If you are accused of homicide, you are likely experiencing one of the most stressful events of your life. The uncertainty, the pressure from law enforcement, and the knowledge that the stakes could not be higher make it difficult to know what to do next. As a Logan murder defense lawyer, I help clients understand the charges, review the facts, and begin building a defense strategy that matches the circumstances of the case. I am certified by the Ohio Supreme Court as lead counsel in capital murder cases. I have the skill and experience you need.
From the moment of arrest, every statement you make and every step you take can affect the outcome. My role as your criminal defense attorney is to take control of the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure the state is held to its burden of proof. I prepare each case as if it will go to trial, while also exploring opportunities to narrow charges, exclude evidence, or negotiate when that path is in your best interest.
Ohio law divides homicide into several categories, each with different elements and penalties. The main statutes are found in Chapter 2903 of the Ohio Revised Code:
If you are charged in Logan, your case will be heard in the Hocking County Court of Common Pleas. I evaluate not only the statute cited but also whether specifications, such as use of a firearm, or a prior criminal record, could influence sentencing.
Every defense begins with evidence. I act quickly to secure body-cam recordings, 911 calls, witness statements, and forensic reports before they are lost or altered. I also examine how law enforcement conducted searches, lineups, and interrogations. If your rights were violated, I file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
The strategy depends on the facts. Some cases focus on accidents, mistaken identity, or lack of intent. Others may involve self-defense, as well. Forensic evidence can be decisive, so I work with independent experts to analyze DNA, ballistics, autopsy reports, and laboratory procedures. In prior cases, I have challenged improper testing protocols and raised questions about chain of custody when evidence was not handled correctly.
In sex-related homicide allegations, such as cases involving allegations of sexual assault connected to a death, the defense must address not only forensic details but also sensitive issues of consent, credibility, and expert testimony. These cases often involve complicated witness dynamics, and part of my role is to highlight inconsistencies and expose investigative shortcuts that prosecutors might otherwise rely on.
Beyond the courtroom, I handle bond hearings, discovery disputes, and plea discussions. I keep you and your family informed, lay out timelines in plain language, and prepare every case with trial in mind so that we are ready for any outcome.
Many clients want to know what to do immediately after being charged with murder. I typically recommend:
I am always available to answer questions or serve as your voice when you are contacted by authorities.
If you are facing homicide charges in Logan, you do not have to face them alone. I can review your indictment, explain the timeline, and discuss defense strategies tailored to your situation. This can be an extremely lonely time, and my goal is to protect your rights and give you clear guidance at each stage of the process.
At Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law, I bring experience, preparation, and determination to every case. Call today to begin building a defense that focuses on your future.
Client was charged with murder due to the child’s fractured skull and massive brain hemorrhage. The state’s theory was client struck the child with a baseball bat. Through the reconstruction of events and the use of a defense expert, I could show that injuries resulted from a fall.
Caretaker was charged with failure to properly supervise a child who accidentally died. He received an 18-month sentence with probation.
