Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys

Facing criminal charges is a terrifying situation. Often, the entity filing the charges has already built up a case against their suspect. The suspect’s only hope is to call a Cleveland criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. In Cleveland, Akron, or Youngstown Ohio, a suspect’s best bet is to call the Criminal Defense law firm of Friedman & Gilbert.

An experienced Cleveland criminal defense lawyer at Friedman & Gilbert can take on all kinds of criminal cases, including:

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes are a major contributor to crime statistics in the United States. It is a crime to own, hold, manufacture, buy, sell, and use illegal drugs. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 25% of state and federal inmates in 2004 were jailed on drug related offenses. If convicted, these crimes can elicit prison sentences of more than 10 years. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has published a strategy to fight internet drug sales. The ONDCP also gives up-to-date information on policy strategies, drug treatment programs, and information on both illegal and prescription drugs. 

Homicide/Murder

Under criminal law, there are several classifications of murder:
Murder is a purposeful killing without premeditation
Aggravated murder is a premeditated killing where the prosecution must prove intention, prior calculation, and design
Capital murder refers to first-degree murder with other felony acts such as kidnapping or rape. Sentences range from 20 years to life imprisonment and the death penalty. Currently, 182 inmates are awaiting execution for capital crimes.

Since 2002, there have been more than 500 murders each year in Ohio, according to Ohio Law Enforcement Agency crime reports.

White-Collar Crimes

The FBI characterizes white-collar crimes by intention to deceive and breach of trust. White-collar criminals defraud people, companies, or governmental entities in order to seize money or property, or to evade payment or services. Embezzlement, fraud, and insider trading are some examples of the white-collar crimes Friedman & Gilbert defend.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are some of the most severely punished crimes in the United States. Most sex crimes carry prison sentences between 6-7 years, and penalties for the most violent sex crimes such as rape can be much harsher. If convicted of a sex crime, a felon will have to place his or her name on a sex offender registry. The various degrees of this list are reflective of the brutality of crimes committed and the likelihood these acts will be repeated.

Federal Criminal Practices and Sentencing

Judges and lawmakers establish the federal government’s criminal sentences. These sentences often reflect the judges and lawmakers’ personal opinions and philosophies, and can prove to be unfair sentences with little chance for parole. A good Ohio defense attorney such as those at Friedman & Gilbert is familiar with federal criminal practices and statutes and will fight these blanket punishments to get his clients more appropriate rulings for their crimes.

Appeals

Sometimes, judges and juries make mistakes. The outcomes of criminal defense cases are not always right, and those cases must be repealed. It takes a skilled and experienced attorney to handle an appeal; there is often prejudgment that the original ruling was correct. Appeals lawyers must fight through these prejudices and argue their clients’ case even stronger the second time. Friedman & Gilbert have the experience necessary to overturn your conviction.

Tax Crimes

Tax crimes refer to any crime committed in relation to taxes, including tax fraud, filing a false tax return, and tax evasion. Most tax crimes fall under the fraud umbrella, but tax evasion typically stands alone. All tax law is complex and difficult to interpret. If you are charged with a tax crime, it is time to contact Friedman & Gilbert. This Cleveland criminal defense based law firm is well versed in tax law and equipped to try your case to the fullest power of the law.

Fraud

Fraud charges run the gamut. As one of the broadest types of white-collar crime, fraud offenses include:

  • Credit card fraud
  • ATM fraud
  • Tax crime
  • False bankruptcy
  • Corrupt business practices
  • False advertising
  • Computer fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Securities and exchange fraud
  • Many other areas
The average prison sentence for fraud charges is two years in a federal prison, but can escalate to five years in jail.

RICO

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was passed to help disband organized crime. Passed in 1970, RICO defines strict rules and regulates behavior of organizations. RICO cases can get very complex, involving other kinds of crimes and conspiracies. Anyone charged with a RICO crime in Ohio needs a Cleveland criminal defense lawyer with a wide breadth of criminal defense experience, such as Friedman & Gilbert.

See Wikipedia for more information on the RICO act or the actual RICO statue.

Gun Crimes

Ohio gun and firearm laws regulate the use, sale, manufacture, and transportation of weapons. Gun crimes, including the unlawful use of a weapon, can get tricky. These laws change often, and you need an experienced and knowledgeable Cleveland criminal defense attorney to defend your Second Amendment rights. For quick reference, check out some quick FAQs on current Ohio gun laws.

Conspiracy

A conspiracy charge indicates that the accused acted with one or more people to commit a crime. In Cleveland criminal court the prosecution in these cases must prove a direct relationship among the accused and show proof of the communication among the defendants. While such relations can be difficult to prove, your Cleveland criminal defense attorney must be aggressive and ready to tear down the prosecution’s case before it is built. 

Homeland Security Defense

One of the most important issues in the United States is homeland security. Undoubtedly, Americans need to be protected from dangerous acts committed against our nation. However, at what cost? The Patriot Act and other privacy breaching laws infringe on citizens’ rights each day. False allegations of homeland security endangerment are terrifying to face. If you are suspected of these charges, you need an aggressive, experienced attorney to gather evidence and defend your rights immediately. Contact us now.

Federal Habeas Corpus

Habeas corpus is a Latin term meaning, “you have the body” and refers to the lawful observance of an individual’s Constitutional rights. This judicial mandate orders a convicted person to appear in court in front of a judge to determine if the imprisonment or conviction of that person is lawful. The habeas corpus petition indicates that there has been some error in conviction or sentencing and asks that the federal ruling be reviewed. A skilled and astute Cleveland criminal defense lawyer is necessary for filing a writ of habeas corpus—and only a brave lawyer will file it in a federal claim. 

DUI/DWI

The Ohio Insurance Institute has published some statistics on drunk driving. According to their information, Ohio motorists saw more than 16,400 car accidents involving alcohol in 2005, and 474 drunk driving related deaths.

Drunk driving laws are quite strict in Ohio. For one offense, a person can lose his license for 90 days. If he refuses to be tested, he can lose his license for an entire year. If you are looking at a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge, call the Cleveland criminal defense attorneys at Friedman & Gilbert now.

Contact the law offices of Friedman & Gilbert by calling 1-877-572-3955 to speak with a Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorney.

 

Contact Us

Telephone:
216-241-1430


Fax:
216-621-0427


600 Standard Building
1370 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113


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Friedman & Gilbert is located in Cleveland, OH and serves clients in and around Berea, Lakewood, Cleveland, Independence, Maple Heights, Olmsted Falls, Beachwood, Brecksville, Bedford, Euclid, Rocky River, Brookpark, Chagrin Falls, Broadview Heights, Solon, Gates Mills, North Royalton, Northfield, Wickliffe, Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lorain County, Medina County, Portage County, Summit County.

This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

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