1. Patituce & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and 400+ jury trials
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Patituce & Associates, the sole focus is on defending people who are facing criminal charges in Ohio. The team consists of three former Cuyahoga County prosecutors who are now dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of the accused. Collectively, the attorneys have won thousands of cases and successfully navigated more than 400 criminal trials. Joseph Patituce is one of only 8 board-certified criminal trial lawyers in Ohio. The Toledo criminal defense attorneys know the challenges clients face as they confront the charges against them and aggressively explore every conceivable legal avenue toward a reduction or dismissal on their behalf. At Patituce & Associates, LLC, the attorneys bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and resources to the table. Coupled with an impressive record of successful verdicts, the lawyers have the skills and expertise necessary to help navigate the Ohio criminal justice system.
Location: 412 14th St., Toledo, OH 43331
Contact: (419) 757-8408 | https://www.patitucelaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; clients speak to an attorney immediately
2. Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with national recognition and international experience
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes
Background: At Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C., the Toledo criminal defense attorneys have extensive legal experience. In fact, the attorneys are so well-versed in the law that judges and other lawyers seek them out for insight and advice. Members of the firm serve as legal educators and analysts, have authored books on criminal law, and have served as counsel both nationally and internationally. The firm is a Cleveland firm making a global impact. Having represented individuals and corporate entities all over the country and as far as Europe, Asia, and South America, the firm has a legacy of success that reaffirms their ability to effectively defend clients. The criminal defense attorneys aggressively and effectively defend individuals who are facing federal charges. The firm delivers the personalized representation of a solo practitioner coupled with the vast resources of a large firm.
Location: Toledo, Ohio (main office in Cleveland, serves Lucas County)
Contact: (216) 928-7700 | https://www.iannfriedman.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Mahaffey & Associates, Attorneys & Counselors at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive Northwest Ohio experience since 2002
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic offenses, expungement
Background: The attorneys at Mahaffey & Associates have practiced criminal defense for years, serving the Toledo area and surrounding counties of northwest Ohio. They have defended adults and youth against a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges. Ty Mahaffey, founder of Mahaffey & Associates, LLC, is a longtime resident of the Toledo area and has practiced law in northwest Ohio since 2002. The attorneys work in all courts of northwest Ohio and know the personalities and tendencies of local prosecutors and judges. Those insights are critical to making informed decisions in defense. The attorneys also handle expungement and sealing of old records of convictions and/or dismissals. The criminal defense attorneys understand that facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience.
Location: Sylvania, Ohio (serves Toledo and Northwest Ohio)
Contact: (419) 741-0111 | https://www.yourlocalattorneys.com/
Consultation: Free initial phone consultation available
4. Sawan & Sawan
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ combined years of experience
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, assault, weapons charges
Background: A fundamental constitutional right in the United States is that no one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. There is nothing more valuable than rights and freedom. When charged with a crime, these rights and freedoms are tested and must be vigorously defended. It’s this basic tenet that the criminal defense lawyers at Sawan & Sawan apply to the representation of every individual accused of a crime. The team works tirelessly on behalf of clients to ensure that all rights afforded to the accused are provided and respected throughout the criminal process. The team has over 35 combined years of experience representing people accused of crimes. The lawyers will work tirelessly to make sure the legal process is as fair and seamless as possible.
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Contact: (419) 900-0955 | https://sawanandsawan.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Karen A Novak Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with compassionate representation and extensive experience
Practice Areas: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes
Background: At Karen A Novak’s law firm, the understanding is that facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience. The firm offers various criminal law services to help clients navigate the legal system and protect their rights. For felonies, the team has extensive experience handling serious crimes such as homicide, robbery, and drug trafficking and can help navigate the complex legal system to achieve the best possible outcome. For misdemeanors, the team understands that even though these crimes are less serious, they can still have a major impact on life. At Karen A Novak’s law firm, the belief is that everyone deserves a fair trial and a strong defense. The commitment is to providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Location: 316 North Michigan Street, Suite 300, Toledo, OH 43604
Contact: (419) 241-3580 | https://www.attykarennovak.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Ohio
Felony Classifications
Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees:
First-Degree Felony: Includes rape, aggravated robbery, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is 3-11 years in prison (indefinite sentencing may apply for certain offenses) and up to $20,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes felonious assault, kidnapping, and burglary of an occupied dwelling. Penalty is 2-8 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes robbery, certain drug possession offenses, and domestic violence (third offense). Penalty is 9-36 months in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Fourth-Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, certain OVI offenses, and domestic violence (second offense). Penalty is 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Fifth-Degree Felony: Includes theft over $1,000, breaking and entering, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes assault, OVI (first offense with high BAC), and theft under $1,000. Maximum 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes obstructing official business and certain drug paraphernalia offenses. Maximum 90 days in jail and $750 fine.
Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes certain traffic offenses and criminal mischief. Maximum 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and minor drug offenses. Maximum 30 days in jail and $250 fine.
Minor Misdemeanor: Includes minor traffic violations and first-offense marijuana possession (under 100 grams). Fine only, maximum $150.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Ohio allows sealing and expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and certain felonies can be sealed. Ohio has expanded eligibility in recent years.
Waiting Periods: 1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies (from final discharge, including completion of probation).
Ineligible Offenses: First and second-degree felonies, most sex offenses, offenses involving violence against children, and offenses with mandatory prison terms generally cannot be sealed.
Effect of Sealing: Sealed records are not available to the public, and the person can legally state that no record exists for most purposes. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still access sealed records.
OVI Laws
Ohio OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 3 days to 6 months jail (or 3-day driver intervention program), $375-$1,075 fine, and 1-3 year license suspension. High BAC (.17% or higher) increases mandatory minimum jail and license suspension. Second offense within 10 years carries 10 days to 6 months jail, $525-$1,625 fine, and 1-7 year license suspension. Fourth offense within 10 years is a fourth-degree felony. Ohio has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension and can be used as evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Toledo?
Criminal cases in Toledo are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Lucas County Court of Common Pleas handles felony cases and is located at the Lucas County Courthouse. Toledo Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Western Division) handles federal criminal cases in the Toledo area. Having a Toledo criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) in Ohio?
Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) is a diversion program in Ohio for defendants whose criminal behavior was related to drug or alcohol use or mental illness. If accepted into the program, the defendant pleads guilty but the court does not enter a conviction. Instead, the defendant undergoes treatment and supervision for 1-5 years. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges are dismissed and can be expunged immediately. If the defendant fails, the court enters the conviction and imposes the original sentence. ILC is available for certain non-violent offenses and can be a way to avoid a conviction on your record. A Toledo criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for ILC.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Ohio?
A felony conviction in Ohio carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Ohio law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Ohio does allow sealing of certain felony records after the waiting period, but first and second-degree felonies and most sex offenses cannot be sealed. A Toledo criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing where eligible.
What is community control in Ohio?
Community control is Ohio’s term for probation in felony cases. When a defendant is sentenced to community control, they are allowed to remain in the community under the supervision of the Adult Parole Authority rather than being incarcerated. Community control typically includes conditions such as reporting to a probation officer, maintaining employment, submitting to drug testing, and avoiding further criminal activity. If the defendant violates community control, the court can impose the original prison sentence. The Ohio Sentencing Guidelines create presumptions for or against community control based on the offense level and criminal history. A Toledo criminal defense attorney can argue for community control as an alternative to incarceration.
Can I get my Ohio criminal record sealed?
Ohio allows sealing of many criminal records after waiting periods. The waiting period is 1 year for misdemeanors and 3 years for eligible felonies (from final discharge, including completion of probation). However, certain offenses cannot be sealed, including most first and second-degree felonies, sex offenses, offenses involving violence against children, and offenses with mandatory prison terms. There are also limits on how many convictions can be sealed (generally up to 2 felonies or 4 misdemeanors, with some exceptions). The petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. A Toledo criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to seal your record.