FAQ – Criminal Cases In Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Cases in Columbus and Central Ohio

Arson & Aggravated Arson

• What is the difference between Arson and Aggravated Arson?
• What are the different types of Arson?
• What are the different types of Aggravated Arson?
• Does someone convicted of Arson or Aggravated Arson have to register?
• Who investigates Arson cases?

Assault

• Are all assault cases the same in Ohio?
• What are the possible sentences for assault charges in Ohio?
• What are the possible defense strategies against an assault charge?

Casino Crimes

• Are violations of casino laws criminal offenses?
• What are some examples of misdemeanor casino crimes?
• What are some examples of felony casino crimes?
• What are the possible sentences for misdemeanor casino crimes?
• What are the possible sentences for felony casino crimes?
• How are casino crimes investigated?
• For someone charged with a casino crime, where to they go to court?

College Students

• What types of charges do college students commonly face in central Ohio?
• Is having a conviction as a college student serious?
• Does the Dominy Law Firm represent students from all central Ohio universities?
• In which counties does Dominy Law Firm practice?

Criminal Court Process

• What is a criminal complaint?
• What is an arraignment?
• What comes after the arraignment?
• What is a pretrial hearing?
• What is a motion hearing?
• What is a trial?
• What is a sentence hearing?

Diversion for Criminal Charges

• What is a Diversion Program?
• Who is eligible for a Diversion Program?
• How do you apply for a Diversion Program?
• Do all defendants have the right to a Diversion Program?
• What is required to complete a Diversion Program?

Domestic Violence

• What types of Domestic Violence Cases are there in Ohio?
• What is Domestic Violence ‘By Threat’, and what are the possible penalties?
• What is Domestic Violence ‘By Force’, and what are the possible penalties?
• Are the penalties steeper if I have a past Domestic Violence conviction?
• What are the secondary consequences of a Domestic Violence conviction?

Drug Crimes – Marijuana Charges

• Are marijuana laws still enforced in Ohio?
• What misdemeanor charges and penalties are associated with marijuana?
• What felony charges and penalties are associated with marijuana?
• How can I fight a marijuana charge?
• Should I hire an attorney for my marijuana case?

Drug Crimes – Misdemeanor Drug Charges

• Are misdemeanor drug charges serious?
• How are misdemeanor drug offenses categorized?
• What are the penalties associated with misdemeanor drug offenses?
• Do I really need an attorney for a misdemeanor drug charge?

Drug Crimes – Prescription Drug Charges

• What kind of prescription drug crimes are there in Ohio?
• What is Deception to Obtain Dangerous Drugs, and what are the penalties associated with it?
• What is Illegal Processing of Drug Documents, and what are the penalties associated with it?
• What is Illegal Dispensing of Drug Samples, and what are the penalties associated with it?
• What is Forgery, and what are the penalties associated with it?
• How can I fight a prescription drug charge?

Drug Crimes – Felony Drug Charges

• How serious are felony drug charges in Ohio?
• How are felony drug offenses categorized?
• What are the felony drug charges in Ohio?
• What are the penalties associated with felony drug offenses?
• Will an attorney really help with a felony drug charge?

Expungement & Record Sealing in Columbus and Central Ohio

• In Ohio, what is the difference between expungement and record sealing?
• In Ohio, what is the process for sealing/expunging misdemeanor convictions and bail forfeitures?
• In Ohio, what is the process for sealing/expunging felony convictions?
• Are all convictions eligible for record sealing/expungement?
• In Ohio, what is the process for sealing not guilty verdicts/dismissals/no bills?

Improperly Handling Firearms

• What is the offense of Improperly Handling Firearms in Ohio?
• What are the most common types of Improperly Handling Firearms charges in Ohio?
• How do officers decide if someone with a firearm is under the influence or ‘over the limit’?
• Can a person be charged with Improperly Handling Firearms and OVI?
• For someone who holds a concealed handgun license, are there other requirements?
• Are there defenses to the charge of Improperly Handling Firearms in Ohio?

Intervention in Lieu of Conviction

• What Intervention In Lieu Of Conviction In Ohio?
• Who is eligible for an intervention in lieu of conviction in Ohio?
• How do I apply for Intervention in Lieu of Conviction?
• What happens at the Court Hearing for Intervention in Lieu of Conviction?
• What does completion Intervention in Lieu of Conviction look like?

Menacing and Aggravated Menacing

• What’s the difference between Menacing & Aggravated Menacing In Ohio?
• What are the sentences for Ohio Menacing and Aggravated Menacing Charges?
• What are strategies to defend against charges of Menacing and Aggravated Menacing?

Shoplifting

• Do stores always file criminal charges when an individual is caught shoplifting?
• What criminal charges are associated with shoplifting?
• What are the penalties for shoplifting?
• When will I receive notice I am charged with shoplifting?
• How do I address a shoplifting charge in court?
• Should I hire an attorney for my shoplifting case?

Theft and Fraud

• What types of theft and fraud charges are filed in Ohio?
• What are the penalties for theft and fraud?
• How can I fight a theft or fraud charge?
• What are some strategies for dealing with theft and fraud allegations?

Underage Drinking

• Is the underage drinking law enforced on college campuses?
• What criminal charges are associated with underage drinking?
• What are the penalties for underage drinking?
• How can I deal with an underage drinking charge?
• Should I hire an attorney for an underage drinking case?