Were you or a family member arrested on criminal charges in Norwalk, OH? Even the accusation that you committed a crime can turn your life upside down. When you’re facing prison time, serious financial penalties, and damage to your reputation, an experienced Norwalk criminal defense attorney at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is ready to stand up and protect you.
Collectively, our lawyers have over 181 years of experience in criminal defense law. We’re well-prepared to build the strong and effective defense strategy you deserve.
A criminal conviction can fundamentally change your life. You don’t have time to waste, so call our law offices in Norwalk, Ohio, at (419) 871-9015 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your defense options today.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Committing a Crime in Norwalk
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is an award-winning criminal defense law firm that’s been around since 1946. For decades, our Norwalk criminal defense lawyers have successfully helped clients beat the charges against them in criminal cases.
We’ve been around long enough to know the best strategy while no two cases are the same–and no lawyer can promise a certain outcome.
Hiring our team means you’ll have a strong advocate in your corner to:
- Independently investigate the allegations and collect our own evidence
- Analyze all evidence the prosecution intends to use against you
- Start negotiating immediately to have the case dropped or charges dismissed
- Protect your legal and constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal process
- Immediately file a motion to have illegally obtained evidence thrown out
- Ensure you understand your rights and options at every stage
- Work with top experts who can strengthen your legal defense
- Vigorously defend you before a judge and jury at trial, if necessary
Our Norwalk criminal defense attorneys are here to protect your interests during this stressful time. We know the stakes are high and you can count on us to do everything possible. Give us a call today to get started.
We Handle All Types of Criminal Defense Cases in Norwalk, OH
Our team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers defends clients against all types of criminal charges in Norwalk and across Huron County.
Examples of our practice areas include:
- Assault and battery
- Burglary
- Driving under the influence (DUI/OVI), including repeat offense DUI and felony DUI
- Drug crimes
- Domestic violence
- Employee fraud
- Federal crimes
- Internet and computer crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- Manslaughter
- Murder and homicide
- Restraining orders
- Robbery
- Sex crimes, including sexual assault
- Theft crimes
- Violations of probation or parole
- Violent crimes
- Weapons charges, including firearm charges
- White collar crimes
We can also help if you’ve previously been convicted of a crime and are trying to have the charges expunged.
Whether you’ve been arrested or suspect you are under investigation for committing a crime, it’s never too early to consult a lawyer. Contact our law firm in Norwalk to get started today.
What Are the Potential Penalties if I’m Convicted For Committing a Crime in Norwalk, Ohio?
The penalties for a criminal conviction can vary dramatically in Ohio. Ohio courts follow complex sentencing guidelines in felony cases.
Some factors that will impact the punishment on conviction include:
- The nature of the crime and whether it was a violent crime
- Whether the defendant was a first-time or repeat offender
- The presence of aggravating or mitigating factors, and the nature of those factors
- The likelihood of recidivism
- Whether the law imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences
Five classes of felony-level crimes exist in Ohio. Fifth-degree felonies are the least serious. You might face fifth-degree felony charges if you’re accused of certain non-violent drug or theft crimes.
On the other end of the scale, first-degree felonies are the most serious types of crimes. Murder, rape, and kidnapping are all classified as first-degree felonies.
Under Ohio law, the following punishments may apply for felony convictions:
- Fifth-degree felony: six to 12 months in jail and $2,500 in fines
- Fourth-degree felony: six to 18 months in jail and $5,000 in fines
- Third-degree felony: nine months to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony: two to eight years in prison, $15,000 in fines, plus additional prison time for more serious violent offenses
- First-degree felony: three to 11 years in prison, $20,000 in fines, plus the possibility of additional prison time or a life sentence for the most serious crimes
You may be facing enhanced sentences if the criminal offense is a violent crime or if you’re a repeat offender. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s important to have a vigorous defense ready if you’re accused of a felony. Public defenders are overworked and often not up to the task.
If you’re facing felony charges, contact our law offices in Norwalk before you start answering questions. Your consultation is completely free and confidential.
What Happens if I’m Convicted of a Misdemeanor in Ohio?
Make no mistake, misdemeanors are still crimes. You should never take misdemeanor charges lightly. You’re still facing jail time if convicted of a misdemeanor in Ohio.
You could be sentenced to:
- Up to 180 days in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor conviction
- Up to 90 days in jail for a second-degree misdemeanor conviction
- Up to 60 days in jail for a third-degree misdemeanor conviction
- Up to 30 days in jail for a fourth-degree misdemeanor conviction
Some misdemeanor charges carry mandatory jail time. In other cases, the judge has discretion and may allow you to serve the sentence in intermittent confinement. In some cases, they may even authorize a limited release or probation.
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Ohio
Prison and monetary penalties are not the only consequences of a criminal conviction.
Even after serving your time, you may be dealing with:
- Probation or parole
- A lasting criminal record that makes it difficult to find housing or employment
- Immigration problems
- Loss of child custody and other family court matters
- Loss of your right to own or carry firearms
- Loss of your right to vote
- Loss of professional licenses or difficulty obtaining a license
- Sex offender registration requirements for sex crime convictions
Building the most vigorous defense possible is your only option when you’re charged with a crime.
What Defenses Are Effective if I’ve Been Accused of Committing a Crime in Ohio?
Building a strong defense is the only way to minimize the fallout when you’re facing criminal charges.
Our team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers has decades of experience handling cases similar to yours. We’ll carefully evaluate the facts and determine the defense strategies that are most effective in your case.
Your defense may include:
Challenges to the Prosecution’s Evidence
Especially in the most serious cases, juries tend to rely heavily on hard evidence. That evidence isn’t always as reliable as it seems.
Evidentiary challenges depend on the types of evidence the state prosecutors are using in your case, but might include:
- Proving a breathalyzer used in your case wasn’t properly calibrated
- Challenging whether the chain of custody over DNA or other physical evidence was proper
- Proving a key witness had the motivation to lie on the stand
We often work with expert witnesses when mounting these challenges. Forensic scientists, ballistics experts, forensic accountants, and even crime scene analysts can all help us challenge the reliability of the evidence being used against you.
Police or Prosecutors Violated Your Constitutional Rights
Law enforcement has to play by the rules at every stage in the criminal process. As a suspect, you’re still entitled to certain protections under federal and state law.
Count on our lawyers to do everything possible to protect your right to:
- Have an attorney present when answering questions
- Be free from unreasonable search and seizures
- Remain silent
- Have a competent attorney represent you at trial
The investigation and interrogation process can be incredibly overwhelming. You may not be entirely sure whether your rights have been violated. That’s one reason why it’s so important to have an experienced lawyer with you at every stage.
When evidence is obtained illegally, our lawyers in Norwalk will move immediately to have it excluded from consideration.
Actual Innocence Defenses
Innocent people are accused of crimes all the time. Unfortunately, they’re sometimes also convicted of crimes. You can count on our lawyers to carefully investigate to locate any exculpatory evidence that can prove your innocence.
Your innocence defense may involve:
- Witnesses who can give you an alibi
- Cell phone and GPS tracking that can prove you were somewhere else
- Evidence to prove you are a victim of mistaken identity
- DNA and physical evidence
- Evidence of discrimination and police bias
Our lawyers have the significant resources you’ll need to locate these types of evidence.
Arrange a Free Consultation With an Experienced Norwalk Criminal Defense Attorney Today
When your future is on the line, don’t take a chance with an inexperienced attorney. Call a trusted Norwalk criminal defense attorney at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers. With our help, you’ll be much more likely to succeed.