Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus and Central Ohio
If you have been charged with a crime or are simply under suspicion of committing a crime, you need a lawyer who knows how to protect your rights. The Columbus criminal defense attorney you choose matters. You deserve more than average representation, reliance upon the least expensive or second best could have immediate and severe consequences resulting in costly fines, incarceration, lengthy probation terms, and/or a loss of driving privileges. You need a champion in your corner, a criminal defense attorney willing to support you every step of the way from the initial charge to the courtroom doors. The decision you make today for a criminal defense lawyer has a direct impact upon your freedom tomorrow and your reputation for a lifetime. That is why the criminal defense lawyers at Leist Warner understand that your case is the most important case and our defense of you begins the moment you hire us.
A criminal conviction can and often does result in the loss of freedom, employment, opportunities, relationships, and reputation. In today’s technological world evidence of a conviction is little more than a click away. A mugshot photo and record of conviction is often enough to eliminate you from future consideration for employment opportunities. Irrespective of your current employment; whether you are a teacher, bus driver, trucker, doctor, nurse, professional athlete, daycare provider or any other occupation, a conviction could result in your immediate termination or the suspension of a professional license. It is far easier to fight against a conviction with the assistance of a skilled and dedicated Columbus defense lawyer from the inception of your case than it is to undo the damage of a conviction later. Working with a criminal lawyer as soon as you are faced with criminal or potential criminal charges is essential to avoiding irreparable consequences and regaining your peace of mind. If you are facing criminal charges or potential criminal charges in Columbus, central Ohio, or any of the surrounding municipalities or counties, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Leist Warner and let us assist you immediately.
We Provide Professional Representation in State, Federal, and Municipal Courts
Criminal defense attorneys in our Columbus, Ohio office are known for their zealous advocacy and relentless defense of our clients, juvenile and adult, facing misdemeanor, traffic, felony, and/or federal charges. We provide representation for every criminal and traffic offense, from speeding to murder, in addition to expungements (sealing of record), probation/parole violations, setting aside warrants, and applications for judicial release from prison. In the event that you are under investigation or surveillance, considered a suspect, or wanted for questioning we can provide you immediate guidance and legal assistance prior to contact with law enforcement. Remember to never to speak to law enforcement without first consulting with an experienced Columbus defense lawyer, “everything you say, can and will be used against you”!
Regardless of your situation, we can help you with these problems. We protect your rights! Contact the defense attorneys at Leist Warner, LLC. immediately. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Leist Warner, LLC. represents clients in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding neighborhoods within Franklin County, Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County, and Fairfield County. Each client, regardless of the charges he or she faces, receive the benefit of Leist Warner’s knowledge, experience, dedication, and commitment to the preservation of your freedom.
- Assault and Battery–If you stand charged of threatening someone or intentionally harming another you need a criminal attorney in Columbus, Ohio. There are affirmative defenses available and an experienced defense lawyer at Leist Warner is available to assist immediately in preparing your defense. A physical confrontation does not necessarily equate with guilt and the maximum possible penalties associated with a conviction of assault may range from 180 days to 8 years or more. Don’t wait and see what your penalty might be.
- Theft Offenses—Theft offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude, which means the conduct is dishonest in nature and shows a lack of good morals. Crimes of moral turpitude could have severe repercussions, and negatively affect immigration status, educational opportunities, and employment prospects. A conviction for a theft-related offense can range in penalties from probation to years of incarceration; however, even one petty theft conviction could result in job loss, the loss of scholarships, or even deportation, if you aren’t a U.S. citizen. Leist Warner is committed to defending you against false accusations; skilled in obtaining positive outcomes through vigorous negotiation with the courts and prosecutors; and, knowledgeable of the various programs designed for many low level, first-time offenders to avoid a conviction, such as diversion and anti-theft courses. Theft offenses include:
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Petty Theft/Shoplifting
- Grand Theft
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Drug Crimes—In today’s society you only need to watch the news on any given day to recognize the extent of resources and manpower expended on America’s War on Drugs. Each passing year brings new laws, offenses, and penalties, in Ohio and the United States designed to eradicate drugs in society by punishing those that manufacture, possess, and traffic in narcotics. The Columbus defense attorneys at Leist Warner remain vigilant for new developments and trends in the area of drug defense and recognize the outcome of your case tomorrow depends upon our knowledge and awareness today. Drug crimes can include offenses, ranging from misdemeanors with minimal sentences to felonies with extreme punishments. Even the lowest level drug offense can result in the mandatory loss of your driver’s license. Felony drug convictions can carry mandatory prison sentences, result in a denial of your right to vote or inability to maintain or obtain professional licenses. Drug offenses can also be charged as federal offenses under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Federal drug charges usually result in more serious penalties and consequences than Ohio drug charges. A few commonly charged drug offenses in Ohio are:
- Possession of Controlled Substances
- Drug Manufacturing
- Trafficking in Drugs
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession with Intent to Sell
- Felony Drug Possession
- Prescription Drug Charges
- Drug Conspiracy
- Deception to Obtain
- Doctor Shopping
- Concealed Carry and Other Weapons Violations–Carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio requires obtaining a license by completing a training and safety course. There are many nuances and restrictions to the possession and transport of firearms, knives, and bows. Many times those facing charges in this area of the law are simply unaware of the regulations due to their complexity or personal situation. You have heard that “ignorance of the law is no excuse” and that rings particularly true in the area of firearm violations. Misinterpreting those laws and regulations can leave you needing a Columbus criminal defense lawyer. If you have questions or concerns regarding compliance contact Leist Warner for sound legal advice before a violation occurs. If you have been charged with a weapons charge it is imperative that you hire an Ohio criminal defense lawyer from Leist Warner to protect your freedoms and 2nd Amendment right to own and possess a firearm. Even a misdemeanor crime of violence such as Domestic Violence or Assault can result in the loss of your conceal carry permit and future right to own firearms. The Columbus Ohio defense attorneys at Leist Warner have successfully represented individuals charged with Weapons Violations in Ohio and Federal Courts. Weapons charges in Ohio include:
- Improper Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Illegally Discharging a Firearm
- Weapons Under Disability
- Using Weapons while Intoxicated
- Unlawful Possession of a Dangerous Ordinance
- Improperly Furnishing Firearms to a Minor
- Sex Offenses–With many allegations of sexual assault and other sex crimes coming down to conflicting testimony from two people who were alone at the time of the alleged incident, having strong legal representation is essential for a defendant.
- Murder–A wrongful conviction for murder can cost a defendant years in prison.
- Domestic Violence–These cases are always difficult, whether the accuser is a spouse, romantic partner, child or student. Only a lawyer who has experience in this area can mount a skilled defense while respecting everyone involved.
- Warrants–Law enforcement officials must follow strict rules when obtaining and executing search warrants and arrest warrants. When served or apprehended for reasons that seem unjust, contact a criminal defense lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.
- Underage Consumption–Even though a conviction for drinking alcohol while under the age of 21 usually carries no jail time and only a relatively small fine, having that on your record can cost you college, job, and military service opportunities.
- Juvenile Delinquencies–Do not let a mistake made while in middle school or high school derail your child’s future. Contact the Leist Warner criminal lawyers in Columbus, Ohio, when the story making evening news broadcasts involves your kid.
- Probation Revocation–Complying with probation orders can be difficult. You may be able to avoid returning to jail by consulting with a criminal lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.
- Federal Offenses–Mounting a defense against charges brought in the name of the U.S. governments requires a whole different set of knowledge, skills, and commitment. Do not trust just any local lawyer when accused of committing a federal offense.
Contact Leist Warner when You Need a Defense Attorney
The Columbus, Ohio criminal defense attorneys with Leist Warner always put our clients’ best interests first. Contact us first when police or the courts target you. It is not enough to remember that anything you say can and will be used against you. You also need a legal champion, a trial attorney with a record of success. Call us at (614) 222-1000 or use this contact form to schedule your no-cost consultation today.
