Facing a criminal conviction can be stressful in any situation. If you find yourself in this situation, hiring a criminal defense attorney can go a long way in helping you understand your rights and making sure you have an attorney to work with.
We identified the best criminal defense attorneys in Columbus based on various criteria. Read on to find the best attorney for your case and learn more about Ohio criminal procedure.
What is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Criminal defense lawyers are advocates for people accused of a crime. Some criminal defense lawyers work as public defenders for the government, while others work in the private sector.
If you have been charged with a crime, you may choose to hire or make an appointment with a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Your attorney will meet with you, investigate your case, gather evidence, and advise you about your options. Your attorney may try to negotiate a plea deal for you or represent you in court before a jury.
Public Defenders etc. Private Criminal Lawyers
The right to representation and lawyer is an important right in Ohio. However, not all criminal charges give rise to this right. In Ohio criminal cases, defendants charged with a crime of the fourth degree or higher and who cannot afford a private attorney may be referred to a public defender. Public defenders are appointed by the court and do not charge the plaintiff a fee for their services.
While public attorneys provide basic services, private attorneys often provide more personal attention and may have a smaller portfolio. The dedicated lawyers on our list have spent years experimenting and gaining legal knowledge to find the best for their clients. A private attorney can also represent you in cases where a public defender is not available, such as traffic violations that do not require prison time.
Should you represent yourself in a criminal case?
Ohio may allow you to represent yourself in a criminal case, but doing so comes with significant risks. Criminal law is complex and the consequences of mistakes can be serious. If you are eligible for civil protection, you have the right to legal aid.
Understanding the Code of Criminal Procedure
Criminal cases in Ohio can go through many stages before being solved. From start to finish, you can expect to experience some or all of the following:
Search. A criminal case begins when the police charge you with a crime. This will occur after the arrest if the officer has good reason to believe that a crime has been committed.
Complaints and Agreements. Not every criminal case results in an arrest. Instead, you may receive a letter of complaint explaining what you are accused of and a notice of when and where you must appear in court. Failure to appear in court in response to a subpoena may result in a warrant for your arrest.
Preliminary Hearing. At your first hearing, the charges will be explained and your right to an attorney will be explained. This law will also be discussed in the judicial process.
Request a contract. Requests for consultation are the result of a consultation process that can occur at any stage of a criminal case. A plea is a declaration of your guilt or innocence. A plea bargain may require you to plead guilty or no contest to certain crimes in exchange for pleas of guilty or commutation of other crimes. A criminal defense attorney will help you decide whether criminal prosecution is the best option for you.
Kev. Hearings are held in open court, that is, in a public court, and other parties and witnesses may also be present. At this court, you will be asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you do not admit your guilt, the case will move on to the next stage. To call. Before the hearing, your lawyer will try to find new evidence or try to prevent the lawyer from relying on evidence that has not been obtained. Statements requesting a decision on these issues will be submitted to the court. Not every action is allowed in criminal cases; Therefore, having an attorney who is familiar with the process can help your case get the best outcome possible.
Decision. Most, but not all, criminal trials are tried by a jury of peers. The number of juries in felony cases is greater than the number of juries in misdemeanor cases. In some cases, you may choose to avoid a jury trial and not have a judge rule. If a judge or jury finds you guilty, that means they believe you committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Decision. This stage occurs after the criminal case has been decided and the trial if you are found guilty. Conviction indicates the penalty for a crime, which may include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties.
I’m sorry. At the time of decision, you will also be informed of your rights to appeal your decision. Appeals can usually be processed within 30 days of the decision, but some cases have different deadlines.
Resolution of Criminal Cases in Ohio
Criminal cases may be resolved through litigation, voluntary appearance in court, plea, dismissal of charges, or order upon order. A criminal defense attorney should have extensive experience with Ohio criminal justice rules and be able to advise you on the likelihood of a criminal conviction or conviction.
Sentencing Guidelines are established in Ohio law based on the type of crime and factors that may lead to a lighter or harsher sentence. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor penalty may be imposed.