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Springfield, Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers

“Millions of people” cycle through American criminal courts every year. The spread of zero-tolerance policing and prosecution has drawn many people into the criminal justice system. The scope and impact of a criminal charge and its collateral consequences highlight the critical role that criminal defense attorneys play for those accused of crimes in Ohio.

The “fundamental obligation” of a criminal defense attorney is to provide zealous and effective representation for their clients during all stages of the criminal process.

The skilled and experienced attorneys at the Springfield, OH, criminal defense law firm Gounaris Abboud, LPA, have an extensive history of successfully representing those accused of crimes. Contact a Springfield, Ohio, criminal defense attorney at the firm by calling (937) 729-3575 or filling out the online form to schedule a free initial consultation.

Role of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ohio

Criminal defense lawyers in Ohio perform an essential role in the country’s criminal justice system. Those facing felony or misdemeanor charges must remember that they have “fundamental constitutional rights”.

These three primary rights include the following:

  • The accused has a presumption of innocence
  • The burden of proof remains with the prosecution
  • The prosecution must prove the case “beyond a reasonable doubt

Additionally, other protections for those accused of serious misdemeanors or felony offenses in Ohio include the following:

  • Right to a jury trial
  • Right to confront and examine the state’s witnesses
  • Right to compel witnesses to testify
  • Right of an accused not to testify

An experienced criminal defense lawyer at the firm will consider all these fundamental rights when evaluating and making decisions about their client’s case.

Criminal Charges in Springfield, OH

The Springfield criminal defense lawyers at Gounaris Abboud handle the following types of Ohio criminal matters:

The Springfield, Ohio, criminal defense attorneys on our team have a comprehensive understanding of how the Springfield Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Department, and local prosecution handle criminal offenses in the area. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial to successfully defending against criminal charges.

Stages of Criminal Cases in Springfield, Ohio

Developing a reasonable and compelling theory of innocence is critical to securing a favorable outcome. The Springfield criminal lawyers at Gounaris Abboud keep these tenets at the forefront of their defense strategy during all stages of a criminal case.

Generally, the stages of an Ohio criminal case can include the following:

  • Crime occurs or is reported
  • Police investigation
  • Arrest, summons, or direct indictment
  • Initial court appearance
  • Preliminary hearing
  • Grand jury
  • Arraignment and plea
  • Presentence investigation or pretrial conference
  • Trial or sentencing
  • Appeals

Each stage presents an opportunity for the accused to avoid or reduce the charges or sentences they may face.

Defenses to Criminal Charges in Ohio

A good defense attorney will determine a theory of innocence during discovery and investigation.

Some potential defenses to a criminal charge in Springfield include the following:

  • The client was there, but no crime was committed
  • The client was present, but someone else committed the crime
  • The client was not there, and there is reasonable doubt about the client’s guilt
  • It was an accident
  • Lack of intent
  • Self-defense
  • Entrapment
  • Duress
  • Insanity

A lawyer can establish reasonable doubt about the accused’s guilt by showing the following:

  • The police did not engage in a thorough investigation
  • The police violated the accused’s constitutional rights
  • The prosecution’s witnesses are not credible
  • The prosecution’s forensic evidence is not reliable

An experienced attorney will review a client’s case and develop a strategic and personalized defense.

Get Started on Your Defense Today by Speaking with Our Springfield Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s an understatement to say that there is a lot riding on the outcome of your case. Even if you’ve been told that jail time isn’t likely, a conviction can significantly limit your education and employment options for the rest of your life.

At the law firm of Gounaris Abboud, a criminal defense lawyer in Springfield, Ohio, our team can provide you with the defense you need, deserve, and are legally entitled to, ensuring that your rights are respected through every stage of the process.

We understand the stress and anxiety that naturally come along with having a pending criminal case, and we do everything possible to make sure that your case ends with the best result possible.

To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today, call (937) 729-3575 or submit our online contact form.

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