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Our Office

  • Middletown Office

    Address

    1081 N. University Boulevard, Suite B
    Middletown, Ohio 45042

    Phone

    513-424-1660

    Fax

    513-424-7467

Middletown Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight to Protect Your Rights

Dedicated defense representation for misdemeanors and felonies in Ohio

If you are facing criminal charges in the Middletown area, Combs, Schaefer, Ball & Little can provide the determined defense representation you need. Our firm responds quickly to urgent calls, so you can count on an experienced defense attorney to begin protecting your constitutional rights as soon as possible. The first moments after an arrest are crucial, so it’s important to seek help immediately. Invoke your right to counsel and reach out to an experienced trial attorney focused on delivering the best possible results under the facts of your case.

Felony and misdemeanor crimes in Ohio

Ohio categorizes felony and misdemeanor crimes into five degrees, with first degree being the most serious, and fifth degree the least serious. Examples of Ohio felonies with potential penalties include:

  • First degree — Rape or voluntary manslaughter draws a sentence of three to 11 years in prison with a maximum fine of $20,000.
  • Second degree — Illegally manufacturing or processing explosives calls for two to eight years in prison with a maximum fine of $15,000.
  • Third degree — Robbery could result in nine months to five years in prison with a maximum fine of $10,000.
  • Fourth degree — Grand theft auto results in six to 18 months in prison with a maximum fine of $5,000.
  • Fifth degree — Breaking and entering carries a penalty of six to 12 months in prison with a maximum fine of $2,500.

The two most serious felony crimes are unclassified in Ohio. Murder carries a sentence of 15 years to life in prison without parole. Aggravated murder can draw a death sentence, but the minimum penalty is life with the possibility of parole after 20 years. Other specific felony crimes carry mandatory sentences.

Examples of Ohio misdemeanors with potential penalties include:

  • First degree — Carrying a gun without a permit, up to 180 days in country jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
  • Second degree — Unlawful transaction in weapons, up to 90 days in jail and up to $750 in fines.
  • Third degree — Graffiti on a public transportation vehicle, up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.
  • Fourth degree — Disturbing a lawful assembly, up to 30 days in jail and up to $250 in fines.
  • Minor (fifth degree) misdemeanor — Disorderly conduct, no jail but up to $100 in fines.

If you are arrested for a misdemeanor, felony or some other crime in the Middletown area, the best way to help yourself is to contact an experienced and determined defense lawyer immediately.

Common criminal defense issues in Middletown, Ohio

Although Middletown isn’t a large city, its proximity between Dayton and Cincinnati makes it part of a greater metropolitan area, where crime is hardly unknown. Our office regularly defends residents of Middletown and the surrounding areas of a range of charges including:

  • Drug possession — Authorities often overcharge drug offenses to leverage a confession to a lesser charge. Don’t make any admissions until you speak to a qualified defense attorney.
  • Traffic violations — Although reckless driving is a misdemeanor, most moving violations are simply civil offenses. Nevertheless, a conviction comes with a hefty fine, penalty points, and the prospect of higher insurance premiums. You should fight every traffic ticket, but never plan to fight alone.
  • License suspensions — If you’ve had your license suspended for any reason, you may have grounds for appeal or you could petition for a restricted license. An experienced attorney can help.
  • Domestic violence — A conviction for domestic violence or being made the target of a restraining order has serious consequences for your future. Assert your rights and defend your reputation by hiring an attorney who is committed to your defense.
  • OVI/DUI — A conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI), commonly known as driving under the influence (DUI), comes with stiff penalties that can include jail time, fines, fees, and loss of your driver license. You can also expect to pay higher premiums or lose your auto insurance altogether. To minimize the damage of your arrest, be sure to retain an experienced defense lawyer to fight for you.
  • Expungements — Is an arrest record holding you back in your education or your career? Many individuals can have their arrest records expunged, so they are removed from public view. After an expungement, you can legally answer no when a job application asks whether you have been arrested.

With these issues and many more, our Middletown lawyers can help by asserting your rights professionally and capably.

Contact an experienced and determined criminal defense lawyer in Middletown, OH

Combs, Schaefer, Ball & Little responds quickly to calls for criminal defense counsel and begins protecting your rights as soon as possible. For dedicated defense representation, call us at 513-424-1660 or contact our Middletown office online. We offer free consultations to new clients.