Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Akron

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Akron, Ohio?

  Contact the Akron Police at (330) 375-2181 or (330) 375-2552 for non-emergency concerns and incidents.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Akron, Ohio?

  You can request a copy of a police report by calling (330) 375-2950, going to the Akron Police Department Records Room in person, or mailing your request to the department (address below). Akron Police Department Records Room Room 208, 217 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308.

  You can also email the police report request to apdrecordsroom@akronohio.gov.

• What happens if you refuse to take the breathalyzer test in Akron, OH?

  Your license can be suspended for a year if you refuse the breathalyzer test. The state's implied consent law requires motorists stopped for OVI suspicion to submit to testing for blood alcohol level. You can still be found guilty of DUI/OVI even if you refuse the breathalyzer test, as the Akron police officer will also conduct field sobriety tests to determine your impairment, such as the walk-and-turn and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests.

• What is the pre-trial diversion program offered in Akron, and do you qualify?

  The pre-trial diversion program was designed to give defendants of minor offenses in Akron an alternative to prosecution. The defendant must plead guilty and complete specific requirements during a probationary period. After the diversion program is completed, the case is dismissed and the arrest record expunged, as if the charges never happened. Defendants of first-time, non-violent criminal offenses, such as white-collar crimes, theft, and underage drinking, are eligible for the pre-trial diversion program.

• What are your rights following an arrest in Akron, OH?

  You have the right to remain silent, the right to consult an attorney, and are not required to provide a statement to law enforcement or anyone else. Remember that the police are allowed to lie and may aggressively question you to extract information or a confession. It is recommended that you contact an Akron criminal defense attorney right after your arrest to protect you from incrimination.

• Will you be sent back to jail for a probation violation in Akron, OH?

  Yes. If you have been suspected of violating your probation, the court will be notified and an arrest warrant for you can be issued immediately. You will be arrested and sent back to jail without bail while your probation violation case is being heard. You can also be sent back to prison to serve out your sentence if found guilty of violating your probation. Representation from an Akron criminal defense attorney can help clear the violation or mitigate its consequences.

• What do you need to prove to use the self-defense argument in a criminal case in Akron, OH?

  If you are going to claim self-defense in your Akron criminal case, you must prove two points:

  • You were not the aggressor in the incident
  • Your belief that you were in danger was reasonable

  The “duty to retreat” before using force is no longer a requirement for self-defense. Ohio’s “Stand Your Ground” law reversing the idea of having to retreat first took effect in April 2021.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.