When you are facing criminal charges in Ohio, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding a conviction and a substantial sentence. There are also mistakes you might make that would significantly impede the ability of a successful defense at trial. Some of these mistakes are:

  • Running from the police
  • Throwing drugs or other contraband while running from the police
  • Talking to the police
  • Posting about your arrest on social media

But, the following are mistakes that you should also avoid!

Getting Arrested Again

If you are awaiting trial in an Ohio criminal court, don’t get arrested again while your trial date is pending. Show the judge that you are doing everything you can to improve your life and being accused of another crime is not going to win you any favors in court. Keep a low profile, keep your distance from anyone who might be doing anything illegal, and do the best you can to avoid a criminal record.

Missing a Court Date

In Ohio, your trial date is not the first date you are required to show up in court. Make sure you know all of the dates you are scheduled to appear and make arrangements to be at the courthouse early. If you are unclear on when you need to be in court (or if you have misplaced your summons), talk to the best criminal defense attorney in Ohio as soon as possible.

Failing to Request the Prosecution’s Evidence

As a defendant in the Ohio criminal justice system, you are entitled to know what evidence the prosecution intends to use against you in court. This right exists under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the process for requesting the prosecution’s evidence is known as “discovery.” Using the discovery process effectively is crucial to building an effective defense.

Failing to Understand the Consequences of a Conviction

When facing a criminal charge, you need to know what is at stake in your case. Ohio law imposes severe penalties for first-time and repeats offenders, so if you are hoping to get off easy without putting any effort into your defense, you are going to be sorely disappointed when the sentencing phase of your trial arrives.

Allowing the Police and Prosecutors to Make Mistakes

Even the most-experienced detectives and prosecutors make mistakes. When they do, the consequences can be significant. From failing to timely read your Miranda rights to failing to disclose key evidence during discovery, if a mistake amounts to a violation of your constitutional rights, you may be able to use it as a defense in court. On the other hand, if you allow a mistake to slide, you could end up being unjustly convicted and facing a lifetime of consequences that could – and should – have been avoided.

Ignoring Other Potential Defenses

While police mistakes and prosecutorial miscues are two sources of potential defenses, there are defense strategies that the best criminal defense attorney can put together. As a defendant, you need to thoroughly evaluate all of the defenses that are available. From a lack of evidence to necessity and self-defense, there are many different ways to avoid a conviction or mitigate your sentence at trial.

Assuming You are Innocent

Regardless of the facts of your case, you cannot assume that you will be found “not guilty” in court. Many of Ohio’s criminal statutes are extraordinarily complex; and, even if you don’t think you committed a crime, the law may say otherwise. In addition, innocent people are convicted every single day. So, the fact that you didn’t commit a crime isn’t necessarily going to be enough to protect you.

Assuming You are Guilty

While you cannot afford to assume that you are innocent, it is equally dangerous to assume that you will be found guilty by a jury of your peers. With all that is a stake in your case (including consequences that will reach far beyond any term of probation or imprisonment), you cannot leave the outcome in the hands of the prosecutors, the jury, and the judge. You need to defend yourself by all means available.

Waiting for Your Trial Date to Arrive

All of this means that you have work to do before your trial date arrives. The prosecutors assigned to your case will be working on their arguments well in advance of your trial, and you need to match (and preferably exceed) their efforts during each pre-trial phase of your case. With a proactive and aggressive approach, in many cases, it will be possible to secure a favorable result without the need to go to court.

Waiting Too Long to Speak with an Attorney

Don’t go at it alone. Get in touch with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the best way to avoid unnecessary consequences; and, the sooner your attorney can get started, the more time he or she will have to build a strategic defense. It is never too soon to consult with an attorney, but waiting too long can put you in a dangerous position.

The Bottom Line: While some criminal charges come upon you suddenly, other times you can see them coming. When you know you are under investigation for a crime it can be hard to know whether you need a criminal attorney or not. But waiting to schedule a consultation could affect your rights and your freedom. When you are the target of a criminal investigation, it can feel like you are all alone against the police, the prosecutors, and the government. As investigators execute warrants, tear through your things, and pepper you with questions, you need to know your rights. First and foremost: you have a right to the assistance of a lawyer.  Call Scott Rubenstein: 513.260.2099