Criminal Defense in Cleveland, OH
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Cleveland, Ohio attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Cleveland, OH is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Ohio criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Cleveland criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Cleveland professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Cleveland, OH who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Cleveland you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.
Probation
Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Ohio laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Cleveland, Ohio you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
A judge in Cleveland is free to use their best discretion when sentencing a convicted criminal to probation. That doesn’t mean you can be on probation forever, however. Ohio Revised Code limits the courts to a maximum of five years for this punishment.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
The Ohio Legislature passed criminal codes establishing the conditions a court can impose on a probationer. Depending on the nature of the crime, a judge can order the following types of requirements:
- Restitution payments
- Limitations on travel
- Community service hours
- Steady employment or full-time classes
- Regular meetings with a probation officer
The Cuyahoga Probation Department assists the Common Pleas Court in monitoring probationers and collecting fees. If a probation officer believes that someone did not meet their responsibilities, they can arrest them at any time. Further, if the court finds that person guilty at the revocation hearing, they can return to prison for the full-term of their original conviction. If the violation is severe enough, a probationer can face more criminal charges in addition to their current sentence.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Cleveland, Ohio criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
Parole
Parole requires you to report to a parole officer, who will outline the expectations and rules you must follow. In addition to enforcing these conditions, the officer monitors your progress and reports back to the court and parole board.
Parole refers to the period following release from incarceration. Similar to probation, it comes with strict conditions and safeguards that must be followed to avoid further penalties.
Adult Parole Authority Policies outline expectations for both parolees and officers. If released on parole, the court may impose strict restrictions, including restitution payments, community service, and travel limitations. Even minor parole violations can lead to affidavits revoking privileges and possibly bringing new criminal charges.
Violating parole terms may result in serving the remainder of your sentence. More serious violations can lead to additional charges and extended incarceration, requiring the assistance of a , criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Cleveland, Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Cleveland criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Cleveland, OH criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Ohio state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
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