Lebanon, OH Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a crime can be incredibly scary. Whether it is your first criminal charge or not, just thinking about the potential consequences of a criminal conviction can be overwhelming. Having an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney by your side can give you peace of mind throughout the process.
According to the FBI, in 2017 alone, 224,423 people were arrested for criminal offenses in Ohio. This number includes 22,865 juvenile arrests. If you are one of the people arrested in Lebanon or the surrounding areas, we can help.
At Engel & Martin, we represent clients throughout Ohio who have been charged with a range of crimes, from high-level felonies to less serious misdemeanor offenses. As former prosecutors, we know how the system works. Each day, we put that knowledge to work for our clients to help them achieve the best possible outcome.
TYPES OF CASES WE HANDLE
In Ohio, there are two levels of criminal offenses with which our clients are charged: misdemeanors, and felonies. Both felony and misdemeanor offenses are categorized by degree, from minor misdemeanors to fifth or fourth degree (least serious) to first degree (most serious). Certain offenses can involve mandatory jail or prison time, mandatory fines, mandatory suspensions of your operator’s license, parole, probation, and related costs and expenses.
We represent clients who have been charged with any state or federal offense in Ohio, including:
- OVI/DUI/DWI
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Possession
- Domestic Violence Offenses, Including Protection Orders
- Burglary
- Robbery/Theft Crimes
- Assault
- Other Violent Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Computer and Technology Offenses
- Juvenile Offenses
- Misdemeanor and Traffic Offenses
- White Collar Crimes
No matter what the charge may be, we are committed to providing the highest level of representation, from the investigation phase to the final resolution.
OUR APPROACH
Our firm was founded by former prosecutors. As a result, we understand the intricacies of the criminal justice system and how charging and prosecuting decisions are made. This knowledge informs our defense strategies.
If you decide to hire our law firm, we will get to work immediately. In many cases, the most critical time for defense work is in the initial days following an arrest or even before charges are filed. By taking an aggressive, proactive approach, we may be able to avoid an arrest or get a charge reduced or dismissed.
Each of our cases begins with a thorough investigation. Rather than waiting for the prosecution to turn over evidence, we work to find facts that may aid in your defense. We often work with investigators to:
- Locate and re-interview witnesses;
- Obtain and review surveillance tapes;
- Canvass neighborhoods for witnesses;
- Do background checks on witnesses; and
- To find evidence that corroborates your story.
We will carefully examine all evidence and information in your case, analyzing it in light of Ohio law. From there, we will negotiate with prosecutors, file motions to suppress evidence, or even seek to have the charges thrown out entirely.
While we stand ready to, and often do, take your case to trial in order to obtain a favorable outcome, when it is in a client’s best interests, we negotiate directly with the prosecutor to secure a favorable plea arrangement. Together, our legal team has handled thousands of criminal cases in state and federal court.
Throughout your case, we will remain in close, personal contact with you, answering your questions and keeping you updated on your case’s progress. We know that this is an incredibly stressful time for our clients, so we are dedicated to open communication and accessibility.
FORMER PROSECUTORS FIGHTING FOR YOU
Our law firm is unique in the region. Founded by former prosecutors Joshua Engel and Mary Martin, and joined by Jim Hardin, our entire team is composed of former prosecutors. As a result, we know how the system works, and which strategies will be most effective to get you a favorable outcome.
If you have been charged with a crime in Mason, Lebanon, or the surrounding areas, we can help. We will put our decades of experience to work for you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a Lebanon, OH criminal defense attorney,