Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your criminal offense case.

Criminal Defense

Being investigated for or charged with a crime is a very stressful experience. Whether you are innocent or not does not mean that you should face the wrath of the criminal justice system alone. At Johnson Legal, LLC, Attorney David Johnson specializes in criminal defense and sees his clients as people in need of help, not simply another criminal. Attorney Johnson knows his clients and their needs well, and will stop at nothing to either prove your innocence or, if you became caught up in a bad situation, mitigate the consequences.

Unlike other firms where the attorney you meet with may not be the attorney who represents you or works on your case, at Johnson Legal, LLC, Attorney Johnson is personally involved in every case. He will begin investigating your case immediately, diligently working to build a strong criminal defense, negotiate for a plea agreement or case dismissal, and preparing for trial. Attorney Johnson will help you in building the strongest defense possible against any of the following charges:

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is a good idea if you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor. Nearly one in four misdemeanor defendants facing jail is not represented by an attorney. A 2011 study conducted by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers found that 80% of people without a lawyer plead guilty at their arraignment, compared to 61% who hired an attorney. Moreover, having an attorney to explain the courtroom procedure, such as the difference between pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest can be of great significance.

Misdemeanor charges, while not having the same consequences in terms of jail or fines as a felony, can result in such punishment. Additionally, having a misdemeanor conviction will require you to check the “have you been convicted of a crime” box on every employment application and will show up on a background check.

Drug Crimes

The range of drug crimes is quite broad. It includes everything from simple possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin, to the manufacture, sale and distribution of illegal drugs. For instance, a person who has a small marijuana grow can potentially be charged with possession of marijuana, illegal cultivation of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana. Drug offenses also include drug paraphernalia, corrupting another with drugs, and even gift of drugs.

Conviction for a drug offense can have serious consequences. Conviction of simple drug possession can lead to jail, fines, and loss of your driver’s license. Convictions for illegal drug manufacture or drug trafficking can result in significant prison sentences and fines. Various factors will be considered by the court, such as the type of drug involved, the quantity of the drug, and your previous criminal history.

Several avenues will be pursued by Attorney David Johnson for your drug offense case. Ohio has intervention in lieu of conviction programs and many counties have first-time drug offense programs that you may be eligible for. Upon the successful completion of these programs, you will not have a drug conviction on your record. Contact Attorney Johnson to discuss your drug offense case and determine if you are eligible for these programs. If you are ineligible, Attorney Johnson will discuss with you how to best pursue your case.

DUI / OVI

In Ohio, OVI is the legal term for the more common phrase “DUI.” OVI is operating a vehicle under influence. This applies to both operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. An adult driver can be arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or greater. This also applies to juvenile drivers who have a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or greater.

A first time DUI / OVI conviction without any aggravating factors, such as having a high blood alcohol concentration or minor in the vehicle, is a 1st degree misdemeanor. This charge can result in a mandatory 3 days in jail, fine up to $1075, driver’s license suspension of 6 months – 3 years, and being required to attend a driver’s intervention program.

Ohio takes DUI / OVI offenses very seriously, and a first time DUI offense can result in serious personal and professional issues, along with secondary consequences, such as significantly increased insurance premiums, professional license suspension, and inability to obtain certain types of employment.

Many people believe that if they are arrested for or charged with DUI / OVI, they must accept the consequences. However, DUI / OVI law is very technical and law enforcement does not always follow the required procedures correctly. For instance, many police officers do not administer field sobriety tests correctly. Moreover, there are a number of defenses that can be applied to your DUI / OVI case. Attorney David Johnson may be able to challenge the legality of the initial stop, the reliability of any chemical tests that were performed, and the method in which evidence was collected. This may lead to a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

What Are Violent Crimes?

A conviction for a violent crime can have a negative impact on a person’s life, including detrimental impacts to educational opportunities and employment prospects. Moreover, a conviction for a violent crimes can result in a significant prison sentence and fine. Some of the more common examples of violent crimes are:

What is Theft?

Theft under Ohio law is the taking of another person’s property with the purpose to deprive the owner of the property. This can occur by removing property without the owner’s consent, beyond the scope of the owner’s consent, or by threatening, intimidating, or deceiving the owner.

The seriousness of the theft charge and the penalties associated with it are fact-specific, such as the value of the property stolen, whether the victim was elderly or under a disability, or whether the theft was of a firearm or involved drugs. Common theft offenses include:

Misdemeanors

The state of Ohio classifies misdemeanor offenses in five distinct categories: 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree, 4th degree and minor misdemeanor. 1st degree misdemeanors are considered the most serious and minor misdemeanors the least.

Misdemeanor offense can range from speeding tickets and traffic offenses to assault and drug offenses. Many feel that a misdemeanor charge is not a serious criminal matter. However, this is not true. These offenses carry real jail time and real fines are levied. Moreover, lengthy (and expensive) terms of probation can be imposed.

Juvenile Offenses

At Johnson Legal, LLC, attorney David Johnson defends young people who have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. A conviction can lead to problems for juveniles, such as impacting their ability to find a job, getting into college and some offenses can result in incarceration. While juvenile courts are geared more towards rehabilitation than punishment, the impact on your child can be immense.

Attorney David Johnson represents juveniles against a variety of charges, including assault, menacing, criminal damaging, theft, domestic violence, DUI / OVI (OVUAC) and traffic offenses.

Carrying Concealed Weapons

Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW), pursuant ORC 2923.12, is knowingly carrying or having concealed on your body any of the following:

A deadly weapon other than a handgun;
A handgun or other dangerous ordnance; or
A dangerous ordnance.

Carrying concealed weapons in Ohio has a range of potential penalties. Depending upon the particular circumstances, the alleged offender could be charged with a minor misdemeanor or a 3rd degree felony.

Criminal Defense Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

Being charged with a criminal offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio can be terrifying. However, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a real difference. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 and speak with Attorney David Johnson. Attorney Johnson will discuss your case with you and assist you in putting forth the strongest possible defense.

Johnson Legal, LLC serves the following cities in the central Ohio area for criminal defense:

Westerville, Worthington, Columbus, Polaris, Reynoldsburg, Grandview Heights, Shawnee Hills, Bexley, Pickerington, Gahanna, Sunbury, Powell, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Galena, Clintonville, Huber Ridge, Blacklick, Grove City, Delaware, Marysville, Groveport, Newark, Canal Winchester, Obetz, Marion, Mt. Gilead, Pataskala, Granville, Whitehall, Franklin County, Morrow County, Licking County, Union County and Delaware County