There are more than 34,000 violent crimes and 240,000 property crimes reported in Ohio every year. Thousands of people are investigated, arrested, charged, tried, and convicted or found not guilty. Thousands put their fates in Ohio’s legal system.
If you are being investigated for a crime or have been charged with one, you certainly are not alone. You are probably anxious, fearful, even embarrassed. You may think you can face this on your own, or you may think you should just get a public defender to save some money. Instead, think: who can provide you with experienced criminal defense focused on your case, your circumstances, and your future?
The attorneys at Wolfe Law Group, LLC represent clients facing criminal investigations and charges in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, and the rest of Ohio. They have represented hundreds of people who found themselves in the same place you find yourself now, providing each client and each case with the attention and care they deserve.
Criminal offenses are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies in Ohio. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, punishable by less than six months in jail.
There are five classifications of misdemeanors:
There are six classes of felonies:
Once you have charges filed against you, an arraignment will occur. At the arraignment the charges will be explained and the defendant will be called upon to enter a plea. A defendant may plead not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, guilty or, with the consent of the court, no contest.
Before the trial occurs, there may be pleadings and motions filed and preparation for trial will begin including discovery and inspection of information applicable to the case.
Prior to trial, your attorney and the prosecuting attorney may engage in plea negotiations. If you agree to accept a plea and the judge approves it, you may avoid trial. If not, your case proceeds to either a jury trial or bench trial. In a bench trial, the judge alone renders a decision and sentence, rather than involving a jury.
The jury trial generally involves three phases: the jury selection, the criminal trial, and the sentencing phase. During the criminal trial phase the state prosecutors will try to prove that you are guilty and your attorney will make the case for your defense.
If convicted, you will be sentenced. If not convicted, you will be free to resume your life.
If convicted of your charges, you may be appeal to a higher court on the basis that an error was made that affected the outcome of the trial. A felony appeal must be filed within 30 days of the judgment entry containing your conviction and sentence (some exceptions apply).
If the higher court grants the appeal, it will review the details of the case and may reverse or partially reverse the decision of the lower court. If the appeal is denied, the decision of the lower court will stand.
The attorneys at Wolfe Law Group, LLC use their extensive trial experience to represent clients facing drug charges, sex crimes, campus crimes, and misdemeanor and felony theft, domestic violence, assault, and homicide charges. We also help clients seal certain criminal records and other post-conviction remedies.
Their experience lends itself to identifying the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, making extensive discovery requests, negotiating aggressively, and preparing each and every client’s case for trial as though it was their only case.
If you are being investigated for or have been charged with a crime in Columbus, Ohio, or the surrounding area, do not delay putting a fiercely compassionate criminal defense attorney to work for you. When your future and your freedom are at risk, reach out to skilled counsel. Contact Wolfe Law Group, LLC to set up an initial one-on-one consultation. They are proud to serve individuals in Licking County, Fairfield County, Delaware County, and the rest of Ohio.