You may be charged with a crime you did not commit. In this instance, you have legal options. By partnering with a criminal defense lawyer in Morrow County, you may be able to contest the charge against you.
At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt (KBN), we act quickly, every day of the week, and every day of the year. Our Morrow County criminal defense lawyer is available to review your case and go over your legal options with you. To get started, contact us today.
Criminal Charges in Morrow County
A crime is a major offense. If you are found guilty of a criminal act, you may be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Examples of criminal charges include:
Assault
A person may be charged with assault if they cause someone to fear an attack. It is punished according to Ohio Revised Code §2903.13. There are several categories of this crime, including hazing and aggravated assault.
Domestic Violence
If someone threatens a member of their family or household, they may be charged with domestic violence. Behaviors that may constitute this type of violence include emotional abuse and harassment. A person convicted of this crime may receive jail time, a fine, and other penalties.
Fraud
When one person deceives someone else or misrepresents themselves to steal property, they may be charged with fraud. This crime may happen through the mail, over the phone, and by other means. Regardless of how fraud occurs, a person found guilty of this crime may be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Sex Crime
Sexual crimes include rape and importuning. The consequences of being convicted of a sex crime may be significant. In addition to receiving jail time and a fine, an individual found guilty of this type of crime may be required to register as a sex offender.
Theft
There is no one-size-fits-all theft charge. A person may be charged with breaking and entering, embezzlement, or other forms of theft. With any of these charges, it may be beneficial to hire a Morrow County criminal defense attorney to help you figure out how to dispute them.
The legal team at KBN has helped many clients achieve outstanding case results. A criminal defense attorney in Morrow County is here to help you with your case. To learn more, reach out to us.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI lawyer serving Morrow County, call 614-884-1100
Criminal Penalties
A criminal defense lawyer in Morrow County can explain the consequences associated with various offenses. They may be able to help you negotiate a plea deal that allows you to avoid harsh penalties. Your attorney can explain the differences between felonies and misdemeanors.
Felony charges are much more serious than misdemeanors. If you receive a felony sentence for a first-degree offense, you may be punished with up to 11 years in jail. This may also result in a fine of up to $20,000.
The jail terms and fines you may face with a misdemeanor conviction are far less than those of a felony. With a first-degree misdemeanor, you may receive a jail sentence of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $1,000. If you are convicted of a minor misdemeanor, you will not face any jail time and will have a fine totaling up to $150.
Morrow County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Criminal Court Process
You may be arrested for a criminal offense. At this point, you are beginning the criminal court process — and should respond accordingly. Here are the steps of this process, along with tips to help you avoid mistakes along the way:
1. Criminal Booking
This happens when the police arrest you and bring you to the station. Police officers may take your fingerprints and photographs. They may ask for your full name, date of birth, and other information.
2. Arraignment
At an arraignment, you enter a plea. You may say you are guilty or not guilty of a crime. Also, you may submit a no-contest plea in which you claim you did not commit a criminal act but do not want to dispute the charge.
3. Discovery
Your attorney may work with you to gather evidence to help you contest the charge you face. At the same time, the prosecutor in your case may collect proof to use against you. If you have a strong body of proof, you may be able to show you do not deserve to be punished.
4. Plea Bargaining
Your lawyer may work with a prosecutor to come to terms on a plea agreement. If you have concerns about the truth in plea bargaining or other aspects of negotiations with the prosecutor, your attorney can address them. Your lawyer may help you reach an agreement that allows you to avoid a lengthy jail sentence or other severe penalties.
5. Preliminary Hearing
If no plea deal is reached, you may attend a preliminary hearing. Your attorney may ask the prosecutor to share any evidence they intend to use as part of their case. They may also present proof to support your case.
6. Pre-Trial Hearing
A pre-trial hearing may re-open the doors to a plea deal. The hearing allows your attorney and the prosecutor to discuss their respective positions. Your lawyer may be able to file motions to suppress certain evidence the prosecutor intends to use in their argument.
7. Trial
Your trial begins with opening statements from your Morrow County criminal defense attorney and the prosecutor. Next, each side presents their argument and has the opportunity to question the opposing party’s witnesses. Finally, your lawyer and the prosecutor make their closing statements, and a jury makes its decision.
8. Appeals
If you are convicted of a crime, you still have the option to appeal. Your lawyer may submit your appeal. The result may be an affirmation or reversal of the original decision or a retrial of your case.
Your lawyer can answer frequently asked questions and any other questions you may have about the criminal court process. They can help you navigate this process and address any problems that come up as you move through it. Most importantly, they can advocate for you and protect your legal rights at each stage of this process.
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Hire a Morrow County Criminal Defense Lawyer
KBN is a nationally recognized criminal defense law firm. Our legal team has the wisdom and experience to help you with your criminal case. To request a free case evaluation, contact us today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form