What Happens at a Pretrial Hearing? If you have never been involved in a criminal case before, being told that there is a pretrial hearing can cause a great amount of uneasiness. It is best to learn in advance what the pretrial hearing process involves so that you will feel more prepared. Fortunately, our criminal defense lawyers have helped numerous...
If a judge receives a complaint from law enforcement establishing probable cause to believe that a criminal offense was committed, that judge can issue a warrant for the arrest of the person believed to have committed the crime. In other limited situations, a magistrate, court clerk, or officer of the court can issue a warrant. Once authorized, a warrant grants...
Dog bites. Car accidents. Criminal Charges. No matter of what type of legal issue you are involved in, there is a risk that you can end up facing large unexpected expenses. Some potential clients are hesitant to obtain the help of legal counsel out of concern for the price tag that comes along with it. Fear not. The following will outline...
Although law enforcement officers play an important role in maintaining public safety, their authority is not unlimited. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, placing clear limits on when and how police may conduct searches of your person, home, vehicle, or property. If an officer asks to search you or your property,...
If you or your child is a college student facing criminal charges, the stakes are extremely high. A single allegation can carry consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom—potentially resulting in suspension or expulsion, loss of scholarships or financial aid, a permanent criminal record, fines, or even jail time. Because so much is on the line, it is critical to...
Ohio Mayor's Courts Our criminal lawyers frequently represent individuals who face criminal misdemeanor charges as well as DUI, OVI, and traffic charges in Ohio’s mayor’s courts. Ohio is one of only two states with a mayor's court system. Ohio has 297 mayor's courts that operate in 64 of the state's 88 counties. These unique state courts are created by various...
There are several different ways in which criminal charges can resolve, including jury trials and bench trials. While many people have heard of these various legal proceedings, most are uncertain about the differences between them. This post will review the advantages and disadvantages of each process as well as a description of what each process entails. It is important to...
In Ohio, criminal offenses are generally categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, and the distinction between the two is significant. Although many people are familiar with these terms, the differences go beyond simple labels. The classification determines the severity of the charge, the potential penalties, and the long-term consequences you may face. No matter how minor a charge may seem,...
Many people have heard of the arraignment process, but are not sure exactly what it entails. Arraignments are court proceedings in which a person is notified of the charges that have been initiated against him or her and given the option to enter a formal plea. These proceedings are sometimes performed in addition to an initial appearance by a person...