Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH
A person who is facing criminal charges deals with a lot of fear and uncertainty about his or her future. The good news is that by working with a criminal defense attorney, a conviction is not automatic.
By having capable legal representation, you may be able to have the charges against you greatly reduced or possibly even dismissed altogether. Brian Joslyn has defended hundreds of clients against all sorts of criminal offenses, and he pursues the most favorable outcome to every case.
Brian Joslyn has been the recipient of over a dozen awards and honors for his work in criminal defense. With accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, membership with the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association, and a listing as one of the Top Lawyers in Columbus CEO Magazine, Brian Joslyn is ready to fight for your rights and your dignity.
Joslyn Law Firm has handled over 20,000 cases and is regarded as one of Ohio’s best criminal and DUI defense firms. Brian Joslyn and his team provide passionate representation and stop at nothing to get you the justice you deserve.
A Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Help Can Benefit Your Case
Criminal charges can seriously impact your future; convictions can follow you around for life. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to reduce your charge or dismiss it altogether.
Criminal charges can lead to a loss of many privileges. The criminal justice system can be unjust, and that is why a lawyer from Joslyn Law Firm wants to fight for you. This strong legal team with a proven track record of success knows exactly what to do when you hire them for help.
Our firm has won awards for client satisfaction and excellence in the legal field. Joslyn Law Firm and our Managing Attorney Brian Joslyn have received many awards, some of which are listed here:
- Top Ten Criminal Lawyer in Ohio by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- SuperLawyers Rising Star
- Top Lawyer (Cincinnati CEO Magazine)
- Top Ten Best Criminal Attorneys (American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys)
- “Superb” Avvo rating for top criminal defense attorney
- One of the Best Lawyers in America (Top American Lawyers)
- Nominated as one of the 100 Top Trial Lawyers in America
We help people like you fight back against criminal charges by using our knowledge of Ohio statutes and criminal defense strategies. Even if you are facing federal charges, we’re able to represent you.
Criminal charges can cover many offenses, and each will have difference defenses that our team can tackle. Everyone’s case is different, and you deserve a lawyer who will treat your case with care and understanding. If you’re facing charges for traffic offenses, drug possession, property crimes or any other state or federal crimes, you have the right to seek legal counsel.
It helps to seek guidance from a criminal defense lawyer in Cincinnati, OH right away so you can begin building a strong and solid defense. We will examine all evidence and make sure your rights are protected. Joslyn Law Firm represents clients in Cincinnati and surrounding areas, so call today at (513) 399-6289 for a free case evaluation.
Ohio Practice Areas
Joslyn Law Firm provides legal defense for people accused of:
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Charges
- OVI | Drunk Driving
- Financial Crimes
- Firearm / Weapon Charges
- Marijuana Defense
- Sex Offenses
- Theft / Property Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Kidnapping Defense
Criminal defense involves representing individuals accused of a crime and fighting to get the charges reduced or dropped. Joslyn Law Firm has handled over 15,000 criminal cases, so they know what to expect and do when they take on this type of case.
A criminal charge can affect the rest of your life, so it can benefit you to hire a criminal defense attorney to fight that charge. Joslyn Law Firm is a nationally recognized criminal defense firm that understands the criminal system can treat defendants unfairly and wants to bring justice to those wrongfully accused or reduce their charges.
Call Joslyn Law Firm at (513) 399-6289 today for a free consultation. We will stop at nothing for a favorable outcome for our clients. We want to hear about your case and discuss with you how we can help. We have a successful track record and believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Do not wait to reach out for our help. The sooner we get started on your case, the sooner you may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced.
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Information Center
- Cincinnati Criminal Defense Overview
- Cincinnati Criminal Investigations
- Types of Cases Handled by Our Cincinnati Criminal Lawyers
- Criminal Courts in Cincinnati
- Criminal Penalties in Ohio
- Possible Criminal Defenses in a Cincinnati Criminal Case
- Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Criminal Defense Resources
- Criminal Defense Organizations
- Cincinnati Criminal Defense Questions and Answers
- Cincinnati Criminal News
- Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Overview
When an individual is charged with committing a criminal offense or traffic violation in Ohio, they find themselves embarking on a foreign and intimidating journey. The processes they will follow are governed by the laws of Ohio criminal procedures and rules. This system does protect people accused of crimes with a set of rights, but they do a defendant no good unless they know how and when to assert them. This is the role of a criminal defense lawyer—to navigate the criminal process for their clients, protect their rights as the accused, and work to ensure the best possible outcome for their case.
Ohio criminal defendants benefit from a judicial system that demands the highest burden of proof. After prosecutors have presented their case against an alleged offender, they must have proved the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words, the defendant enters the courtroom under a presumption of innocence.
You can expect the strategic decision making in your case to begin very early in the process. From the onset, you are presented with choices. For example, you can choose to request a trial by jury or a bench trial (trial by judge). Each type of trial presents certain advantages, some having to do with the length of the trial, others dealing with the complexity of the trial, adherence to rules, and awareness of the evidence.
Alternatively, as a defendant, you also have the right to plead guilty or no contest to the charges brought against you. A no contest plea means you are not admitting guilt, but nor do you wish to fight the charges against you. With either plea, you will spare yourself having to go to trial. Instead, your criminal defense lawyer will work to strike a deal with prosecutors in a plea bargain negotiation. Your lawyer’s aim is to exchange your guilty plea for reducing either the number and/or severity of charges against you, as well as perhaps recommending a lighter punishment.
Every strategic decision in your criminal case carries consequences. If you plead not guilty and go to trial, the jury might find you not guilty. There is always the chance, too, that your lawyer can construct a valid cause for having the charges against you dismissed. These are best-case scenarios.
However, if you plead guilty through a deal with prosecutors, you must be aware that it will go on your permanent record as a criminal conviction—just as though you had actually gone to trial and been convicted by a judge or jury. Besides the punishments of jail or prison time, fines, and probation, a criminal conviction can affect you with hundreds of different collateral consequences that will make a difference in your employability, professional licenses, voting rights, custody rights, and so on.
Every fork in the road on the road in the judicial process you will now travel involves a strategic decision that can bear life-altering consequences for you. Anyone would be nervous, intimidated, and overwhelmed at the very thought of it. You can lighten your apprehension by handing the reins of your case over to a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer who can fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Cincinnati Criminal Investigations
Criminal investigations comprise a wide range of processes geared toward collecting evidence that establishes the occurrence of a crime, identify the offender, arrest the offender, and convict the offender. This investigation can commence before the accused is even aware of the fact that they are a suspect. Before a suspect can even be arrested, law enforcement must gather substantial, credible evidence that justifies a warrant.
In Ohio, many authorities have the power to make an arrest and bring criminal charges against you. The law enforcement involved in investigating your case depends on many factors. At the most local level, the Cincinnati Police Department can launch a criminal investigation, as can the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In some cases, these authorities can work in concert to investigate a crime.
At the federal level, a slew of federal agencies can step up and aid or even take over an investigation, depending on the crime at issue. These agencies include:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service(IRS)
- Department of Homeland Security(DHS)
- Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA)
- United States Secret Service(USSS)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives(ATF)
Although each agency has its own protocols for investigating a crime, any investigation will reach a point where possible suspects are called in to be interviewed. The moment you are asked to go to show up at a police station to talk to investigators about a crime, you should know you may be a suspect. You might receive other clues before you are even called in—perhaps a friend tells you that police have been asking questions about you, for example.
Whatever the signal, as soon as you sense a red flag that you are being investigated for a crime, stop what you are doing and connect with an Ohio criminal defense lawyer. This marks the first decision you will make as a potential defendant in a criminal case, and it is an important one. By calling a lawyer early in the game, before charges have been filed, you will have the benefit of counsel that can guide you while you are being investigated.
Do not fall into the trap of delaying getting help from a defense attorney because you think it makes you look guilty. When police and prosecutors see that you are serious about your defense and that you have someone who is knowledgeable about your rights fighting in your corner, they will think twice about trying to coerce a confession or violate your rights.
Know Your Rights
For example, your lawyer will block investigators’ attempts to trample your 4th Amendment rights, which protect you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Your attorney will step up to check the validity and scope of search warrants or challenge the arguments of probable cause that would otherwise enable police to enter your home without a warrant.
Your lawyer will protect your 5th Amendment rights, too. They will sit beside you during any police or prosecutor questioning and instruct you not to answer certain questions or offer up statements that might later serve to incriminate you. This is a valuable service. Many people who are called in for questioning agree to answer questions and offer information because the scenario has been portrayed as an informal interview. All the while, the information they give up is helping police build a case against the “interviewee” so they can be arrested and charged.
Investigators assume you do not understand the process, and unless you assert your rights, police will find ways around them. They will resort to a hefty bag of time-proven tricks to get you to let down your guard and give them the evidence they need to arrest you. Some of these tricks include:
- They assure you that you are not a suspect, but they have to ask you questions as a matter of protocol, so they can clear your name.
- They promise to protect you from having any charges filed against you if you cooperate in the interrogation and answer all their questions.
- They make light of searching your home, insisting it is simply a matter of routine, suggesting “you have nothing to hide, so it shouldn’t be a problem” so you will consent to the search and spare them having to obtain a warrant.
In fact, law enforcement officers are given a great deal of latitude when interrogating possible suspects. They know you have rights, and they act in a way that presumes you are aware of these rights—but deep down, they are counting on not knowing your rights so they can get away with extracting information that they would otherwise not get.
If you know nothing else about your rights, please remember that you have the right to call an attorney and have them by your side while you are being questioned by law enforcement. Until your lawyer arrives at the interrogation scene, do not trust what the police say, do not make any statements, and do not answer any questions.
Investigations by the Cincinnati Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department
Either the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) or the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department handles investigations for crimes reported in Cincinnati. Things happen very quickly from the moment these teams arrive at the scene of the crime. If the suspect is at the scene, or police are able to track down the suspect, they will make an immediate arrest. In the absence of a suspect, investigators focus their attention on the crime scene. They will gather evidence and write their reports, which are then submitted to the investigative division of the police department’s Strategic Response Bureau.
Working solely with the evidence they have on hand, detectives scramble to formulate theories about the crime—often having no inkling as to possible suspects. By the time evidence leads to a suspect and an arrest, detectives have had some time to convince themselves that their crime theories are correct. All they have left to do is to fit a round peg through a square hole to force a match between theory and suspect.
The process often results in wrongful arrests, with innocent people being charged with crimes they did not commit. Many would not have suffered this fate had they had a lawyer by their side to stand up for their rights.
Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Our Criminal Lawyers in Cincinnati
Joslyn Law Firm’s Brian Joslyn, along with his team of lawyers, understand that each type of criminal offense presents a unique set of challenges, requiring different strategies and approaches. Whether you face a felony charge, a misdemeanor, or a traffic violation, our attorneys can guide your case to the best possible outcome.
Here we shall review some of the types of cases we routinely handle.
Common Cincinnati, Ohio Felony Charges
If you face felony charges in Ohio, you run the risk of suffering the harshest penalties levied by the criminal justice system. Within this category of offenses, the seriousness of punishment corresponds with the level of the felony—whether it is classified as first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, fourth-degree, or fifth-degree offenses. Murder charges stand on their own, with convictions wielding the harshest of all penalties. Joslyn Law Firm handles all levels of felony charges.
Drug Charges
The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that “In 2002 about a quarter of convicted property and drug offenders in local jails had committed their crimes to get money for drugs, compared to 5% of violent and public order offenders.”
Drug crimes are taken extremely seriously in Cincinnati. Penalties correspond to the type of drug involved in the offense, as well as the amount. Other factors include whether you are accused of intending to sell the drugs and if the offense took place within a certain distance of a school. Our firm handles drug charges of all types, with some of the most common being drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing of drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A drug crime defense lawyer in Cincinnati can take on this type of case.
Theft and Fraud Offenses
Despite the fact that nobody suffers injury in a theft crime, these offenses are still taken seriously. If convicted of a theft crime, you might face felony charges. Penalties will be correspondingly harsh, depending on the value of the property you allegedly stole. Ohio law bundles a broad array of offenses under the umbrella of “theft.”
This crime can include anything that satisfies the description of unauthorized taking of property or money, from shoplifting to auto theft to stealing items from someone’s home. Also included under this offense are the crimes of insurance fraud, identity theft, and other offenses that entail applying fraudulent means for wrongful personal gain. A theft crimes lawyer in Cincinnati represents those accused of different types of theft.
Financial Crimes
You are probably familiar with the term “white collar crimes.” People who commit these offenses are financially motivated, but the crime does not entail any threat of physical harm or actual physical harm. Still, a conviction for a financial crime, especially one that involves generous amounts of money, do bear serious consequences and should be handled with care. Joslyn Law Firm accepts all financial crime cases, including the following:
- Credit card fraud
- Ponzi schemes
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Investment or mortgage fraud
- Bank fraud
- Pyramid schemes
- Bribery
A financial crimes lawyer in Cincinnati can defend someone accused of a financial crime.
Weapons and Gun Charges
Many people make the mistake of assuming that Ohio’s open carry gun laws mean the state does not care about gun regulations and weapon-related offenses. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ohio enforces many stiff regulations around gun and weapons possession, including the following:
- It is unlawful to transfer to a minor, by gift or by sale, a handgun or firearm. (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.21)
- It is unlawful to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in your vehicle without the appropriate license. (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.12)
- It is unlawful to carry a deadly weapon on school property. (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122)
- Unless they have successfully petitioned a court, it is unlawful for most individuals who have been charged and/or convicted of a felony or with domestic violence restraining orders to possess a weapon. (Supreme Court of Ohio Domestic Violence & Firearms Prohibition)
- If you are drinking in a bar establishment, it is unlawful to carry explosives, automatic firearms, and other types of firearms. (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.121)
If you are convicted of committing another type of crime in Cincinnati, your penalties could be substantially enhanced if a deadly weapon played a role in the offense. However, a firearm/weapon charges lawyer in Cincinnati can defend you.
Property Crimes
While it is true that some property crimes are classified as misdemeanors, with relatively light penalties, others are seen as more serious in the eyes of Ohio law. Examples of these more serious property crimes include:
- Breaking and entering
- Burglary (entering an uninhabited property with the intent to commit a crime)
- Robbery (using violence or threat of violence to forcibly take another person’s property from them)
- Arson
These types of serious property crimes are classified as felonies. The fact that a conviction for one of these crimes can result in your serving time in prison should urge you to seek the help of a property crimes lawyer in Cincinnati.
Sex Crimes
Ohio law recognizes a wide range of sex crimes. Many of these offenses are classified as felony offenses and should be taken very seriously by someone accused of committing them. These cases can be extremely delicate and challenging, as they can stem from misinterpreted situations or other subjective factors.
Despite the common lack of concrete evidence in many sex crime cases, they can result in the defendant being convicted, serving a prison sentence, and having to register as a sex offender.
Spare no time in seeking legal assistance if you are being investigated or have been arrested for or charged with a sex crime. You can only benefit from having a sex crime lawyer in Cincinnati to protect your rights in such a delicate proceeding.
Examples of felony sex crimes in Ohio include:
- Sexual assault (sexual contact without consent)
- Child pornography (even stemming from having “inappropriate” emails or one image on your computer)
- Importuning (approaching someone for sexual services)
Federal Offenses
Federal cases typically stem from suspected criminal activity that occurs on a large scale. If you face prosecution in a federal criminal court—which might happen if the offense of which you have been accused violates federal law—you should be prepared for a different set of procedures and rules compared with those enforced in state courts.
Furthermore, if you retain the services of a criminal defense lawyer, they must be specially licensed to practice in federal court. Know, too, that federal criminal courts abide by federal sentencing guidelines, which tend to be especially harsh. Strongly consider having a defense lawyer there to fight for your rights and present your case in its best light.
The above felony offenses represent only a small sample of the types of cases we handle at Joslyn Law Firm. Whatever your alleged offense, we can defend you against the charges brought against you.
Cincinnati, Ohio Misdemeanor Charges
Do not make the common mistake of dismissing misdemeanor charges as being nothing to worry about. Granted, the penalties associated with misdemeanors are not as harsh as those for a felony offense, but a misdemeanor conviction can land you behind bars, with probation to follow, on top of costly fines and long-lasting collateral consequences even after you serve your sentence.
With your freedom, finances, and future at stake, you should consider seeking the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Joslyn Law firm accepts misdemeanor cases, and our team of lawyers will fight to protect your rights, as we do with “more serious” cases.
Domestic Violence
In the event that a domestic violence allegation leads to misdemeanor charges, a defense lawyer can work on your behalf to guide you through the challenges you might face. For example, your accuser might seek a protective order against you. This order can prove difficult to comply with, as it might prevent you from seeing your children, returning to your home—and certainly, contacting the alleged victim.
Difficult as it may be, compliance with a protective order is essential when it comes to avoiding further complications in court. A domestic violence crimes lawyer in Cincinnati can help someone accused of domestic violence.
Petty Theft
Petty theft is classified as a misdemeanor charge. Ohio defines this crime as theft that involves stolen money or property with values that amount to less than $1,000. If convicted of petty theft, you will face fine and restitution penalties, along with others, including enhanced penalties if your criminal record shows you have prior theft-related convictions.
Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence/Driving Under the Influence (OVI/DUI)
Perhaps one of the most common of criminal offenses, an OVI/DUI represents a serious crime in Ohio per Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19. A person convicted of this crime faces the possibility of jail time, fines, probation, and driver’s license suspension. A defense lawyer working on your behalf might be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed, or they could at least negotiate for lighter penalties for you.
Traffic Offenses
Contrary to common misconception, traffic offenses are considered crimes in Cincinnati and are handled in Cincinnati criminal courts. A traffic stop can easily lead to your being issued a citation or, in some cases (OVI/DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license), being placed under arrest. There are many ways a criminal defense attorney at Joslyn Law Firm can help you with a traffic offense and work to minimize the negative outcomes for you.
Contact us before you pay a ticket or take other action that might have future legal consequences for you. For example, by paying a ticket, you are entering a plea of guilty, which can lead to your license being suspended or, at the very least, points on your driver’s license.
Criminal Courts in Cincinnati
Different courts have different rules and procedures. It is important that the lawyer you retain to help defend your criminal case be familiar with Cincinnati courts and the nuances that separate them.
Your criminal case will be assigned to one of any of the multiple courts in the Cincinnati area. Joslyn Law Firm regularly practices in these courts.
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court
1000 Main Street Room 410
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
These Ohio courts maintain jurisdiction over felony criminal charges. Across the state, each Ohio county has a distinct Common Pleas Court. Your case will wind up in Common Pleas Court if a grand jury indicts you on a felony charge, you waive your right to a preliminary hearing, or your case is bound over after your preliminary hearing.
Hamilton County Municipal Court
1000 Main Street Room 205
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
These courts oversee a wide array of traffic violations and misdemeanor cases. Sometimes, these cases are transferred to municipal court. If you choose to have a trial by jury, rather than in a Mayor’s Court, your case will be heard in municipal court. Similarly, appeals for a Mayor’s Court magistrate decision and preliminary hearings for felony charges can be handled in this municipal court.
Hamilton County Juvenile Court
264 William Howard Taft Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Hamilton County Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over a broad range of juvenile-related matters, such as delinquency, traffic charges, and criminal behavior. Generally, cases involving juveniles are heard by judges in the Juvenile Court, although in some instances, minors can be charged as adults. In these cases, the juveniles will appear in regular criminal court to have their cases decided. If you or your loved one is headed to juvenile court, you should consider hiring a lawyer with experience in the special procedures followed in these courts.
Cincinnati Mayor’s Courts
Ohio’s criminal court system differs from that of many other states in its use of Mayor’s Courts. Throughout the state, if an offense involves a violation of a local ordinance, the criminal matter might be assigned to a Mayor’s Court associated with the municipality where the alleged offender was arrested.
Instead of a judge, a magistrate hears cases assigned to their respective Mayor’s Court. The magistrate is an individual who the local mayor has appointed. In some cases, the mayors themselves act as magistrates in their municipality’s Mayor’s Court. One distinctive feature of a Mayor’s Court is that only bench trials are held in these courts. If a criminal defendant requests a trial by jury, their case will be referred to municipal court.
Here are some Cincinnati-area Mayor’s Courts to which your traffic case or misdemeanor could be assigned:
- Blue Ash
- Milford City
- Healthy City
- North College Hill
- Norwood
The criminal defense legal team at Joslyn Law Firm stands ready to assist you in any court to which your case is assigned.
Criminal Penalties in Ohio
In Cincinnati, the penalties for criminal convictions range widely. Several factors come into play when determining the penalties that result from an individual’s alleged offense, including the defendant’s criminal history and aggravating factors, to name a few.
Here we break down Ohio’s penalties associated with various types of offenses.
Ohio Misdemeanor Convictions
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor in Ohio, according to Ohio Statute § 2929.24, you face the following penalties:
- Minor misdemeanor: No jail time; $100 fine
- Fourth-degree misdemeanor: 30 days in jail; $250 fine
- Third-degree misdemeanor: 60 days in jail; $500 fine
- Second-degree misdemeanor: 90 days in jail; $750 fine
- First-degree misdemeanor: 180 days in jail; $1,000 fine
Ohio Felony Convictions in Ohio
If you are convicted of a felony in Ohio, according to Ohio Statute § 2929.14, you face the following penalties:
- Fifth-degree felony: Six to 12 months in prison; $2,500 fine
- Fourth-degree felony: Six to 18 months in prison; $5,000 fine
- Third-degree felony: Nine months to five years in prison; $10,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: Two to eight years in prison; $15,000 fine
- First-degree felony: Three to 11 years in prison; $20,000 fine
- Murder: 15 years in prison to a life sentence without parole
- Aggravated murder: Life sentence with possible parole after 20 years to the death penalty
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Ohio
If you are convicted of a criminal offense in Ohio, the consequences of your conviction extend well beyond any fines or time behind bars. In fact, there are hundreds of ways in which a conviction could affect your life. These effects are known as collateral consequences, and they include:
- Trouble finding housing
- Inability finding or keeping a job
- Becoming disqualified from certain types of jobs
- Having to register as a sex offender
- Social stigma
- Ineligibility for federal aid
- Higher insurance rates
- Having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle
- Deportation
- Ineligibility for professional licenses
- Ineligibility for certain types of educational programs
- Ineligibility for security clearances
A criminal defense lawyer at Joslyn Law Firm can fight on your behalf to prevent your conviction, reduce your penalties, and reduce your collateral consequences, helping you to resume a normal and productive life.
Possible Criminal Defenses in a Cincinnati Criminal Case
Considering the price you might pay for a criminal conviction—fines, possible jail or prison time, probation, parole, and a bevy of collateral consequences—you would be wise to take seriously putting together the best criminal defense possible, regardless of the charges against you.
For any charge, a criminal defense lawyer knows of multiple possible defenses we can mount. The defense strategy we apply to your case depends on many factors, including how your case was investigated, the details of your arrest, and the semantics of the allegations with which you are being challenged.
We can draw from an ample toolbox of criminal defenses, including the following:
- Errors in the forensic lab
- Coercion
- Mistaken identity/unreliability of eyewitnesses
- Fourth Amendment violations
- Fifth Amendment violations
- Entrapment
- False accusations
- Insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements of the crime
- Challenging that an act was knowing and intentional
Our defense team will pour over every facet of your case and identify the defenses that we can use to defend you against the charges you face.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
It is never too early to begin defending yourself against criminal charges. Consider enlisting the help of a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney the moment you feel you are being investigated for a crime. If you have already been arrested, connect with a defense lawyer. If you have already been charged with a crime, a lawyer can still help you. The earlier you get a defense lawyer working on your behalf, the more opportunities you give your attorney to help your case.
Hiring the right attorney is just as important as hiring a lawyer quickly. When considering whether a certain defense lawyer is right for you, check to make sure they have:
- Substantial experience representing criminal defendants
- Experience defending the offense with which you have been charged
- Courtroom experience
- Experience in the specific court where your case was assigned
If the law firm you are considering shows they have been recognized as a respected leader in the field of criminal law, it can only help your case.
Our credentials showcase us as being a top-rated and highly respected law firm locally, across the state, and nationwide. Call us today to learn more about our firm and our team.
Criminal Defense Resources
The following resources can be helpful to someone suffering from drug addiction:
Addiction Services Council
2828 Vernon Place
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Central Clinic/Court Clinic Division
909 Sycamore Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Central Community Health Board/Hamilton County Incorporated
532 Maxwell Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Central Community Health Board/Drug Services Treatment Program
3020 Vernon Place
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Crossroads Center
311 Martin Luther King Drive East
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Joseph House Incorporated
1526 Republic Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Life Walk Solutions/Outpatient Treatment Services
7710 Reading Road, Suite 112
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Talbert House/Passages for Young Women
1515 Carll Street
Cincinnati, OH 45225
Talbert House/ADAPT for Men
3009 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Criminal Defense Organizations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
www.nacdl.org
Advocacy group dedicated to ensuring fairness throughout the U.S. criminal justice system
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
www.oacdl.org
Support, information sharing, and networking for both public defenders and private defense attorneys
American Board of Criminal Lawyers
www.abcl.us
Honorary society of criminal defense lawyers who aim to achieve excellence in their practice of criminal defense and in their defense of the rights of criminal defendants
National College for DUI Defense®, Inc. (NCDD)
www.ncdd.com
Professional, non-profit organization with a mission of educating, training, and recognizing its DUI defense attorney members
DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
www.duidla.org
Non-profit organization with attorney members who strive for excellence in DUI defense across the country
Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA)
www.thenationaltriallawyers.org
A division of The National Trial Lawyers whose members are focused on seeking educational opportunities and networking
Association of Federal Defense Attorneys
www.afda.org
Internet-based organization of federal criminal defense lawyers centered on communication, education, and networking among federal criminal attorneys
National Association for Public Defense (NAPD)
www.publicdefenders.us
A non-profit organization that advocates for criminal defendants’ right to counsel as well as for criminal justice policies and effective public defense
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Question and Answers
Q: How long does it take a future indictment to come back?
A: Although prosecutors generally like to expedite indictments, when cases lack sufficient evidence for an indictment, a deeper investigation of the case is required. Prosecutors ultimately must abide by Ohio’s statute of limitations, which require that they indict you within six months for a minor misdemeanor and within two years for other types of misdemeanors. Felony offenses have different statutes of limitations, and murder cases are not constrained by any statutes of limitations.
Q: How do I find out if I have a warrant in Hamilton County?
A: Hamilton County makes two websites available to individuals who have missed a court date or who have other reason to believe they may have a warrant out in Hamilton County:
Do not become stressed if you learn you have a warrant. Instead, call Joslyn Law Firm, and we can inform you of your options.
Q: Can I afford a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer?
A: Joslyn Law Firm likes to maintain flexibility with our fees so clients can get the defense they need and deserve. Keep in mind, too, that you may pay more by not having a strong legal defense working on your behalf. Call today and talk to us about the legal fees that might apply to your case.
Q: What happens if I don’t get a lawyer?
A: Police and prosecutors want to make their arrests and get their convictions. Your best interest is not at the heart of what they do. By not having legal counsel by your side, you run the risk of having your rights violated and suffering a worse outcome for your legal situation.
Q: Why would it help to have the top Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers?
A: By hiring a law firm with top respected lawyers, you gain the advantage of legal representation that can give you an effective defense. In short, you give yourself the shot at the best possible outcome for your legal dilemma.
Q: Can police arrest me without evidence of my guilt?
A: Police are duty-bound to uphold your 4th Amendment rights, which protect you against unlawful search and seizure. Before they can arrest you, law enforcement must obtain a valid warrant or have probable cause of your criminal actions. Unfortunately, this duty does not prevent some police officers from making unlawful arrests. A defense attorney can protect you from such basic rights violations.
Q: How long does a criminal case take?
A: As a rule of thumb, more serious offenses take longer (months or even years) to resolve than misdemeanors or traffic violations (which might be resolved at the first court date). However, other factors also weigh into the length of a criminal case, including whether you plead guilty or not guilty.
Q: If I am convicted, how is the sentence determined?
A: Ohio law sets the minimum and maximum sentences for various types of crimes. These laws also take into account aggravating or mitigating factors, which might serve to worsen or lighten your penalties. Prior convictions also play a role in determining your sentence, as does whether you are considered to be a threat to society.
The judge has the discretion to order a specific sentence for defendants in a case, and your defense attorney can take the opportunity of a sentencing hearing to argue for a reduced sentence. Alternatively, your lawyer might think it best to strike a deal with the prosecutor in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Q: How long do you go to jail for drug possession?
A: The penalties for drug possession depend on the specifics of your case. For example, the court will consider the type of drug involved, as well as the quantity, and whether there is sufficient evidence of an intent to sell or distribute. Proximity to a school also factors into the sentencing for drug possession. Your criminal defense lawyer can fight to keep you out of jail in exchange for probation.
Q: What is the minimum sentence for a felony in Ohio?
A: In Ohio, felonies of different degrees are associated with different minimum and maximum sentences, depending on the type of felony charge. A conviction for a fifth-degree felony carries a minimum sentence of three months in jail, for example, although your lawyer might be able to talk that sentence down to probation. If you are convicted of a certain type of felony—including aggravated murder, rape of a child younger than 13, or possession of a firearm while committing a felony—you will face a mandatory prison sentence.
Cincinnati Criminal News
You can stay informed about reformed laws and other evolving aspects of the criminal justice system by tuning into a variety of news outlets. Consider these media resources that cover Cincinnati’s criminal news topics:
- ABC 9 WCPO: https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime
- Local 12: https://local12.com/
- WLWT 5: https://www.wlwt.com/local-news
- City of Cincinnati Reported Crime: https://insights.cincinnati-oh.gov/stories/s/Reported-Crime/8eaa-xrvz/
Other news outlets can keep Cincinnati residents informed of crime in their city and the surrounding areas.
Cincinnati Cop Charged with Drinking and Driving
A Cincinnati police captain was charged with drinking and driving in February 2020. In the video attached to the article, the cop, Amanda Caton, and her husband repeatedly tell the officer who arrested Caton that neither one of them is intoxicated. Caton was found to be intoxicated after the officer performed a sobriety test using eye movement.
Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Ohio – Lawyer Legion maintains an information center resource related to the practice of criminal defense and criminal law in the state of Ohio. This includes lawyers, law firms, legal associations, courts and government resources.
16 Charged with Crimes Related to Cincinnati Gun Violence
In September of 2020, charges were made against 16 suspects for gun violence. The suspects all have felony convictions. Investigations into Cincinnati gun violence continue, and repeat offenders are being targeted for prosecution.
Authorities Recover More Than 670 Grams of Fentanyl in North College Hill Drug Bust
In February of 2020, there were three overdoses in one day that led investigators to a man accused of selling fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine. Authorities arrested Darrell Seay, 44, on Friday on charges of corrupting another with drugs, trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, and endangering children.
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer
Brian Joslyn spent years working as a public defender before opening his own firm in Ohio. He has a deep understanding of criminal law, and his firm thoroughly investigates every case while working closely with every client.
Searching for the best criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio is a difficult task. We make that task easier by providing a free consultation. During the consultation, you can discuss the facts of the case with an attorney, find out more about the potential penalties for that crime, and find out the most effective ways to fight the charges.
We also represent clients who are accused of violation of probation or who have an outstanding warrant for their arrest in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Joslyn Law Firm defends the rights of clients throughout the greater Cincinnati area. We can help you fight for the best result in your case. You can call for a free, confidential consultation to have our attorneys review your case and help you understand all your legal options.
Call Joslyn Law Firm today at (513) 399-6289.
