Probably the largest portion of criminal cases we handle at Deal & Hooks are drug offenses. These range from minor misdemeanor possession of marijuana all the way to a first degree felony for drug possession and trafficking. Potential penalties vary depending on the charge, but even the smallest offense carries significant penalties.
We have represented clients charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription medicine in various municipal courts throughout Ohio. Likewise, we have represented people charged with possession of crack, cocaine, heroin, LSD, meth, felony possession of marijuana, pills, trafficking, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, illegal manufacture, and tampering with prescriptions throughout Ohio. We have successfully represented them at numerous stages from pre-indictment to appeals. Finally, we have successfully defended at the trial and appellate level those charged with violating federal drug laws. Mr. Hooks successfully vacated two life sentences on appeal for an individual convicted of possession of meth with a mandatory life sentence.
Domestic violence offenses are serious charges that can have a significant impact. Even a misdemeanor conviction where you are not sentenced to jail can have long-ranging effects. A conviction can bar you from owning a firearm, coaching your child’s sporting team, serving in the military, getting the job that you wanted. Even more seriously, if you have a prior conviction for
Misdemeanor offenses are defined by the potential penalties. A misdemeanor cannot result in a sentence in prison. At most, a sentence of six months in local jail can be imposed for a misdemeanor conviction. These can vary in nature from a serious charge of domestic violence or a DUI case to a less serious disorderly conduct or possession of drug paraphernalia. Most misdemeanor cases are handled in the local Municipal or County Court. Typically, the court and prosecutor handling these cases is carrying a very heavy caseload and cannot devote the proper amount of time to the cases until trial approaches.
Prostitution is illegal in Ohio. A person who attempts to engage a prostitute may be charged with solicitation or prostitution. A prostitute may be charged with either solicitation, loitering or prostitution. Most of these cases are charged as third degree misdemeanors in Ohio. These offenses can carry jail time and significant fines. Additionally, a conviction can carry a stigma and follow you. There are defenses to these cases. At some times a person approaches a prostitute to help without knowing that he or she is a prostitute. An officer who observes the exchange may not know this. Additionally, there is a possibility that there are suppressible issues where certain evidence or statements must be excluded.