If the police want to talk to you about a Cincinnati homicide, give us a call. A homicide and murder defense lawyer in Cincinnati, OH can accompany you and ensure your rights remain protected. We know the tactics police use, and how they may try to get you to incriminate yourself — even if you are innocent.
From the moment the criminal defense team from The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC takes your call, we will go to work fighting aggressively for your best interests. If you or a family member stands accused of a serious crime, call us as soon as possible. We will stand with you during interrogations, your arraignment, and through your trial.
Reach our Cincinnati office at 513-929-9333 for a no-obligation consultation.
A Homicide or Murder Conviction May Mean Life in Prison Without Parole, Or Worse
Under Ohio Code § 2929.02, Ohio law stipulates that those convicted of homicide or murder can expect to spend at least 15 years to life in prison. Some people convicted of aggravated murder, killing with a sexual motive, and other types of particularly heinous killings may receive a more extended minimum stay before they are eligible for parole, or even life in prison without parole. Ohio’s death penalty could also be available in these cases.
Several factors go into determining the sentence you might receive if convicted of homicide or murder, or a lesser charge like manslaughter. These may include:
- The circumstances of the crime
- Your criminal history
- Whether you acted in a particularly cruel or vindictive way
- Your level of remorse
- If you were an accessory or acted alone
In general, though, you can expect to spend at least 15 years in prison followed by a fight for parole, and a period of probation (community control) after your release. You will effectively lose at least two decades of your life and could spend your entire life behind bars. Even if you know you are innocent, it is imperative you fight any accusation of this type of serious crime.
Let Us Build a Strong Defense Strategy to Fight the Charges Against You
When you enlist our help to fight accusations from police or to represent you in court where you face murder charges, we will immediately go to work developing a robust strategy that may help us get a more favorable outcome in your case. While every situation is different, we may be able to use specific tactics to reduce the charges against you or help clear your name. Depending on your situation, this could include:
Getting Them to Drop the Charges
Occasionally, we can stop a case before it even begins. This is possible if we can uncover substantial evidence to show you could not be the perpetrator of the crime. An alibi or other direct evidence that proves you were not involved may convince prosecutors to drop the charges against you, so they can focus on other suspects.
Negotiating a Plea Deal for Lesser Charges
Sometimes our best option is to try to reduce the charges you face. For example, we may be able to negotiate a deal that reduces a murder charge to voluntary manslaughter. A voluntary manslaughter conviction calls for three to 11 years in prison, while a second-degree murder conviction could place you behind bars for anywhere between 15 years and the rest of your life.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If we have strong evidence to show you did not commit the crime, we will take your case to trial. The prosecution must convince the jury you are guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” We will present our proof in court and attempt to create a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors. If we succeed, they should acquit you of the charges.
Understanding the Role of Your Criminal Defense Attorney
When you have a knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side, you can feel confident in knowing you have the best possible representation. We will investigate the circumstances that led to your arrest and fight to try to clear your name. However, this is not the only service we provide throughout this process. You can also expect us to:
- Protect your rights
- Prevent you from missteps that could hurt your case
- Explain what to expect and what will likely happen next
- Help you understand the possible outcomes in a frank and honest way
- Stand by you during every court appearance
- Fight for a more favorable result in your case
Unlike many criminal defense firms, our team can also review a previous homicide or murder conviction to determine if the court made mistakes or mishandled your case. If we uncover any of these issues, we may be able to file an appeal and try to get your conviction thrown out. You could even get an entirely new trial if we can prove the judge made a mistake that affected the outcome.
Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH?
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
