Lancaster Criminal Defense Lawyer

     This page of the website is provided to give you a brief introduction to four of the more common types of criminal charges I defend.  I defend all types of criminal charges and yours may not be discussed below.  However, because each case is unique there is no substitute for speaking with an attorney.  Therefore, you should discuss your case personally with a criminal defense attorney before making any decisions.  I provide criminal defense throughout Central Ohio, including Hocking, Fairfield, Franklin, and Perry counties, which include the communities of Lancaster, Pickerington, New Lexington, Logan, and Columbus.  If you believe I can be of assistance, please call me at 740-653-0961. 

Domestic Violence:

     Often people are charged with domestic violence for what appears to be little or no reason or out of a simple argument.  Although your case may seem "simple" it is important to understand that the effective defense of domestic violence charges requires a full understanding of the nature of the charges, the unique ramifications of the charges, and the underlying often unseen political circumstances surrounding domestic violence charges. 

     If you have been charged with domestic violence, you may have been temporarily removed from your home, you may be forbidden to see your children, or you may have a temporary protection order issued against you.  I am able to help you through this very trying and frustrating initial time.  You should not agree to waive a temporary protection order hearing or consent to a protection order without first speaking with a domestic violence attorney.  Doing so may disadvantage your case in some situations.

     If a protection order is not issued, an effective resolution of your case still requires an understanding of the nature of these types of cases and attention needs to be paid to all circumstances surrounding your case.  Further, there may be serious consequences surrounding a conviction for domestic violence including: enhancement of any future charges to the level of a felony, restrictions on firearms possession, future complications in finding or maintaining employment, and other social or economic issues.  You should consult with a domestic violence lawyer before entering any plea other than NOT GUILTY.

Drunk Driving / OVI / DUI:

     There are two different criminal charges people usually face with respect to drinking and driving: (1) driving with an alcohol level over the legal limit (.08 for breath and blood; .11 for urine); and (2) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  If you are driving and test over the legal limit you will most likely be charged with both offenses.  However, if you do not take a blood-alcohol test, test under the limits, or test positive for drugs, you will be charged with the under the influence offense.

      In most cases an effective OVI / DUI defense of these charges begins with a challenge to the constitutionality of the stop, the proper administration of the field sobriety tests (the walk and turn, the one-leg stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus or eye test), the proper administration of your blood-alcohol test, and the reliability of your specific blood-alcohol test.  This challenge is accomplished through the filing of a Motion to Suppress and an evidentiary hearing.  The second step in defending these cases is centered on trial preparation, collection of favorable defense witnesses, evaluation of officer's report, and cross-examination of the officer.

     The severity of the penalties associated with conviction vary by the number of times an individual has been convicted of drunk driving / OVI in the last 6 years or within their lifetime.  Penalties for a first time offense range from: 72 hours of confinement in jail or a driver intervention program to six months in jail, a $250 - $1,000 fine, and a 6 month to 3 year license suspension.  However, the penalties substantially increase for those with prior convictions.  

     If your license has been suspended, you can receive the right to drive to and from work and for other necessary reasons while your case is pending.  There is however, a mandatory suspension period of all driving rights that ranges from 15 to 90 days depending upon whether or not you took the alcohol-breath test and the number of prior convictions you may have.  Speaking with an experienced OVI / DUI lawyer may help in eliminating the charges you are facing.

Drug Trafficking / Manufacturing / Possession:
 
     Almost all drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, or drug possession charges are felonies.  They are serious offenses and if you have been charged with a felony drug offense you will need a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side.  However, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 100 grams is a minor misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia is also a misdemeanor.  Although these cases may appear less threatening, it is important to keep in mind that a conviction of any drug offense comes with an automatic 6 month driver's license suspension and may prohibit you from lawfully owning a firearm. 

     The defense of crimes of this nature varies widely with the charge.  Because of the serious consequences involved, each drug defense must be tailored to the specific facts of the case.  Often, however, there exist constitutional defenses involving vehicle stops or the issuance and execution of search warrants, defenses surrounding the involvement of the police, questions concerning the identification and measuring of the drug involved, and defenses associated with surveillance or confidential informant issues.  All of these should be carefully considered and evaluated in preparing the appropriate defense strategy. 

Sex Offenses:

     There has been an increase in the number of people charged with sex offenses in recent years.  This means that there has also been an increase in the number of innocent people charged with sex offenses.  I have successfully defended many people accused of sex offenses.  However, because of the nature of these charges a successful defense is not easy.  I understand the role physical evidence or the lack of physical evidence plays in these cases, I appreciate the value of a thorough pre-trial investigation, and I recognize the different effective means of cross-examination of complaining witnesses at trial.

     It is also important to understand the very serious nature of these types of charges or accusations.  First, the penalties for some sex offenses can be very severe including LIFE IN PRISON.  Second, most crimes of this nature include a sex offender registration if convicted.  This means that you could be labeled a sex offender, be required to register with local law enforcement, and have your neighbors notified of your conviction.

     You should not speak with law enforcement about any allegation, especially sex offenses without first speaking with a criminal defense attorney.  Contact me by calling (740) 653-0961 if you have been charged with any of the mentioned charges or any other criminal charges.  I am the criminal defense lawyer who is on your side.

Andrew H. Stevenson,
Attorney at Law
301 E. Main Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: (740) 653-0961
Fax: (740) 653-4342
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