Criminal Defense Attorney in Willoughby, OH

As a U.S. citizen, you have several rights to protect yourself from becoming caught in the web of criminal charges. Among these rights is the powerful right to remain silent. Never agree to discuss your guilt or innocence with police officers without your lawyer or appear in court without proper representation. A Willoughby criminal defense lawyer can represent you in court and fight to protect your freedom and beat your charges. 

Strategic Defense Based on Trust, Loyalty, and Hard Work

Since 1979, the attorneys of Lallo & Feldman have been defending the rights of people just like you from small traffic charges to more serious felonies. We understand the hardships and pressure that can follow an arrest and criminal charges. Our legal team can provide you with the exceptional legal services you need to successfully fight your charges and avoid the serious consequences of a criminal conviction. 

Setting our firm apart is our focus on delivering client-focused services that always put your interests first. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or you feel you are being investigated for one, do not hesitate to call. Find out what other rights you have to protect yourself in a court of law.

Criminal Cases We Handle

Lallo & Feldman Co. has assisted numerous clients in Willoughby and the surrounding areas in situations similar to yours, and we can help you, too. Our lawyers can defend you against any of the following charges:

• DUI/OVI
• Traffic violations
• Drug offenses
• White collar crimes
• Domestic violence and assault
• Serious felonies
• Juvenile crimes
• Juvenile Crimes

Our lawyers represent juveniles charged with crimes such as vandalism, underage consumption of alcohol, underage OVI and DUI, shoplifting and other charges. It is imperative to have an attorney defend you from these charges because they may preclude you from admission into college or getting a job.

Understanding Criminal Charges in Willoughby

Willoughby sees its share of violent and non-violent crime. In a typical year, the crime rate is around 1.8 per 1,000 residents, making areas like Downtown Willoughby, Chagrin River Road, and Lost Nation relatively safe. Across the state, 28,566 violent crimes were reported in 2022, including 16,657 aggravated assaults, 6,146 robberies, 5,115 rapes, and 648 homicides.

In 2025, Damonte Perry, a 20-year-old from Euclid, was shot on Fox Run Drive in Willoughby and later died from his injuries. Police quickly responded, arresting one suspect the same day and several more in the following days. Three adults, along with two juveniles, now face serious charges tied to the killing. 

Effective Defense Strategies

The right criminal defense strategy can influence how your case unfolds and ultimately resolves. One approach could focus on holding prosecutors to their burden of proof. If your attorney finds that there is insufficient evidence showing that you were at the scene of the crime, your attorney could argue that the state does not have sufficient proof to prove your guilt. 

Another defense strategy could focus on the element of criminal intent. Many crimes require prosecutors to prove that the defendant knowingly committed a crime. If a business deal that went bad led to white-collar charges, for example, your attorney could argue that the loss of money wasn’t fraud. 

Other types of cases may benefit from a defense strategy arguing that you were mistakenly identified. Sex crimes involving adults could be dropped if prosecutors cannot prove that the acts were not consensual. Domestic violence and assault cases can be beaten using a self-defense argument. The ideal strategy is one that is tailored to the facts of your case. 

Potential Penalties for a Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction can bring lasting consequences, from fines and probation to lengthy prison terms. Beyond those immediate penalties, individuals may face the loss of employment opportunities, housing challenges, and damage to their personal reputation. Judges sentence convicted criminals within state guidelines, and some crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences. The severity of penalties often depends on the offense, prior record, and circumstances of the case.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you stand charged with a crime in Willoughby, your first step should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer. With representation from an attorney who understands how to navigate criminal defense cases, you benefit from their years of experience. 

Ohio’s criminal defense laws can lead to serious consequences. A Willoughby criminal defense attorney understands what types of weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to look for. They can negotiate favorable terms for resolving your charges or take the case to trial to seek full exoneration. 

FAQs

Q: What Is the Burden of Proof in Ohio?

A: The burden of proof falls on prosecutors. This means that defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. If prosecutors cannot demonstrate through evidence that the suspect committed the crime they are charged with, the defendant stands a strong chance of beating their charges. Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Attorney?

A: The most common argument of a defense attorney is that their client did not commit a crime. Specific defense strategies could involve arguments that no crime was committed or that the defendant was mistakenly identified as the suspect. Attorneys can rely on established defense strategies or novel approaches. Any defense strategy should chip away at the state’s case by casting doubt on its narrative of events. 

Q: Do Defense Lawyers Know If Their Client Is Guilty?

A: Anything said between a defendant and their attorney is protected by the attorney-client privilege. Defendants can privately confide that their actions may have crossed a line. This does not affect how the defense attorney represents their client. Defense attorneys expect their clients to be honest and upfront about what they did, but that doesn’t mean that their actions are revealed in court. The burden is on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Q: Can My Charges Be Reduced or Dropped?

A: Your charges can be dropped or reduced. An attorney can take steps to secure these and other favorable outcomes in your case by scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Plea bargain negotiations can also lead to the opportunity for a defendant’s charges to be reduced. The weaker the prosecution’s case, the better the chances that the defendant may not face a serious conviction. 

Facing Criminal Charges? Call Us Today

At Lallo & Feldman Co., we understand the impact a conviction can have on your life and pursue defense strategies tailored to your circumstances. A criminal charge in Willoughby can threaten your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. From DUI arrests to felony accusations, the legal process is often intimidating and filled with uncertainty. 

Our Willoughby criminal defense lawyer can step in to challenge the evidence, question police procedure, and work toward reducing or dismissing the charges. With skilled representation, you gain an advocate focused on protecting your rights at every stage of the case. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.