Ohio Criminal Court Process Attorney
There are serious penalties associated with a felony charge and it could possibly prevent you from obtaining employment in the future. If you have been charged with an felony, it is in your best interest to hire an Ohio criminal lawyer so that you can better understand the process and properly develop a defense strategy. Call Attorney Adam Burke for your free consultation at (614) 280-9122.
Ohio Criminal Court Process
Probable Cause & the Search
The Ohio criminal court process begins with an investigation or a search, not with an arrest. In order for the police officer to conduct a search, they need to obtain a warrant that is issued by the court.
The warrant allows the police officer to check a specific location for evidence, such as your home. The police officer must have probable cause that the alleged offender committed the crime in order to get a search warrant.
There are situations in which a police officer does not have to obtain a warrant in order to search you, your car, or your property. If the alleged offender has been arrested, the police officer can search you or if you are arrested while you are in your vehicle, the police officer could search your vehicle without a warrant.
The Arrest and Your Rights
If the police officer has sufficient reason to believe you have committed a crime, he or she will place you under arrest.
At the point, the police officer will read you your Miranda Rights, which includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford an attorney, you have a right to an appointed attorney.
Ohio Felony Arraignment
Within about three days of your arrest, you will have to an attend an arraignment hearing. At this time, the charges against you will be read out loud in court and you will also enter your plea.
In Ohio, your plea options include:
- Pleading guilty: This means that you admit that you did the crime.
- Pleading not guilty: This means that you claim you did not commit the crime.
- Pleading no contest: This means that although you do not admit guilt, you also do not dispute the charges. This plea is often used if a corresponding civil trial is expected.
- Pleading mute: This means you do not enter a plea, and so the court enters a not guilty plea. This allows you to dispute the Ohio felony process up to that point.
Setting Bail
At the arraignment, the court may set bail for you. This is the amount of money you have to pay to be let out before your trial and it helps to ensure that you will appear for your trial. In certain circumstances the court may refuse to set bail.
In Ohio, bail can be paid in cash, by pledging property, or by a bail bond. Bail bonds are often offered by agencies similar to this Santa Ana Bail Bonds company in California, under the circumstance that you are not able to pay the full bail amount by yourself. Not all states allow third party interference in posting bail, but in Ohio, help can be taken from such providers which may ease immediate financial burden.
The Trial
Under Ohio felony laws, your trial will take place within 275 days after the arrest was made.
You will have a right to a jury trial, but you may waive this right by filing a written waiver with the court. 1
Attorney Adam Burke Llc - Columbus, Ohio Criminal Court Process Lawyer
If you have been charged with a felony in Ohio, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome for your situation. Attorney Adam Burke represents clients from Columbus and any of the surrounding areas in Ohio. Contact Attorney Adam Burke Llc now at (614) 280-9122 for your free consultation.