From Arrest to Resolution
- Arrest or citation. A case begins with an arrest, a summons, or a citation. From this moment, your right to remain silent and your right to counsel are your most valuable assets. Politely decline to answer questions and to consent to searches, and call a lawyer.
- Initial appearance & bond. For in-custody cases, an initial appearance addresses bond and release conditions. We advocate for the lowest reasonable bond and for conditions that let you keep working and living your life while the case is pending.
- Charging: complaint, information, or indictment. Misdemeanors are charged by complaint in municipal court. Felonies generally proceed by indictment from a grand jury (or a bill of information) into the county Common Pleas Court.
- Arraignment. You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea (almost always “not guilty” at this stage, to preserve every option).
- Discovery & investigation. We obtain and scrutinize the State’s evidence — police reports, body-camera and dash-camera video, lab reports, witness statements, and 911 audio — and conduct our own investigation.
- Pretrial motions & suppression. Where the facts support it, we move to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful stop, search, seizure, or interrogation. A successful suppression motion can gut the State’s case.
- Negotiation. From a position of preparation, we negotiate for dismissal, diversion, reduced charges, or favorable sentencing. Most cases resolve here — but only well for defendants who are ready to go to trial.
- Trial. When the State’s offer does not match the strength of the defense, we try the case to a judge or jury and hold the prosecution to proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing & beyond. If there is a conviction, we advocate at sentencing for the least restrictive outcome, and we plan ahead for record sealing or expungement once you become eligible.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony — Which Court?
Misdemeanors are heard in municipal or county courts and carry up to 180 days in jail. Felonies are heard in the county Court of Common Pleas and carry prison exposure, ranging from 6 months (F5) to 11 years or more (F1), with the most serious offenses of violence sentenced under Ohio’s Reagan Tokes indefinite scheme. See our Ohio penalty ranges for the full breakdown.
The earlier we are involved, the more we can do. Call (740) 532-8744 for a free, confidential consultation.