If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing criminal charges in Parma, a Parma criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights. Regardless of whether the allegations concern an OVI, a drug offense, a theft crime, an assault charge, or another criminal matter, the consequences you face could be serious and long-lasting. In many cases, an important first step is simply understanding the criminal justice process and the options that may be available in your case. Our skilled attorneys at Lallo & Feldman Co. represent individuals facing criminal charges and help clients make informed decisions as their cases move through the Ohio criminal justice system.
Lallo & Feldman Co. has served clients throughout Northeast Ohio since 1979 and brings more than 100 years of combined legal experience to our practice. We represent individuals in criminal defense, personal injury, and workers’ compensation matters and are committed to protecting our clients’ rights both inside and outside the courtroom. Our attorneys have experience handling cases ranging from traffic offenses and OVI charges to serious felony allegations and complex injury claims. Based in Willoughby, we serve clients throughout Cuyahoga County and the surrounding communities.
Ohio criminal charges are typically either misdemeanors or felonies. Ohio Revised Code § 2901.02 sets out the classification system for criminal offenses in the state of Ohio. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by lesser jail sentences and fines. Felony convictions can lead to prison time, higher fines, and other serious consequences. Common criminal charges include OVI offenses, drug crimes, theft offenses, domestic violence allegations, assault charges, and weapons offenses. The degree of the charge can be based on a variety of factors, including prior convictions, the value of the property, the amount of a controlled substance, or whether an injury was allegedly caused. If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to be aware of the allegations and potential penalties.
Booking typically occurs after arrest, and the defendant is then brought before the judge for an initial appearance. Bond conditions may be issued or modified, and the defendant is generally formally advised of the charges against him at this time. Depending on the charges, a criminal case may be heard in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas or some other court of competent jurisdiction in the Parma, OH area. Ohio Revised Code § 2945.71 provides the right to a speedy trial for criminal defendants, and the statute sets forth specific time limits within which many cases must be brought to trial. Pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, motions practice, evidentiary issues, and trial may all occur before a case reaches final disposition, depending on the facts and circumstances of the matter.
Formulating a criminal defense strategy generally involves a thorough analysis of the facts and evidence in a particular case. The police report, body camera footage, witness statements, laboratory reports, and other investigative materials may be reviewed by the defense. A defense strategy may involve a challenge to an unlawful traffic stop, search, arrest, or interrogation in certain cases, but may instead focus on issues with witness credibility, lack of evidence, or factual inconsistencies in other cases. The prosecutor must prove the criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and each element of the charged offense must be supported by admissible evidence. Case evaluation can be important in identifying defenses and legal issues.
A criminal investigation may start before an arrest or charges. In a criminal investigation, police or detectives may interview witnesses, search surveillance videos, obtain search warrants, gather physical evidence, and review electronic records. Sometimes, people know they are under investigation before any charges are filed. It’s helpful to know your rights during a criminal case.
A criminal conviction may impact firearm rights under both Ohio law and federal law. Certain types of felony convictions and other disqualifying offenses may result in a person being prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or carrying firearms. The impact of a conviction on firearm rights will depend on the nature of the offense, the person’s criminal history, and other legal considerations. Given that firearm restrictions can have lasting effects, understanding how a criminal conviction influences these rights is crucial.
Criminal cases are filed in Ohio courts each day. The Ohio Legislative Service Commission reported that Ohio county and municipal courts saw 397,902 criminal case filings in 2023. The high volume of cases means that judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys regularly handle a wide range of allegations, from misdemeanor offenses to serious felony charges. Defendants should not assume their case is routine, though, because the facts and evidence at issue and potential consequences are different in every case.
Employers, licensing boards, schools, and volunteer organizations all commonly run background checks. The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation handles about 1.5 million background checks per year. This means that the information in a criminal record may be looked at long after the criminal case has concluded. This is one of the many reasons why people fear the future consequences of criminal charges even if the immediate punishment seems fairly limited.
Facing criminal charges can leave you uncertain about your future. Whether you are dealing with an OVI charge, a drug offense, a theft crime, or another type of criminal allegation, understanding your legal options is an important part of responding effectively to the case. The earlier you understand the allegations and potential consequences at issue, the better prepared you can be to make informed decisions. Lallo & Feldman Co., L.P.A., serves individuals throughout the Parma area and Cuyahoga County with criminal defense representation in a broad range of matters. Schedule a consultation today to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Â
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