If you have been charged with a violent crime or are under investigation on suspicion of committing one, you need to secure representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. As a violent crimes lawyer, I provide essential legal assistance to individuals in Pomeroy, OH facing these wide-ranging charges.
Everyone deserves to have their side heard, and I regularly defend clients accused of violent offenses including assault, domestic violence, robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault. I could help you comprehend the specific charges and the potential legal consequences, as well as conduct a thorough review of police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to understand the strength of the prosecution’s case and identify any legal weaknesses.
In Ohio, violent crimes are defined as those that involve the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person. All violent crimes require a vigorous defense, and as an experienced Pomeroy lawyer, I am capable of providing this.
Any crime where the offender intentionally or recklessly uses physical force, or threatens to use physical force, against another individual can be classified as a violent crime, including all of the following scenarios.
This involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member, recklessly causing serious physical harm, or threatening harm to cause fear of imminent physical harm. The charge requires a family or household relationship between the parties. Penalties vary based on the offense and prior convictions. (Ohio Revised Code § 2919.25)
This offense involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm or recklessly causing serious physical harm to another person or unborn child. Assault is typically a first-degree misdemeanor but can range from a third-degree misdemeanor for negligent assault to a felony for aggravated or felonious assault. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.13)
This crime involves knowingly causing serious physical harm or causing or attempting physical harm with a deadly weapon. It is typically a second-degree felony, becoming a first-degree felony if the victim is a peace officer or other protected official. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.11)
This involves removing or restraining someone’s liberty for purposes such as ransom, facilitating a felony, or engaging in sexual activity. The crime is generally a first-degree felony but can be reduced if the victim is released unharmed. It can be increased to include a life sentence if the victim is a child under 13 and there is a sexual motivation. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2905.01)
Robbery involves attempting or committing theft while possessing a deadly weapon, inflicting or threatening harm, or using force. This offense ranges from a third-degree to a second-degree felony depending on the circumstances, with aggravated robbery being a higher offense. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2911.02)
This offense involves causing death or the unlawful termination of pregnancy as a result of attempting or committing a felony or misdemeanor. The severity of the offense depends on whether the underlying act was a felony (first-degree felony) or a misdemeanor (third-degree felony). (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.04)
A person commits voluntary manslaughter if they knowingly cause a death or the unlawful termination of pregnancy while in a fit of rage from serious provocation by the victim. This is a first-degree felony with significant prison time and fines. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.03)
This crime involves purposely causing death, or the unlawful termination of a pregnancy, or causing death while committing or attempting a first or second-degree felony. (Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.02)
Penalties for violent crimes vary based on the specific offense and its degree (first degree being the most severe, fifth degree the least). Generally, penalties include prison time and fines, with potential for additional penalties like Post-Release Control. For example, a first-degree felony can result in three to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. A second-degree felony carries a penalty of two to eight years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. In Ohio, murder and aggravated murder (first-degree murder) are punishable by life imprisonment, with aggravated murder potentially carrying the death penalty.
As a Pomeroy attorney, I could provide the strong legal defense crucial to mitigating the consequences of a violent crime charge. Every piece of evidence needs to be scrutinized and questioned, which I can do as your legal counsel. From ballistics to DNA to witness testimony, all of it can be weaker than the prosecution lets on. With my background, I can make sure the jury sees the alternative explanations.
I have a strong background in forensic science, particularly as it relates to criminal defense. I hold a Ph.D. in criminology and have extensive experience in analyzing forensic evidence including DNA, fingerprints, toxicology, and more. As a Pomeroy violent crimes lawyer, I use this knowledge to represent clients in various cases.
I am here to guide you through each stage of the legal process from arraignment and pretrial hearings to trial, preparing you for court appearances. If it is in your best interest, I could negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable plea deal, potentially resulting in reduced charges or a lighter sentence – or push for a full case dismissal or not-guilty verdict. Contact my firm today to discuss your situation and what I can do for you.