How Criminal Law is Unique in Ohio

When you face criminal charges, you need an Ohio defense attorney who has a comprehensive understanding of the unique laws and regulations in the state.  At Friedman & Gilbert, an experienced, knowledgeable Cleveland criminal defense attorney knows what is required to mount a successful Ohio legal defense.

Among the unique aspects of criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio is sentencing.  Broad sentencing reform was enacted in 1996 when the Ohio state legislature passed Senate Bill 2, which emphasizes the concept of truth in sentencing.

Basically, this means that the amount of time a person serves should accurately reflect the sentence given by the judge.  In other words, if the judge orders a sentence of five to ten years in prison, the convicted person should actually serve five to ten years. With truth in sentencing, parole and early release are much less likely to occur.  That is why you need a skilled Cleveland criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight to limit your sentence.

The effect of Senate Bill 2

Before Senate Bill 2 was passed, judges issued their sentences as ranges and a parole board later determined when an inmate could be released from prison based on his or her behavior during incarceration.  The bill changed this process in some fundamental ways.

For example, the sentencing judge now has almost total control over the sentence of an offender.  Judges have much more discretion when imposing a criminal sentence and are less limited by sentencing guidelines.  They can also consider other factors, such as whether a deadly weapon was used and the age of the victim.  And in most cases, only a judge can modify a sentence—parole boards do not have the authority to release a prisoner from a non-life sentence.

The right Ohio criminal defense

The right Ohio criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference.  That difference depends on your decision to select a law firm with a successful track record of skilled Cleveland criminal defense when you are charged with any of the following:

You should seek the experienced legal counsel you deserve from a Cleveland criminal defense lawyer with proven results. No matter what charges you face, you are entitled to the best legal defense available.

Contact an experienced Cleveland, Ohio Criminal defense attorney

If you or someone you love has been charged with criminal violations in the state of Ohio, the Cleveland defense attorneys at Friedman & Gilbert will defend your rights and fight to limit your sentence. You and your family cannot afford to have inexperienced lawyers trying to defend you. Contact Friedman & Gilbert for a FREE consultation.