Criminal Defense
For Those in need of Criminal Attorneys in Medina, Ohio and Elsewhere throughout the State (Akron, Wadsworth, Wooster)
As an Ohio criminal defense lawyer, I have made it my goal to ensure that my clients are given the benefit of all their legal rights, secured by the constitution and statutes. If you are questioned, stopped, cited, or arrested by the police, it is very important that you seek legal advice from criminal defense attorneys in Medina, Ohio as soon as possible!
With 10 years experience, I have handled hundreds of criminal cases and am prepared to put my extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system to work for you. I handle all types of criminal charges and traffic violations, including:
- Drunk Driving, DWI, DUI, OVI
- Traffic Violations, Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Driving with a suspended drivers license, DUS, NOL
- Driving without insurance, FRA
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Arson
- Homicide & Assault
- Internet Crimes
- Drug Offenses
- Possession and Selling of Drugs
What I can do for You
In order to diligently represent my clients, I invest the time interviewing witnesses, reviewing the case file, investigating backgrounds and investigating the circumstances of the arrest.
If you have been charged with a DUI, OVI, DWI or other traffic violation, such as driving with a suspended driver’s license DUS or driving without insurance, it is important to know that the government must have a valid reason to stop you. I will investigate the stop to determine if it is proper. Bad stops, arrests, and searches do occur.
Being charged with a DUI, OVI, DWI, drug offense or other criminal charge is a serious legal matter. Protect yourself and your rights by hiring a criminal attorney in the Medina, Ohio area.
You can expect me, as your criminal defense lawyer, to fight for your rights. I strive to make sure that the evidence against you is appropriately collected and preserved and that all potential criminal defenses are pursued.
When to Seek Legal Counsel
Ideally, you should seek legal advice before you are even questioned. It makes a criminal defense attorney’s job much easier when they can assist in pre-arrest strategies. You may refuse to answer any questions asked by the police and contact a criminal defense attorney to help you avoid incriminating yourself during questioning.
Watch this video of a Regent Law Professor who Explains Why You Should Never Talk to Police Officers.
If you try to cooperate by answering questions without a criminal defense attorney's advice, you may create difficulties for your criminal defense attorney in defending you later. Generally, if you seek legal advice early in the process, it will aid your criminal defense attorney in your defense.
Criminal Procedure
If you are arrested or charged with a crime, the basic criminal procedure you may encounter is as follows:Arrest
- Pursuant to the Criminal Rules of Procedure, if you are arrested for a criminal offense, you should be brought before the Court without unnecessary delay. (Criminal Rule 4).
- You are entitled to a copy and reading of the charges against you.
- If the officer did not release you after serving a summons, you can request the judge set a bail for your release.
- You are also entitled to a preliminary hearing if you have not already been indicted in a felony case. (Criminal Rule 5).
Arraignment
- The arraignment stage is generally the first time you are brought before the court to face the charges. (Ohio Revised Code 2943.02).
- If you do not have an attorney, courts will likely give you a brief continuance to speak with and hire an attorney. (Ohio Revised Code 2937.21).
- You should seek experienced legal counsel before you enter a plea. I receive numerous calls from people who entered a “no contest plea” and the judge or magistrate found them guilty and proceeded to sentence them. They entered a “no contest plea” with the mistaken belief that they would be able to argue the merits of the case with the hope that the court would dismiss the charge(s). Thus, it is important to seek legal representation before entering a plea.
Pretrial Meeting
- If you enter a “not guilty plea,” most courts will set the matter for a pretrial or your attorney can contact the prosecutor’s office to schedule a pretrial meeting. (Criminal Rule 17.1). If you have not sought legal counsel by the pretrial stage it is important to do so because there are certain pretrial motion deadlines that could jeopardize your case if they are missed. (Criminal Rule 12).
Trial
- You have a right to a jury trial in serious offense cases and you must demand a jury within a given time period in order to preserve your jury right in petty offense cases. (Criminal Rule 23).
- If you are found guilty by the judge or jury, the imposition of sentence shall be imposed without unnecessary delay. (Criminal Rule 32).
About Me
In 1996, I received my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 1999 I received my Juris Doctor degree and graduated Cum Laude from Cleveland State University, Cleveland- Marshall College of Law.
I am deeply interested in the criminal justice system and specifically the rights the Constitution provides to us as citizens. I am impressed at how well our founding fathers designed our Constitution. Both the United States and Ohio Constitutions guarantee certain personal, civil, and political rights and secure us from invasion by our government or any of its agencies.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Attorney in Medina, Ohio
If you are looking for criminal attorneys in Medina, Ohio or the surrounding area, call me toll free at 866-334-6345. I know that you probably have a lot of questions about your arrest and how to protect yourself from the charges you face; that’s why I provide a free initial consultation to answer all of your questions and prepare you for what you can expect in your criminal proceedings.
Call 866-334-6345 for a FREE CONSULTATION if you have been
stopped, questioned or arrested by the police!
Also, feel free to contact my office and request a pamphlet on what you should know about Your Rights if questioned stopped, or arrested by the police.