Q: Should I contest my case of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide?
A: In Ohio, when you go to the first court appearance you will be given, essentially, two choices: plead guilty, or plead not guilty. If you plead guilty, you will be found guilty, and the judge will sentence you. You will not have the opportunity to review the prosecution’s evidence or investigate possible defenses.
If you plead not guilty, you will have the opportunity to review the prosecution’s evidence and investigate defenses. In most cases, evaluating the evidence and preparing defenses improves the outcome of the case.
Q: Should I hire a lawyer for my case of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide?
A: There are some rare individuals who can effectively represent themselves in a case of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide. Most people, however, do not have the skill set to represent themselves. These cases have serious consequences. These cases are also complex, as they involve the substantive law, procedural law, litigation, and scientific issues.
Representing yourself is like treating your own medical problem. You can read about your medical problem on the internet, but if you have a serious medical condition, you should go to a doctor with expertise in treating that condition. Likewise, you can read about legal and scientific issues online, but if you are going to effectively contest the case, you should go to an Ohio lawyer with expertise in vehicular assault and vehicular homicide defense.
Q: How does a lawyer help with cases of Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide?
A: A defense lawyer should be familiar with the Ohio Rules of Evidence, Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, Ohio Revised Code sections, Ohio Administrative Code sections, and cases interpreting all those laws. Good defense lawyers also have a firm understanding of field sobriety tests, blood/breath/urine tests, drug recognition evaluations, and accident reconstruction.
The lawyer creates a defense strategy, supports it with motions to suppress, and communicates convincingly in negotiations with the prosecutor. A good defense lawyer is also accomplished in the art of examining witnesses, making arguments to a judge, and presenting a case to a jury.
Q: How do I choose a lawyer for a case of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide?
A: Research lawyers thoroughly. You can find information about lawyers, including client reviews and case outcomes, on their websites. You can learn about lawyers on websites like Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America. You want to find a lawyer with expertise and experience in Ohio Vehicular Homicide and Ohio Vehicular Assault.
Choose a lawyer which has traits which make them good candidates:
Q: What is the cost of hiring a lawyer for a case of Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault?
A: Some lawyers charge by the hour, and some charge flat fees. Either way, the cost varies widely among lawyers. A lawyer with expertise charges higher fees than a lawyer without the same expertise.
At the Dominy Law Firm, we represent clients charged with Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide in Columbus and Central Ohio. Our attorneys have expertise in this area: they authored and edited the Ohio Vehicular Assault Guide and the Ohio Vehicular Homicide Guide. Our firm charges flat fees, so you know at the outset the total cost of representation. If you are charged with, or being investigated for, one of these offenses, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss representation by submitting a CONTACT FORM or by calling 614-717-1177.