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Misdemeanors

Columbus Misdemeanor Crimes Defense Attorney

Key Insights on Misdemeanor Charges in Ohio

You have been arrested on what police say is a misdemeanor offense? You may have many questions about your situation. Is this a serious crime? How will conviction affect your future? What punishments can you be subject to?

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, our Columbus misdemeanors attorneys have more than 15 years of legal experience and can answer these questions for you. When you retain our services, our firm remains available to provide advice and counsel regarding your rights and legal options.

Are you worried about how a misdemeanor offense may impact your future? Call (614) 707-4239 or contact us online to set up a free, confidential initial consultation.

Overview of Misdemeanor Charges in Ohio

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is generally considered less severe than a felony; however, it is still a serious matter that can carry significant penalties. For individuals charged with a misdemeanor, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. The stress and anxiety of navigating the legal system, the potential impact on one's reputation and employment, and the strain on relationships can lead to a range of negative emotional effects, from heightened stress to depression. Understanding the gravity of misdemeanor charges and their profound impacts can help individuals seek the appropriate legal support and resources needed to manage these challenges.

Common Misdemeanor Offenses in Ohio

With the help of a knowledgeable Columbus misdemeanor lawyer from our criminal defense firm, we can establish a defense that either gets your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed. In some cases, we can successfully negotiate with the prosecution to secure lesser penalties or alternative sentencing to keep your record clean. Regardless of the circumstances, you can count on us to fight to clear your name.

Impact of Misdemeanor Convictions on Your Life

It's important to understand the potential consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Ohio. While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still have a significant impact on your life. Consequences of a misdemeanor conviction may include:

  • Fines and court costs
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Loss of professional licenses
  • Difficulty finding employment
  • Impact on immigration status
  • Loss of voting rights

It also means that you will carry a criminal record that can be searched during employer background checks and can prevent you from obtaining employment or a professional license within certain fields. If you are charged with a misdemeanor again in the future, having a previous conviction can actually escalate the new charges to the felony level.

Our experienced misdemeanor attorneys in Columbus can help you understand the potential consequences of your charges and work to build a strong defense to protect your rights and future.

Start Building Your Defense Today: Call (614) 707-4239

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Facing Misdemeanor Charges

When facing a misdemeanor charge, it's crucial to avoid actions and decisions that could negatively impact the outcome of your case. Here are some common mistakes people make in these situations:

  • Talking to the Police Without Legal Representation: Many individuals believe they can explain their way out of a charge. However, without legal representation, anything you say to the police can be used against you in court.
  • Ignoring the Charges: Some people think that ignoring the problem will make it go away. Missing court dates or failing to comply with orders can lead to additional charges and penalties, making your situation worse.
  • Representing Themselves in Court: While you have the right to represent yourself, doing so without the necessary legal knowledge can be detrimental. A qualified attorney understands the law and can help navigate the complexities of your case.
  • Failing to Gather Evidence and Witnesses: Not taking the time to collect evidence or secure witnesses who can testify on your behalf can weaken your defense. Evidence and credible testimony can be critical to achieving a favorable outcome.
  • Posting About the Case on Social Media: Sharing details about your case on social media can be harmful. Prosecutors can use your posts against you, and privacy settings are not foolproof.
  • Ignoring Legal Advice: Your attorney's advice is based on experience and knowledge of the law. Choosing to ignore this advice can complicate your case and result in less favorable outcomes.

Many people have misconceptions about the seriousness of misdemeanor charges. Often, people make the mistake of thinking they do not need legal representation to take on a misdemeanor or that they should simply plead guilty and move on. However, both of these assumptions could lead to devastating consequences. It is crucial that you fight your charges, no matter how serious! Even a minor misdemeanor could haunt your record and come back to bite you when combined with a future charge.

The Meranda Law Firm LTD is committed to providing quality and affordable representation to all clients that come through our doors. If you are looking for affordable, reliable, and experienced counsel, your search is over.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “He Is a Very Good Lawyer”
    He is a very good lawyer and always knows what he is talking about. He knows his stuff and no matter how bad the crime is he will get you out of it and he will always give you his all.
    - Jenna Taynor
    “Great work!!”
    Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!
    - Pfeifer
    “As stress free as it can be”
    A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy
    - Jeff w
    “Highly Recommend Meranda Law Firm”
    I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.
    - Alexandria Trejo
    “Great Job”
    Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.
    - Rod
    “I Was So Impressed and Would, If Needed, Use His Services Again”
    Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.
    - Anonymous
    “Zach Meranda Was a Caring and Concerned Lawyer”
    I would give The Meranda Law Firm a 10 out of 10 for the pre-case advice, the genuine concern about his client, and the time and effort that was put into the case from beginning to the end. If there is anytime in the future I would need an attorney Zach has earned my business. Thank you Mr. Meranda for all that you covered and all that you helped me with.
    - Andrew
    “Great Attorney”
    Zach is a great attorney. He has represented me twice and both times I got positive results. If you need an attorney call The Meranda Law Firm, he's the best.
    - Frances Benson

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • Should I be worried if I am innocent?
    The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
  • What important legal rights am I entitled to?
    If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
  • Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
    When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.