If you’re facing criminal charges in Cleveland, Ohio, your future is at stake. A conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record—but you don’t have to face this alone.
At Botnick Law Firm, our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys fight to protect your rights, whether you’re dealing with DUI charges, drug possession, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses. We know the Cuyahoga County court system inside and out and will build a defense strategy designed to get your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
When the stakes are high, you need an experienced Cleveland criminal defense lawyer who understands Ohio’s legal system and how to challenge the prosecution’s case. Our legal team will:
✔ Analyze the evidence against you and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
✔ Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible.
✔ Prepare a strong defense strategy if your case goes to trial.
Your rights, freedom, and future are on the line. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your defense options.
We have successfully represented clients across Cleveland, Parma, Lakewood, and throughout Cuyahoga County, securing dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges for people just like you. When your future is on the line, trust a legal team that knows how to fight—and win.
I used Robert to help me fight a pretty steep speeding ticket. Robert was able to successfully get my ticket reduced to a 0 point violation and small fine.
We had an excellent experience with Mr. Botnick for a disorderly conduct charge. Very pleasant to work with, professional, and gave us a lot of confidence approaching the case.
I had a great experience with Mr. Botnick. He gave me an honest consultation about my speeding ticket that gave me confidence in his work.
Robert was able to get a fairly hefty traffic violation down to no conviction/no points. He is efficient and professional in his work. I highly recommend him in Northeast Ohio!
Mr. Botnick was very helpful in my time of need and accomplished the results I was honestly hoping to receive. I would certainly recommend reaching out to him if you are in need of help.
I worked with Robert to help fight my traffic ticket. He was incredibly responsive and helpful, and was able to keep two points off my ticket. Thank you again!!
Let us connect you with the very best Cleveland criminal defense attorney for your case. Our team of Cleveland criminal defense lawyers knows how to navigate Ohio’s legal system to ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld.
You don’t have to—nor do you want to—take on a criminal charge without an attorney by your side. Don’t plead guilty to your criminal offenses without first talking to a knowledgeable Cleveland criminal defense attorney, especially one who is a former prosecutor.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Cleveland handle a wide range of cases, including:
Cleveland takes DUI offenses seriously, and a conviction could lead to license suspension, jail time, and high fines. If you were arrested for DUI, let us fight for you.
Many Cleveland drug arrests happen due to unlawful searches and seizures. We challenge police procedures and fight to get drug charges dropped.
Cuyahoga County courts impose severe penalties for violent offenses. We examine evidence, self-defense claims, and witness statements to protect your freedom.
Even non-violent offenses like theft and fraud can lead to felony charges. Our team fights to reduce penalties and protect your record.
Ohio has strict gun laws, and a conviction could result in mandatory prison time. We defend Second Amendment rights and challenge unlawful weapon charges.
We are criminal defense lawyers with the experience juveniles and adults need when facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Cleveland or throughout the State of Ohio. You can rely on us for your legal issues.
Your case deserves the legal representation of a Cleveland criminal defense attorney who will use the law to protect your rights. We’ll develop a defense strategy that offers the best chances of having criminal charges dismissed, lowered, or changed to a lesser charge.
Cleveland criminal defense cases are serious, and the severity of the outcome of those charges depends on whether you’re being charged with a felony or misdemeanor.
Ohio criminal law classifies a misdemeanor as a criminal offense that can be punished by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
The penalties for a misdemeanor will vary depending on the type of misdemeanor you’re facing:
Felony convictions in the State of Ohio have more severe consequences than misdemeanor convictions, with the following punishments:
Murder and aggravated murder charges carry extreme sentences of 15 years to life and life with the possibility of parole.
Depending on the crime you commit, you’ll also face various collateral consequences, and you’ll need an attorney. Don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation.
In some cases, your criminal conviction will prevent you from voting. In other cases, you may be barred from practicing your profession or owning a gun. You may even face deportation if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
The charges will go on your permanent record, making it difficult to get a job, see your children, receive security clearances, or qualify for federal aid. It can also raise your insurance rates or, in certain instances, require you to register as a sex offender.
That’s why you must find the right criminal defense lawyer in Cleveland, OH, to help you protect your legal rights. Whether you’re facing drug crimes, sex crimes, or other criminal charges, turn to the Botnick Law Firm for help from a Cleveland defense attorney. We will discuss the way forward in a free consultation.
When facing criminal charges in Cleveland, your case may be handled in one of the following courts:
Understanding where your case will be heard is critical to preparing your defense. We have extensive experience in these courts and can strategically navigate the local legal system.
Don’t wait until your court date—start building your defense today.
Every case is unique, but our criminal lawyers in Cleveland use proven defense strategies, such as:
✔ Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution lacks enough proof to convict you.
✔ Self-defense – You acted in defense of yourself or another person.
✔ Unlawful Search & Seizure – Law enforcement violated your constitutional rights.
✔ Mistaken Identity – You were wrongly accused or misidentified.
✔ Entrapment – You were coerced into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed.
Our attorneys will carefully examine every detail of your case to determine the best legal strategy.
Whether white collar crime or not, having a criminal background can cause your life to be negatively impacted in several ways. A conviction of either a misdemeanor or a felony can affect your freedom and finances through incarceration, required probation, and court fines and fees.
A felony conviction will appear on criminal background checks, impairing your ability to purchase firearms or to vote. It can also make it difficult for you to find a job or secure housing, as potential employers and landlords also have access to criminal background checks.
Let our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers help you understand your legal options and develop a strong attorney-client relationship. We can provide answers to the questions you have about your Ohio criminal justice issues.
If you are charged with a crime, call the Botnick Law Firm. Secure your legal representation by scheduling a free consultation with our law office today.
The process to charge someone that’s been accused of a crime begins with an arrest. If the police have reason to believe that someone has committed a crime, the accused can be taken into custody. Police will usually start by asking basic questions like name and address to identify a person, and then they’ll often pivot to more specific questions related to the incident. At some point during this, you should have been read your “Miranda warnings.”
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court. Those are your unwavering rights that must be recited upon taking someone into custody. Take note of when these rights are read to you, as it could be helpful information for your attorney.
When you’ve been taken down to the station, police will fingerprint you and get your photograph to update their records. Once this is done, you should be granted the opportunity to contact your criminal defense lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, get a loved one to book a consultation with a lawyer on your behalf. It’s important that you do NOT disclose any details about your case over the phone with your loved ones, as those calls are monitored.
After you’ve made it through the booking process, the police may begin conducting their investigation with you. Depending on the situation, this might include a personal search, collecting samples, interviewing/interrogating, police lineups, etc.
You’ll be held at the station until you can be brought before a judge. The initial court appearance will happen within 48 hours or less of the arrest. Here, the judge will review the case and decide if there’s any reason to keep you in holding or if bail can be granted. If bail is granted, you’re allowed to be released upon certain conditions.
Depending on the seriousness of your allegations, you may have a preliminary hearing at which a judge can determine whether enough evidence exists to charge you with that level of crime. You’ll be able to plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” If you plead not guilty, your case will be sent to trial. You may get the opportunity to enter a plea deal. That’s something your attorney will advise you on.
In the discovery stage, the case against you is made much more transparent. The prosecutor will share the evidence they have against you with your defense attorney. During this time, your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be. All of the evidence on the table will be considered, and your lawyer will work with you to form the best plan for your defense.
If a plea deal is unable to be reached, the case will enter trial. During the trial, the prosecutor begins by presenting the case to the jury. They share any evidence they have against you and have witnesses make their statements for the prosecution. This can be tough to sit through. Afterward, it’s your lawyer’s turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. Your lawyer can question the prosecutor’s witnesses and all of the evidence that was used against you. There are many different strategies that your lawyer will use to defend you during the trial.
In a best-case scenario, you will have been found not guilty by the end of the trial, and the charges against you have been dropped. If you are found guilty, the judge must determine what your sentence/penalties will be. The sentencing will happen at another hearing, usually a few weeks after your trial ends.
If you’ve been arrested, it’s crucial to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Avoid discussing the details of your case with law enforcement until you have legal representation. Contact our experienced Cleveland criminal defense attorneys at the Botnick Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to begin building a solid defense strategy.
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential because they have the experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the legal system. A criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, offer legal advice, identify potential weaknesses, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight to reduce or dismiss your charges. Without proper legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage in court and risk facing severe consequences.
Whether your case goes to trial depends on various factors, including the strength of the evidence against you and the negotiation efforts of your attorney. Our team always aims to explore all possible avenues for resolution, including negotiation and plea agreements. However, if a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and present a compelling defense on your behalf.
At the Botnick Law Firm, we understand the financial concerns individuals may have when seeking legal representation. We offer flexible payment plans and strive to provide high-quality legal services that are affordable and accessible. During your initial consultation, we will discuss the fees and payment options available to you.
Absolutely. As your legal representatives, we are bound by the attorney-client privilege, which ensures that any information you share with us remains confidential. This privilege lets you be open and honest with your attorney, enabling us to build the strongest defense possible for your case.
We have successfully represented clients across Northern Ohio. If you are facing criminal charges, we can help you too. Don’t delay. The district attorney is building their case against you right now.
The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?
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