Were you or a loved one charged with a crime in Mansfield, OH? Minor infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies can impact your life forever. Consulting a Mansfield criminal defense attorney early in the legal process can help you protect your rights and mitigate the consequences of your charges.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, our Mansfield criminal defense lawyers have the experience and dedication to help you fight your charges. We’ll defend you and advocate for your charges to be dismissed or reduced.
Contact our law offices today at (419) 910-2605 to discuss your case with a member of our team. Your initial consultation is free.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With a Crime in Mansfield, OH
Our firm was founded in 1946, and our attorneys have over 181 years of combined legal experience. Our Mansfield criminal defense attorneys have represented over 1,000 clients in state and federal court.
When you hire one of our Mansfield criminal defense lawyers, we understand that you’re putting your future in our hands. We’ll take the following steps to fight for justice on your behalf:
- Collect evidence to defend your case
- Track down and interview witnesses
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence if possible
- Hire expert witnesses to refute the prosecution’s evidence, if necessary
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Research the relevant law
- Develop your defense strategy
- Prepare and file motions on your behalf
- Negotiate a dismissal or plea to a reduced charge or sentence with the prosecution
- Argue your case in court and represent you at trial
- Appeal your case if you have an unfavorable outcome
Our strategy will depend on what’s necessary to fight your case. Contact our office to discuss your case in more detail with one of our Mansfield criminal defense attorneys.
What Are Your Rights if You Are Accused of a Crime in Mansfield, OH?
Ideally, you should be aware of your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process—including if you are under suspicion, investigated, arrested, or charged. Knowing your rights is your first line of defense, but consulting an experienced Mansfield criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.
What Are Your Rights With the Police?
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you have the following rights when dealing with the police:
- Due process, which mandates specific procedures or safeguards before the government can deprive you of life, liberty, or property.
- Be informed if you are arrested and of the charges against you.
- Be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- A reasonable opportunity to contact someone and tell them you’ve been arrested, such as your family members.
- See a judge within a reasonable time—typically 48 to 72 hours.
- The police must give you a Miranda warning before questioning you in custody. A Miranda warning informs you of the remaining rights listed here.
- Remain silent when questioned or stop answering questions.
- Speak with an attorney.
- Have a court-appointed attorney if you are unable to afford one.
Remember these rights and ask that they be explained and honored if you interact with the police. Then, contact an experienced Mansfield criminal defense lawyer who will demand that your rights be protected as soon as possible.
What Are Your Rights in Court?
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Ohio, you have the following rights that apply throughout the court process.
- Due process.
- Be represented by an attorney during most court appearances.
- Adequate representation by your lawyer.
- A speedy trial.
- A public trial by an impartial jury.
- Defend yourself, present evidence on your behalf, and confront witnesses against you.
The rights to an attorney, adequate representation, and the ability to present your case in court emphasize the importance of hiring skilled legal counsel. Our dedicated Mansfield criminal defense lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.
What Are the Steps in a Criminal Case in Ohio?
There are many phases to a criminal case in Ohio. Understanding these phases can help you feel more at ease and empowered throughout the process. Keep in mind that your case may include only some phases described below.
Initial Charge
In Ohio, the police or prosecutor will file a complaint formally bringing charges against you when they believe they have enough evidence to show you committed a crime.
Arraignment
Your initial court appearance is called an arraignment. At this hearing, the judge will explain the charges against you and your rights. The court will usually address and set the bond at your initial court appearance.
Discovery Phase
The case will proceed to the discovery phase if the defendant enters a not-guilty plea. During this phase, both parties will exchange information relevant to the alleged crime.
Sometimes, the parties don’t agree on what information should be exchanged or presented to the jury. In these cases, they can ask the judge to decide about the evidence.
Trial Phase
If the prosecution doesn’t dismiss the charges or the defendant doesn’t plead guilty or no contest, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, the prosecution must prove to the jury that you are guilty of the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.
Your attorney will defend your case by presenting evidence, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and making statements to the jury.
Sentencing Phase
If you plead guilty or are convicted at trial, your case will proceed to sentencing. There, the judge will impose a sentence based on the relevant statutes and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing.
Post-Conviction Phase
After you’re sentenced, your case is in the post-sentencing or post-conviction phase. You might file an appeal if you disagree with the outcome of your trial or file motions to alter your sentence.
The post-conviction phase may also include allegations that you’ve violated the terms of your probation or other sentencing conditions.
What Are the Possible Penalties for a Crime in Mansfield, OH?
A judge will decide your sentence within the parameters set out in state law. Your sentence may include the following penalties.
Fines
Misdemeanors and felonies may include a fine, which is a monetary charge.
Probation
Probation is an alternative to incarceration. Usually, the judge will specify that if you fail to complete probation, a jail or prison sentence will be imposed instead. While on probation, you must comply with specific conditions. For example, you may be required to have a job, pay a fine, attend substance abuse counseling, or submit to drug testing.
Jail Time or Prison Time
Instead of probation, a judge may sentence you to jail or prison time. Judges may choose this option for more serious crimes, for defendants with criminal records, or for defendants who appear to be poor candidates for probation.
Do I Need To Hire a Private Defense Attorney in Richland County?
Having competent legal representation is crucial if you’re charged with a crime in Ohio. If you qualify based on your financial resources, you may qualify for a court-appointed attorney. However, while public defenders are dedicated and often well-trained attorneys, they are also often overworked and lack the resources that private defense attorneys have.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can significantly impact your future by protecting your rights and defending you against criminal charges. Our Mansfield criminal defense lawyers have control over their workload and the necessary resources to fight for justice on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Mansfield Criminal Defense Attorneys
Our Mansfield criminal defense attorneys have the compassion, backbone, and experience to fight your charges. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.