misdemeanor offenses to felony violations, our criminal lawyers are prepared to defend you against any criminal charges. No matter how big or small the case, we will craft personalized criminal defense strategies designed to make a maximum impact on your case. Our defense law firm can defend you against the whole range of criminal charges, including:

Drug offenses
OVI/DUI defense
Domestic abuse
Violent offenses
Sex offenses
White-collar crimes
Theft
Burglary
Traffic violations

We can help at any stage of a criminal arrest, charge, or prosecution. You can call us to begin work on your defense at any stage, and we can help you manage situations involving:

Arrest warrants
Bench warrants
Bail and bonds
Expungement
Record sealing
Self-defense claims

Whether you are facing federal court or state court charges, we can provide you with effective legal representation and tenaciously advocate for you. We’ll protect your rights and do everything we can to poke holes in the prosecution’s case against you.

Ohio Criminal Classifications and Penalties

Ohio divides criminal offenses into specific categories. Misdemeanor offenses are divided into five categories, ranging from a minor misdemeanor to an M1 or first-degree misdemeanor. Felony offenses, the most severe legal violations, are divided into five categories, from the fifth-degree being the least severe to first-degree felonies being the most severe.

The penalties for an Ohio criminal conviction depend on the nature and circumstances of the crime. Misdemeanor offenses can result in maximum fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. The potentialpenalties for a felony conviction can include:

Fifth-degree felony

Fines up to $2,500
Prison time between 6 and 12 months

Fourth-degree felony

Fines up to $5,000
Prison time between 6 and 18 months

Third-degree felony

Fines up to $10,000
Prison time between 9 and 36 months

Second-degree felony

Fines up to $15,000
Prison time between 2 and 8 years

First-degree felony

Fines up to $20,000
Prison time between 3 and 11 years

However, it is essential to understand that specific crimes like third-, second-, and first-degree felonies can net significantly longer prison terms depending on the circumstances of the crime. While the law sets standard penalties for first-degree felonies at 3,4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 years, most first-degree felony offenses, like murder, come with significantly higher mandatory minimum penalties, including life in prison. A judge can use the minimum sentence as a starting point and then calculate the maximum sentence by adding 50 percent to the minimum.

Understanding Ohio Mandatory Sentences and Other Potential Penalties

Ohio enforces mandatory prison sentences for various felony offenses such as aggravated murder, assault on law enforcement officers, repeat violent offenders, significant drug offenses, and certain sex offenses. Mandatory sentences override other sentencing guidelines.

Individuals convicted of a criminal offense can also expect other significant consequences, such as post-release control or post-prison supervision, community control, court and legal fees, and registration on the state’s sex offender registry. Post-release control (PRC) is required for almost all first- and second-degree felonies and may be required for certain violent or sexual felony offenses. PRC consists of numerous sanctions imposed by the Ohio Parole Board.

Community control, also known as probation, may be an alternative to incarceration, depending on the crime. Individuals must comply with specific conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, inability to leave the state, and not committing additional criminal infractions. A judge can also impose residential, nonresidential, and financial sanctions on individuals as part of their probation terms.

Community control is different from post-release control. The Parole Authority grants PRC following a felony conviction case once the individual has served a prison term. A judge can offer community control instead of a jail sentence.

A criminal conviction can devastate your personal and professional reputation, in addition to causing significant financial hardships. A criminal record can hurt your ability to secure housing, employment, and educational opportunities. You may also find you cannot secure loans or other financial support.

What Happens After A Person Is Arrested in Ohio?

Shortly after an arrest, the arrested person will go through the booking process of being fingerprinted and photographed. They may also be held on bail or be released, which their lawyer can help influence. Finally, the arrested person will go to their arraignment, where they enter their plea.

Can Criminal Charges Be Sealed In Ohio?

Ohio offers the opportunity of sealing a record. After a record is sealed, it is similar to the offense never happening. Not all crimes are eligible for sealing, but your lawyer can help you determine what options are available for you.

How to Expunge a Criminal Record

Having a record expunged is different than having it sealed. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from the public. When a record is expunged, it is destroyed altogether. After an expungement, your criminal record will not appear in routine background checks and employment verification checks. Expungement does not equal forgiveness; instead, it removes criminal convictions from public records and makes the information accessible only in specific legal or law enforcement situations.

Ohio lawmakers finished work on and voted into law a criminal justice reform bill that makes it easier and more financially accessible for individuals to expunge their criminal records. The legislation gives Ohio residents the ability to erase their criminal past more easily. However, understanding the expungement eligibility requirements and submitting applications to the correct court can still be challenging.

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we not only have the experience to represent you in court but also the resources to help you seal or expunge your criminal record and move forward with rebuilding your life with a clean slate. Our criminal defense team can review your criminal history, ensure you meet sealing or expungement eligibility guidelines, and see that you have met the applicable waiting period guidelines for an expungement. We also help with the application process and can advocate for your best interests.

If You Plan On Pleading Guilty, Do You Still Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should always have a lawyer if you are facing criminal charges. A skilled attorney can help you with your guilty plea by attempting to pursue a better plea deal, which can include reduced sentencing and minimizing the charges.

Choose Experienced And Effective Representation

Attorneys from our law firm are AV peer-review rated* through Martindale-Hubbell, and we have been selected to the Best Law Firms list by Best Lawyers® and U.S. News and World Report. Additionally, we have been listed in the Columbus Business First Central Ohio Top Law Firms feature. If you need strong and effective legal representation, we can deliver.

Act Now: Contact Us For A Free Consultation

What you do immediately after an arrest can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. We know that many people who are accused of committing a crime feel the urge to throw in the towel simply because police have convinced them that the evidence against them is too incriminating to fight. However, with solid representation from a trusted criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., there is nothing to fear.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you fight criminal charges, contact us as soon as possible. We are dedicated to providing personal representation. Treating your case with the care and attention that it deserves is simply invaluable to your rights and peace of mind during this time. We are here to help you overcome this.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.