Being accused of committing a criminal offense and arrested can be a jarring experience. You may be scared and worried about what the future may hold. With your liberties on the line, it is crucial to get a dedicated Union County criminal defense lawyer at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt on your side.
Our team will carefully investigate and build the strongest defense possible based on the circumstances of your case. We may be able to help you prearrange bail and start crafting a viable strategy as soon as today. Contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation so we can begin safeguarding your future.
Crime Activity in Union County Results in Daily Arrests
The amount of crime that occurs in Union County is alarming at best. According to Crime Grade, in Union County, a criminal offense occurs every three hours and 39 minutes on average. Data also suggests that Union County is one of the most dangerous areas throughout the state.
In fact, the violent crime rate annually is 5.64 per 1,000 residents. This puts Union County in the one percentile for safety. That means 99% of Ohio counties are safer than Union County.
For these reasons, it is no surprise that the arrest rates are as high as they are. Residents of Union County have a one in 121 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime. Sadly, in the western part of the county, which is generally considered the safest, the odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime are still one in 857.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI lawyer serving Union County, call 614-884-1100
Put Our Decades of Trial Experience to Work for You
No matter what type of crime you have been accused of committing, you need a zealous defender in your corner. Working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Union County from Koffel Brininger Nesbitt could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Some of the most common types of offenses our clients have faced include:
- Robbery under Ohio Revised Code §2911.02
- Burglary under Ohio Revised Code §2911.12
- Theft under Ohio Revised Code §2913.02
- DUI under Ohio Revised Code §4511.19
- Homicide under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2903
- Manslaughter under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2903.03
- Arson under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2909
- Assault under Ohio Revised Code §2903.13
- Sexual assault under Ohio Revised Code §5924.120
- Rape under Ohio Revised Code §2907.02
- Drug possession under Ohio Revised Code §2925.11
- Vandalism under Ohio Revised Code §2909.05
It is crucial that you protect your rights. When you are taken into custody, assert your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Then, do not speak to law enforcement officials without your Union County criminal defense attorney present, as you do not want to risk saying something that could be considered self-incriminating.
Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
The Penalties of a Guilty Verdict Could Be Life-Shattering
The type of crime you are charged with will determine the extent of your penalties. Charges will generally either be considered a misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor penalties may carry less severe consequences than felony convictions, but potential sentences could include:
- Months, years, or life in jail or prison
- Court fines and fees
- Restitution to alleged victims
- Community service hours
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Loss of voting rights
- Court-ordered mental health counseling
- Court-ordered group therapy
- Registration as a sex offender
Generally, the more serious the charges against you, the greater the penalties. For example, if you are convicted of murder, you may be at risk for life in prison without the possibility of parole. Alternatively, if you were found guilty of grand theft auto, you could spend a few years in jail or prison.
Do Not Let Collateral Consequences Haunt You
The criminal penalties can be devastating. But when you have completed your sentence and are hoping to reintegrate back into society, collateral consequences will continue to remind you of the mistakes you made. Some of the most common types of collateral consequences include:
- Loss of child custody or visitation
- Housing restrictions
- Regular check-ins with parole or probation officers
- Community service requirements
- Abstaining from drugs or alcohol
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Loss of firearm rights
- Being passed over for potential jobs
- Having your personal information be made public through the Ohio sex offender registry
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Preparing Your Defense Strategy
Your criminal defense attorney in Union County will closely review the state’s case against you as we prepare your defense strategy. Our approach will vary depending on the type of crime you are accused of committing. For example, if you are charged with a sex crime, we will consider whether arguing the sexual activity was consensual is in your best interest.
However, if we were fighting a DUI charge, we might question whether law enforcement officials properly calibrated the breathalyzer used to ascertain your intoxication levels. In some cases, we may not need to defend your case at trial at all. Depending on the strength of the prosecutor’s case against you, we may want to consider whether a plea bargain or pre-trial diversion program is an option.
Avoid a Trial with Pretrial Diversion or Plea Agreements
Pre-trial diversion is not available for every criminal offense. Typically, only first-time or non-violent offenders will be eligible. Qualifying offenders will need to complete program requirements in exchange for criminal charges against them being reduced or dismissed.
For example, you may need to find a job, attend therapy, complete a drug or alcohol treatment program, or pay restitution. If you do not fulfill these requirements, the prosecutor can move forward with the criminal charges against you. You can find out whether you qualify when we discuss the specific details of your case.
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Protect Your Future with a Trial-Proven Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer
You need a criminal defender on your side who will tell it like it is. We want you to be prepared for the best and worst-case scenarios. While you are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, it is more common than you think for the criminal justice system to fail.
For this reason, it is imperative that you have a strategically aggressive Union County criminal defense attorney from Koffel Brininger Nesbitt defending you. We will use our considerable resources to help you clear your name of the charges against you. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your consultation as soon as today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form