1. Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of litigation success and national recognition
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, homicide, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: With decades of litigation success and personalized client care, Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C. is recognized as a criminal defense team in Ohio. They combine bold strategies and big-firm resources to achieve exceptional results for every case, big or small. The firm delivers the personalized representation of a solo practitioner coupled with the vast resources of a large firm. 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. The homicide lawyers often accept cases that are believed to be impossible to win by other firms and have prevailed, winning acquittals. Distinguished accolades include the William K. Thomas Distinguished Jurist Award.
Location: Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio (serves Cuyahoga, Geauga, Franklin, Lake, Summit, Lorain, and Lucas Counties)
Contact: (216) 928-7700 | https://www.iannfriedman.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with technology and cybersecurity expertise
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, sex crimes, internet and computer crimes, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, identity crimes
Background: Attorney Brad Wolfe serves as an Acting Judge, the Co-Chair of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Technology Committee, and a Past Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Cyber Security, Data Privacy, and Emerging Technologies Section. The firm provides the highest level of advocacy, attention to detail, and assertiveness to protect what matters. The defense team combines verified legal experience with a comprehensive understanding of how technology influences the modern criminal justice system. This knowledge allows them to effectively challenge evidence, anticipate prosecutorial strategy, and navigate complex investigations with precision and professionalism.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Contact: (216) 815-6000 | https://bradwolfelaw.com/
Consultation: Confidential consultation available
3. Law Office of Gregory S. Robey
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board-Certified Criminal Trial Advocate and 30+ years experience
Practice Areas: RICO charges, white-collar crimes, cybercrime, drug and weapons violations, federal crimes, violent crimes
Background: Attorney Gregory Scott Robey is recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a board-certified criminal trial advocate and has been selected to Ohio Super Lawyers beginning in 2007 and each year since then. Mr. Robey is a graduate of the prestigious Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Jackson, Wyoming, where he studied trial law under Gerry Spence. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts, all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. Drawing from more than three decades of experience backed by courtroom successes, he champions justice and is a fierce advocate. Board certification is a mark of his commitment to upholding ethical standards while fiercely advocating for clients’ rights.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio (serves Greater Cleveland Area, Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga counties)
Contact: (216) 505-4950 | https://www.oh-criminal-lawyer.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Mastandrea Law, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former public defender experience and 25+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: Drug offenses, sex crimes, DUI/OVI, felonies, misdemeanors, violent crimes
Background: The attorneys at Mastandrea Law, LLC have a combined 25 years of experience in criminal defense and employment law matters. The criminal defense practice is led by Attorney Rod Mastandrea, a former public defender who has more than 14 years of experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases. As a boutique law firm, Mastandrea Law, LLC intentionally limits the number of cases they accept, allowing them to provide every client with the attentive, one-on-one representation they deserve. With more than 25 years of combined experience and over 5,000 cases handled, the attorneys have what it takes to represent clients and their rights.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio (serves northeast Ohio)
Contact: (216) 306-5105 | https://www.criminalattorney-cleveland.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available in person, by phone, or virtually
5. Patituce & Associates, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutors and significant courtroom experience
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: The team of Cleveland criminal defense attorneys at Patituce & Associates consists of former prosecutors and lawyers with significant legal experience inside and outside of the criminal courtroom. The firm understands that each specific situation requires individualized attention and is dedicated to providing just that. When retained for legal representation, the firm begins building defense even before clients face any charges. The goal is to dismantle the opposition’s case before it even has a charge to be formally brought. The firm emphasizes that if clients are facing prison, jail, and the loss of reputation, they need someone on their side who can make a difference.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Contact: (440) 771-1175 | https://www.patitucelaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Ohio
Felony Classifications
Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees:
First-Degree Felony: Includes aggravated robbery, rape, and kidnapping. Penalty is 3-11 years in prison (can extend to life for certain offenses) and up to $20,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes felonious assault, burglary of occupied structure, and trafficking in drugs. Penalty is 2-8 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes robbery, vehicular assault, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 9-36 months in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Fourth-Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, aggravated assault, and certain drug possession. Penalty is 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Fifth-Degree Felony: Includes breaking and entering, theft over $1,000, and certain drug possession. Penalty is 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes assault, theft under $1,000, and domestic violence (first offense). Maximum 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Maximum 90 days in jail and $750 fine.
Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes criminal mischief and negligent assault. 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 offenses and certain marijuana possession. Fine only, maximum $150.
Expungement and Sealing
Ohio allows sealing of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and certain felonies can be sealed. First-degree and second-degree felonies are generally not eligible unless they are non-violent offenses.
Waiting Periods: 1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies (from final discharge).
Ineligible Offenses: Sex offenses requiring registration, first or second-degree felonies (with exceptions), offenses against minors, and convictions with mandatory prison terms.
Effect of Sealing: Sealed records are not available to the general public, and the person can generally respond that no record exists.
OVI (DUI) Laws
Ohio uses the term OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) rather than DUI. OVI applies when 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. Second offense within 10 years carries 10 days to 6 months jail, $525-$1,625 fine, and 1-7 year license suspension. Third offense within 10 years is a felony (fourth-degree) with 30 days to 1 year jail. Fourth offense within 10 years is a third-degree felony. Ohio has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and Cleveland Municipal Court?
Criminal cases in Cleveland are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. Cleveland Municipal Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies that occur within Cleveland city limits. Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas handles all felony cases after indictment. The Common Pleas Court is located at 1200 Ontario Street in Cleveland. Having a Cleveland criminal defense attorney who knows both court systems and the specific judges and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case through the appropriate venue.
What is the grand jury process in Ohio?
In Ohio, felony charges must be presented to a grand jury for indictment. The grand jury consists of 9 citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor. The defendant does not have a right to be present, present evidence, or cross-examine witnesses. At least 7 of 9 grand jurors must find probable cause to return a “true bill” (indictment). If not, they return a “no bill” and the case is dismissed. Grand jury proceedings are secret. An experienced Cleveland criminal defense attorney may be able to present information to the prosecutor before the grand jury meets that could influence whether charges are pursued.
What is intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) in Ohio?
Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) is a diversion program for first-time offenders whose crimes were related to drug or alcohol use or mental illness. If granted, the defendant pleads guilty but the court stays the conviction and places the defendant on probation with treatment conditions. Upon successful completion of the program (typically 1-3 years), the charges are dismissed and the arrest record can be sealed. ILC is available for many offenses but is not available for violent offenses, sex offenses, or trafficking. A Cleveland criminal defense attorney can determine if you are eligible and advocate for ILC as an alternative to conviction.
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 (can be restored through certain procedures). You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses. You may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Felonies remain on your record unless sealed (and many felonies are not eligible for sealing). A Cleveland criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue sealing where eligible.
Can I get my Ohio criminal record sealed?
Ohio allows sealing (similar to expungement) of certain criminal records. Eligibility depends on the offense, the number of convictions, and the time since final discharge. Generally, first and second-degree felonies cannot be sealed unless they are non-violent. Sex offenses requiring registration and offenses against minors cannot be sealed. Most misdemeanors can be sealed after 1 year, and eligible felonies after 3 years. There are limits on how many convictions can be sealed (generally one felony or two misdemeanors). A Cleveland criminal defense attorney can evaluate your record and file a petition to seal eligible offenses.