Were you accused of homicide in Sandusky, Ohio? Don’t face these serious charges alone. Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a free consultation at (419) 625–7770. Our Sandusky homicide lawyers are here to represent you vigorously throughout the entire process, aiming for as favorable an outcome as possible under state law.
We bring 181 years of combined courtroom experience to every criminal defense case we handle and understand that the stakes couldn’t be higher in these circumstances. If you hire our top-rated criminal defense law firm, we’ll make your case our priority from the beginning and will fight for your rights to the very best of our ability.
Contact us today to learn more about how best to handle your charges going forward. We can provide you with legal advice during your free consultation.
Why Hire Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers If You’ve Been Arrested for Homicide in Sandusky, OH?
When you’ve been accused of something as serious as homicide in Sandusky, OH, the criminal defense attorney you choose can determine the course of your life. Prosecutors have nearly unlimited resources on their side, working to convict defendants. You need a law firm in your corner that can match that level of preparation and skill at every stage.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we approach every homicide case as if it will go to trial. Our legal team knows how to handle high-stakes criminal defense matters exactly like these, no matter what it takes. That experience allows us to anticipate the state’s tactics and develop defense strategies designed to protect you or even to get the charges dropped.
Our Sandusky criminal defense lawyers offer unparalleled legal support for serious criminal matters. Our dedication is evidenced by the successful outcomes we’ve secured for countless clients, and we continuously strengthen our defenses by leveraging relationships with respected experts. Throughout the entire process, we prioritize clear communication, ensuring you are always kept up to date on your case’s progress.
Furthermore, the numerous awards and accolades we’ve received from prestigious organizations like Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell reflect our recognized skill and commitment to excellence.
You are not just another case file to us; you are a person whose life and future are at stake. Get in touch with our Sandusky homicide lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Homicide Charges in Ohio
Per Chapter 2903 of the Ohio Revised Code, the state has a number of laws relating to homicide. Each type of charge reflects different levels of intent and the circumstances surrounding the alleged act.
Learning about these distinctions is essential when preparing a defense.
Aggravated Murder
This is Ohio’s most serious form of homicide. It typically involves an intentional killing carried out with prior planning or during the commission of certain felonies, such as kidnapping. The prosecution must prove both intent and premeditation. This can be difficult without strong evidence.
Murder
Murder generally applies when a person causes another’s death purposely but without the element of prior calculation. It can also be charged when a death occurs during a violent felony, whether or not the defendant intended for anyone to die.
Voluntary Manslaughter
This offense covers killings that happen in the heat of passion or under sudden provocation. The act must occur before a reasonable amount of time has passed for a person to cool off emotionally. The law recognizes that extreme emotional stress can affect decision-making, but still treats these cases as serious felonies.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone unintentionally causes another person’s death while committing a separate unlawful act, such as assault. The law can still hold the accused responsible for the resulting death even when there isn’t an intent to kill present.
Reckless Homicide
Reckless homicide occurs when someone causes another person’s death by acting with reckless disregard for safety. Under Ohio law, “recklessness” means consciously ignoring a substantial and unjustifiable risk that your actions could result in harm.
Negligent Homicide
Negligent homicide involves a death caused by criminal negligence, such as acting carelessly in a dangerous situation. Although less severe than other homicide charges, it still carries long-term implications and requires a thoughtful defense.
Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Manslaughter
These charges arise when someone is accused of causing another person’s death with a motor vehicle. This could include allegations of speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. In many cases, the outcome depends heavily on accident reconstruction and forensic evidence.
No matter what kind of homicide charge you face, the prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Sandusky criminal defense attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
What Are the Possible Penalties for a Homicide Conviction in Sandusky, OH?
The penalties for homicide under Ohio law vary widely depending on the type of charge, but can be severe:
- Aggravated murder: Life in prison without parole or the death penalty
- Murder: A mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison
- Voluntary manslaughter: 3 to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000
- Involuntary manslaughter: 1 to 11 years in prison, depending on the underlying offense
- Negligent homicide: Up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
Note that while the death penalty is still technically a possible sentence under Ohio law, there have been no executions in the state since 2018.
Collateral Consequences of a Homicide Conviction
A homicide conviction in Ohio can have far-reaching effects that extend well beyond the courtroom as well.
Collateral consequences include things like:
- A permanent criminal record
- Employment barriers
- Loss of professional licenses
- Housing difficulties
- Financial restrictions
- Loss of civil rights
- Immigration consequences
- Emotional and social impact
These lasting repercussions can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. It’s strongly advised that you get legal help as soon as you possibly can if you’re facing homicide charges in Ohio.
What Defenses Are Available to Homicide Charges in Sandusky?
Every homicide case is unique, but the law allows several potential defenses depending on the facts and circumstances.
Some of the most common defenses in Ohio homicide cases include:
- Self-defense or defense of others: Arguing that you used reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from imminent harm
- Lack of intent: Showing that the act was accidental or unintentional, which may reduce the charge to a lesser offense
- Mistaken identity: Demonstrating that law enforcement accused the wrong person.
- Insufficient evidence: Challenging the credibility of the evidence presented by law enforcement and the prosecution
- Violation of constitutional rights: Arguing that your rights were violated at some point in the process
- Causation challenges: Questioning whether your actions directly caused the alleged death in question
A successful legal strategy focuses on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and building reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
Our Sandusky homicide attorneys can carefully evaluate every piece of evidence to determine which defense strategies best fit your case. While no outcome can ever be guaranteed in these cases, it’s not impossible that your charges could be dropped altogether in some situations.
How a Sandusky Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Respond to Homicide Charges
There are many steps a defense lawyer can take on your behalf to help you move forward.
When you work with Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we can:
- Conduct a detailed investigation into every aspect of your case
- Review forensic reports, witness statements, and police procedures for inconsistencies
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Work with respected experts to bolster your defense further
- Negotiate with prosecutors to pursue a desirable outcome when possible
- Prepare and present a strong defense at trial if needed
Homicide charges are especially serious, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically be convicted. As with any criminal case, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We’re highly familiar with how local prosecutors and judges operate, and we’ll use that knowledge to your benefit at every turn. We can answer all your questions during your free case review. Reach out today to set up a time to meet.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Sandusky Homicide Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been accused of homicide in Sandusky, OH, your freedom and future are on the line. You need a proven trial attorney on your side who knows how to win in Ohio courtrooms.
That’s exactly what Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can provide you with. Our team has successfully handled some of the most complex and high-stakes criminal cases in the state since our founding. We’ll stand by you from the moment of your arrest through the final verdict, ensuring that your legal rights and interests are protected at every stage.
Call our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Sandusky homicide lawyer. We can review the facts and circumstances of your case and begin working on your defense immediately.