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 domestic violence it can be used to enhance a subsequent incident and make it a felony. If facing a charge of domestic violence you need to consult with an experienced attorney promptly. The unfortunate reality is that in the heat of the moment there are times when false allegations are made, police are called out, and the person is arrested. Most police departments have a policy of arresting a person who is being accused of domestic violence, even when no physical injuries are observed.
Our attorneys have handled domestic violence cases in both the misdemeanor and felony level. We have been successful in having charges dismissed, or reduced. We know what issues are out there that may preclude the use of a prior conviction, which is essential in reducing it from a felony. Additionally, we can identify other issues in the offense that may lead to the case being dismissed outright. If facing these charges you should contact us to set up an appointment to discuss your options.
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.