Contact with the criminal justice system can lead to significant short and long-term consequences. As such, those accused of crimes in Ohio must contact an experienced defense lawyer.
The Hamilton, OH, criminal defense law firm of Gounaris Abboud, LPA, has a team of award-winning criminal defense attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of those accused of crimes. Contact the Hamilton criminal lawyers at our office by calling (937) 222-1515.
Criminal Investigations in Hamilton Ohio
In Ohio, after receiving a crime report, law enforcement is tasked with identifying who committed the offense. For example, in Hamilton, Ohio, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton Police Department investigate serious misdemeanors and felonies.
Those who are under investigation, have been arrested, or have been charged with a criminal offense should consult with a skilled Hamilton, Ohio, criminal defense attorney. The experienced attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have an extensive understanding of the various agencies and entities involved in pursuing criminal charges in the state.
Ohio laws governing misdemeanors are primarily outlined in Section 2901.02. Felony offenses in Ohio largely fall under Sections 2903, 2905, 2907, 2909, 2911, 2913, 2915, 2917, 2921, 2923, and 2925 of the Ohio Revised Code.
The defense attorneys at the firm handle criminal matters, including the following:
- Computer crimes
- DUI offenses
- Crimes against persons such as assaults, batteries, homicides, and robberies
- Narcotic offenses, such as drug and vice crimes
- Federal crimes
- Property crimes, including auto thefts, burglaries, embezzlement, and fraud
- Special victim crimes, including sexual assaults and domestic violence
Those under investigation for a misdemeanor or felony offense in Ohio should speak with an attorney before agreeing to an interview with law enforcement. Speaking to the police without an attorney can have serious consequences because the information elicited from an interview can be used against the accused.
Stages of a Criminal Case in Ohio
Ohio felony and misdemeanor cases follow the same general process.
The typical stages of a criminal case in Ohio are the following:
- Alleged crime occurs or is reported
- Police carry out an investigation
- The Clerk of Courts issues an arrest warrant or a summons, or there is a direct indictment
- Preliminary hearing, at which point the case is dismissed or proceeds to a grand jury
- Arraignment and plea
If the accused enters a not-guilty plea, then the following occurs:
- Pretrial conferences
- Trial
- If the judge or jury returns a guilty verdict, there will be a pre-sentence investigation, sentencing, and potentially an appeal
If the accused enters a guilty plea, the following occurs:
- The pre-sentence investigation
- Sentencing
Each stage requires a comprehensive understanding of complex evidentiary and substantive criminal laws and procedures. Retaining an experienced attorney is crucial to ensuring a just and favorable outcome.
Importance of a Criminal Defense Attorney
A skilled criminal defense lawyer is critical during all stages of a criminal case in Ohio. Fundamentally criminal defense attorneys must provide their clients with zealous advocacy and representation within the bounds of the law.
There are many ways a defense attorney can accomplish this, including the following:
- Conducting a thorough factual investigation
- Conveying the elements of the criminal charges
- Investigating any constitutional violations
- Developing a compelling theory of innocence
- Engaging in plea negotiations
- Presenting expert witnesses
- Appealing decisions
Most importantly, criminal defense attorneys can present various defenses to their client’s charges.
The three main defenses include the following:
- No crime was committed
- The crime occurred, but the client did not commit the offense
- There is reasonable doubt the client committed the offense
Establishing reasonable doubt is one of the most important aspects of a criminal defense. Defense attorneys can establish this by attacking the police investigation, the state’s witnesses, or forensic evidence.
Some other common defenses include the following claims:
- Accident
- Lack of intent
- Self-defense
- Entrapment
- Duress and insanity
The Hamilton criminal defense lawyers at Gounaris Abboud review their clients’ cases and develop strategic defenses by examining the relevant factors unique to the charged crime and circumstances.
Speak with the Hamilton Criminal Defense Lawyers at Gounaris Abboud to Begin Working on Your Defense Today
If you’re facing criminal charges, reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio, should be your next move.
At the law firm of Gournaris Abboud, we have decades of experience aggressively defending clients charged with all types of serious crimes, helping them move past their arrest and on with their lives.
Over our decades of practice, we’ve earned a reputation among judges and prosecutors for being fierce advocates for our clients, meaning they know that they are in for a fight when they see you’ve retained our firm.
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today, call (937) 222-1515. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.