Being accused of or charged with a criminal offense can be difficult for anyone. However, when you have a powerful Licking County criminal defense lawyer advocating for your liberties, you can feel confident defending your case in court. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will do everything possible to protect your interests, help you avoid self-incrimination, and offer exceptional legal representation as you fight to establish reasonable doubt in your case.
You could work with a public defender, but they are often burdened by caseloads they cannot handle and do not have access to the resources you may need to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. When you have our criminal defenders helping you understand the charges you are facing, you can rest easier knowing our team is dedicated to your defense and protecting your legal rights.
Contact our law offices to request a confidential consultation today and to learn more about how the criminal process works, the extent of the charges against you, and which defenses offer the strongest path to a satisfactory outcome in your case.
Common Charges a Criminal Defense Attorney in Licking County Can Handle
Koffel Brininger Nesbitt has considerable experience handling virtually every type of criminal defense case. Our clients have been accused of a wide array of criminal offenses over the years. Some of the most common types of crimes we have defended against include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – Under criminal defense, you can be charged with drunk driving at the felony or misdemeanor level if your BAC levels reach or exceed the legal limit or you operate a motor vehicle while impaired.
- Traffic offenses – You could be facing considerable fines or even the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license if you commit any type of traffic offense, such as drag racing, failure to yield to the right of way, speeding, failure to stop, obstructing an intersection, or even passing a school bus. However, certain traffic offenses, such as driving with a suspended license or committing vehicular assault, can be upgraded to a misdemeanor, which carries more severe penalties, including the risk of jail time.
- Misdemeanor crimes – Marijuana possession, criminal trespassing, assault and battery, criminal mischief, and other charges are often tried at the misdemeanor level, which carries penalties including up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000 under Ohio Revised Code §2929.24.
Licking County Common Pleas Court Hears Felony Cases
Felony charges are almost always more serious than misdemeanor-level offenses. If you are charged with a felony-level offense, you can expect your case to be heard by the Licking County Common Pleas Court. Some examples of felony criminal charges could include:
- Most types of sex crimes
- Many drug charges
- Gun and weapons offenses
- Violent crimes, including homicide
- Certain types of white-collar crimes
The designation of your felony offense will determine the extent of your penalty. For example, someone found guilty of a fourth-degree felony could be sentenced to as much as 18 months in prison and fines not to exceed $5,000, according to the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission. However, a defendant convicted of a first-degree felony is at risk of as much as 11 years in prison, fines of up to $20,000, and the potential for sentencing enhancements for violent offenses.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI lawyer serving Licking County, call 614-884-1100
Licking County Criminal Defense FAQ
Being accused of committing a criminal offense can be devastating. You are likely concerned about how a guilty verdict could affect your future and unsure of how to avoid the fallout of a conviction. Preparing for the criminal process is half the battle.
For this reason, we have created a quick FAQ below discussing some of the most commonly asked questions about criminal defense and the criminal process in Licking County. If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or charged with any type of criminal defense, do not hesitate to contact our legal team to discuss your concerns in further detail during a confidential consultation.
Where Will My Case Be Tried?
When you are charged with a crime in Licking County, the type of crime you are charged with will determine where your case is heard. For example, the Licking County Municipal Court handles traffic violations and misdemeanors, while the Licking County Common Pleas Court handles felony charges. However, if your child is being charged with a crime, juvenile cases are held by the Licking County Juvenile Court system.
My Relative Was Arrested. How do I Find Them?
If someone you love has been arrested in Licking County, the best way to locate them is by visiting the Licking County Sheriff’s Office Website. Here, you can find out not only which police department your loved one has been taken to but also the type of charges they are facing, visitation hours, and how to contact them.
Your criminal defense lawyer in Licking County can help you locate your loved one and arrange bail so they can get back home to you and your family sooner.
What Should I Do if There Is a Warrant for My Arrest?
When you discover there is a warrant out for your arrest, it is always in your best interests to consult with an experienced legal advocate. Once we understand the reason for your warrant, we can prearrange bail and help you turn yourself in to avoid any additional criminal penalties. We may even be able to clear the warrant on your behalf if the circumstances warrant it.
Licking County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Get Help from Licking County’s Leading Criminal Defense Law Firm
The criminal process can be intimidating when your future is in jeopardy. Many criminal charges carry harsh penalties that are designed to continue to haunt you for the rest of your life. If you were not taking your charges seriously before, now is the time to start.
You need a highly qualified Licking County criminal defense attorney on your side who will do everything possible to secure an acquittal, get you entered into a pre-trial diversion program, or otherwise obtain a favorable outcome.
Koffel Brininger Nesbitt offers decades of trial-tested criminal defense experience and a proven track record of results. Discuss the future of your defense when you contact our defense law firm to request a confidential consultation through our online contact form or by phone today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
