Franklin County, Ohio Criminal Lawyers

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Shawn R. Dominy Esq
(614) 717-1177
Columbus, OH Criminal Law Attorney
18 years experience
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John Philip Milton Rutan
(614) 307-4343Free Consultation
Columbus, OH Criminal Law Lawyer
5 years experience
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Brian Joslyn
(888) 872-7444Free Consultation
Columbus, OH Criminal Law Lawyer
5 years experience
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John Philip Milton Rutan
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 5 years experience
(614) 307-4343 336 South High Street
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Domestic Violence and White Collar Crime
University of La Verne College of Law
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Attorney John Philip Milton Rutan is the Managing Attorney and Founder of Rutan Law. Rutan Law was opened up in November 2010. His legal career begin in 2002 while attending a paralegal school in downtown Columbus Ohio. After working and training as a paralegal in Columbus for 2 years, John moved to Fort Lauderdale Florida where he was modeled by Roberto Stanziale into the attorney he is today. In 2007 John began law school at The University of La Verne in Ontario California. Before coming to Ohio John concluded his law clerking and paralegal experience in the Public Defender’s office...
Brian Joslyn
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 5 years experience
(888) 872-7444 501 S High St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Domestic Violence and White Collar Crime
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
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I firmly believe in the United States Constitution, particularly the rights afforded to every individual under the Due Process Clause of the 5th and 14th Amendments. It is not only my job, but also my life passion to uphold and protect those Constitutional rights. With these ideals in mind, I attended the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where I gained the knowledge to support my passion for law. I refined my knowledge while working with several prominent law firms. However, it was my experiences working at a Public Defender's Office that grounded me and helped deepen my understanding of the...
(888) 872-7444 6808 Miami Ave. #300
 Cincinnati, OH 45243
(888) 872-7444 10 W. 2nd St.
22nd floor, Suite 2
 Dayton, OH 43206
Nathan Pieri
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 7 years experience
(614) 467-0264 1238 Neil Ave
 Columbus, OH 43201
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI and Traffic Tickets
Capital University Law School
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Jason F. Barr
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 12 years experience
(614) 702-2222 150 E Mound St
Ste 200
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Bankruptcy, DUI and Divorce
Capital University Law School
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Bankruptcy, Divorce, and Criminal Defense Attorney with the law firm of Barr, Jones & Associates LLP providing legal services in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, Ohio. We built a better law firm because our clients matter most.
(216) 586-5437 6100 Oak Tree Blvd
Ste 200
 Independence, OH 44131
(513) 338-1901 810 Sycamore St
Ste 521
 Cincinnati, OH 45202
Benjamin Louis Luftman Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(614) 500-3836 580 E Rich St FL 2
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Animal, Broker Fraud and DUI
Capital University Law School
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Sallynda Rothchild Dennison
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer.
(614) 228-3413 500 S Front St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Broker Fraud, Business and DUI
Capital University Law School
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Ben B Weisbuch M.A.
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 15 years experience
(614) 285-5291 175 South 3rd Street
Columbus
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Broker Fraud, DUI and Domestic Violence
Northeastern University School of Law
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Ben Weisbuch has dedicated his legal career to fighting for the civil rights of his clients in criminal courts. Over the last 15 years, Ben has handled hundreds of criminal matters involving DUI/OVI, drugs, guns, violent offenses, white collar crime and juvenile offenses. He is licensed in both Ohio and Massachusetts and has litigated in municipal, state and federal courts. Ben excels at courtroom advocacy, successfully handing dozens of trials in complex criminal cases. He distinguishes himself from other attorneys through his ability to boil complex problems into opportunities and solutions, empathize with his clients and provide aggressive but thoughtful...
Ryan Shafer
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 9 years experience
20 S. Third St.
Suite 210
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Domestic Violence and White Collar Crime
Duquesne University School of Law
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Ryan Shafer is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who defends the rights of those facing criminal charges in Central Ohio. Shafer is an attorney at Joslyn Law Firm in Dayton, Ohio. There he handles a variety of cases, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes and white collar offenses. Shafer studied business and minored in political science at the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2002. He earned his Juris Doctor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2006 and became licensed to practice law in Ohio the following year. Shafer began his...
70 Birch Alley
Ste 240, Bldg B
 Beavercreek, OH 45440
Ms. Merisa K. Bowers
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(614) 753-2235 400 S 5th St. Ste 101
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, DUI, Divorce and Family
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
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Philip M. Collins Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 43 years experience
(614) 228-1144 21 E State St
Suite 2300
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Divorce, Estate Planning and Family
Ohio State University - Columbus
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While providing the personal attention of a small firm, our experience, knowledge of the law, qualified/trained staff, and cutting-edge technology, allow us to provide our clients with the highest quality legal services. We use prompt, effective communication and action to assist individuals and small businesses in resolving their legal needs. We keep clients advised in all phases of their legal issues, including planning, strategies, negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation. We utilize a network of affiliated professional consultants, including other attorneys, to provide our clients with specialized counsel in a wide variety of legal matters.
John Harold Bates Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 23 years experience
(614) 221-3630 495 S High St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Family and Juvenile
Capital University Law School
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John Bates is a Columbus, Ohio based attorney who handles criminal defense, traffic, motor vehicle accident, child custody, divorce, and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. I practice in central Ohio, which includes Franklin, Delaware, Union, Knox, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, and Madison counties. I have been representing families and their legal needs since 1993. I represent clients at all levels of the Ohio state and federal court systems. With over 20+ years of legal and litigation experience, I am strongly qualified to handle your specific legal situation. As your attorney, I provide quality and affordable legal representation...
Darrin Leist Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 17 years experience
(614) 222-1000 513 E. Rich St., Suite 201
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Consumer and Personal Injury
Ohio State University - Columbus
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Darrin C. Leist grew up in Groveport, Ohio graduating from Groveport-Madison High School. Following college graduation, Darrin worked for seven years in government and politics throughout the state of Ohio before ultimately pursuing his lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. He entered law school full-time studying at Capital University and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, before completing his studies and obtaining his law degree from The Ohio State University in 1998.
Marianne Sharp Bernardo
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 6 years experience
(614) 824-1359 495 East Mound Street
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal
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Joseph Suhre
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 16 years experience
(614) 827-2000 495 South High Street
Suite 100
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal and DUI
University of Cincinnati College of Law
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CINCINNATI, NORTHERN KENTUCKY, COLUMBUS, DAYTON, LEXINGTON & CHICAGO DUI DEFENSE My name is Joe Suhre and I am committed to DUI defense. In fact, that's all I do. I am a graduate of Xavier University where I received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I then attended the University of Cincinnati where I received my Juris Doctorate (law degree). I am licensed to practice in Ohio and the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. I am a former police officer and that gives me a definite advantage when I'm assisting a client with their DUI case. It's such an advantage that Cincy Magazine...
(513) 333-0014 600 Vine Street
Suite 1004
 Cincinnati, OH 45202
(859) 685-1021 333 W. Vine St
Suite 300
 Lexington, KY 40507
Marcell Rose Anthony Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer.
(614) 220-9081 233 S High Street, Suite 300
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Arbitration & Mediation, Business and DUI
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Harry Robert Reinhart Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 37 years experience
400 S 5th St
Suite 301
 Columbus, OH 43215-5430
Criminal, DUI, Insurance Claims and Traffic Tickets
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Joshua Adam Engel Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 20 years experience
222 E. Town Street
Suite 2W
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Appeals, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence
Harvard Law School
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Engel began his career as a prosecutor in 2001 by serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. In 2002, he moved to Ohio and took a position as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney working for Judge Rachel Hutzel in Warren County, Ohio. In Warren County, he handled some of the office’s most challenging and high-profile cases, including death penalty cases and cases featured on national news programs like 48 Hours. Engel rose to lead the office’s appellate division, where he not only handled appeals for the office, but was also called upon by state and national law enforcement...
(513) 445-9600 5181 Natorp Blvd.
Suite 210
 Mason, OH 45040
James S Sweeney
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 5 years experience
(614) 546-5653 341 South Third Street
Suite 300
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Appeals, DUI and Traffic Tickets
Capital University Law School
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James S. Sweeney is the founder and managing member of James Sweeney Law, LLC. A native of Central Ohio, James was born in Columbus and grew up in Marysville. Prior to starting his own practice in Columbus, James worked at the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. While in law school, he also worked at the Reynoldsburg City Attorney’s Office, where he served as a Prosecutor at the Reynoldsburg Mayor’s Court, and also worked at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. He formerly served as the Village Solicitor of Alexandria, Ohio. Prior to attending law school, James lived for several...
Jeff Reynard
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 16 years experience
(614) 461-8080 35 East Livingston Avenue
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Bankruptcy, DUI and Traffic Tickets
The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
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I am an attorney that represents clients in criminal, traffic, and juvenile matters as the majority of my practice in the Central Ohio area. I also represent clients in bankruptcy proceedings.
Andrew Douglas Jones
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(844) 227-7566 150 East Mound St., Ste 200
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Bankruptcy, Divorce and Personal Injury
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Peter Josiah Binning Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 11 years experience
(614) 352-4534 592 S. 3rd St.
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Personal Injury and White Collar Crime
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
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Stephanie Gail Gussler Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(614) 444-3900 1243 S High St
 Columbus, OH 43206
Criminal, Divorce, Family and Juvenile
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April Campbell
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 3 years experience
545 Metro Place South
Suite 100
 Dublin, OH 43017
Criminal, DUI, Traffic Tickets and White Collar Crime
The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
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Before opening Campbell Law in Dublin, Ohio, April Campbell was a prosecutor. She began her career in the Columbus City Prosecutor's office, where she prosecuted a wide range of traffic offenses, and represented the BMV, helping citizens with suspended licenses get driving privileges. She later moved on to prosecuting serious felony offenses in Montgomery County. April Campbell has practiced throughout Ohio exclusively in criminal law, and has successfully litigated numerous cases in hearings, at trial, and on appeal. The focus of April Campbell's criminal experience has been in handling OVIs, drug and weapon offenses, and violent crimes.
Robert Rockower Goldstein Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 23 years experience
(614) 231-0003 2734 East Main Street
 Columbus, OH 43209
Free ConsultationCriminal, Bankruptcy, Business and Divorce
The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
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Attorney Robert Goldstein was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1983, Attorney Goldstein moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend Case Western Reserve University, where he served as Secretary of his fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau, and President of his class for his first two years of college. After earning his degree in Psychology, Attorney Goldstein worked a series of jobs ranging from computer consulting to selling fire extinguishers door-to-door, while he explored a career in stand-up comedy. Two years later, having not successfully earned his own late night talk show, Attorney Goldstein decided to pursue a...
(740) 773-1875 19 West 2nd Street
 Chillicothe, OH 45601
Edward Aaron Itayim Jr.
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(614) 824-5373 729 South Third Street
 Columbus, OH 43206
Criminal
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Dennis C Belli
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 36 years experience
(614) 300-2911 536 S High St Floor 2
 Columbus, OH 43215
Free ConsultationCriminal, Appeals, Traffic Tickets and White Collar Crime
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The Law Offices of Dennis C. Belli is a Columbus, Ohio-based law firm that specializes in criminal defense trial and appellate litigation. When I started this firm in 1984, I had one goal in mind - to seek justice and protect the rights of the criminally accused. Our mission is straightforward - to treat every client as an individual deserving of respect, understanding, and aggressive advocacy. Every client is assured of our commitment to thorough preparation, integrity, and the highest standards of the legal profession in the handling of his or her case.
Nicole Derr
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 5 years experience
(614) 771-1171 5251 Norwich St
 Hilliard, OH 43026
Criminal, DUI, Estate Planning and Traffic Tickets
Capital University Law School
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Brandon Elliot Shroy Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 10 years experience
(614) 444-0900 905 S. High St.
 Columbus, OH 43206
Free ConsultationCriminal and DUI
Capital University
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Brandon Shroy fights for individuals accused of DUI/OVI offenses throughout Columbus and surrounding areas. As an associate of Joslyn Law Firm, Brandon Shroy is dedicating his career to defending the rights of men and women accused of criminal offenses with a specific focus on DUI/OVI cases. He has experience in both defending and as a prosecutor, which gives Brandon Shroy a uniquely comprehensive knowledge of Ohio law. He began his career as a prosecutor for the Columbus City Attorney's Office where he worked until joining Joslyn Law Firm as Columbus OVI lawyer. As a part of his training while working with...
Joseph Edwards Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 31 years experience
(614) 228-0523 523 S 3rd St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, DUI and White Collar Crime
University of Dayton School of Law
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Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense attorney Joe Edwards works vigilantly to defend and produce the best legal outcome for his clients. Prior to starting his criminal defense law practice, Attorney Edwards has experience as Assistant Attorney General in the federal litigation section, as well as experience as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office where he prosecuted a variety of crimes in Franklin County, Ohio. He has experience on both sides of of the courtroom, providing Joe a unique insight in his ability to handle your case.
James David Owen Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer.
(614) 454-5010 5354 N High St
 Columbus, OH 43214
Criminal and DUI
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Richard James Makowski Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 38 years experience
(614) 245-0488 555 South Third Street
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Administrative, Insurance Claims and Landlord Tenant
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
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Kevin John O'Brien Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 33 years experience
995 South High St.
 Columbus, OH 43206
Free ConsultationCriminal, Business, Civil Rights and Collections
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Adam Lee Nemann
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 13 years experience
(614) 333-6007 1243 S. High Street
 Columbus, OH 43230
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Domestic Violence and White Collar Crime
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Adam Lee Nemann grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio to pursue his education. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, with an enthusiasm for law and public speaking, he attended Capital University Law School. It was during law school that Nemann thrust himself into the world of trial advocacy. By day, he worked in a prominent criminal defense firm preparing to defend the accused, by night, he attended law school and volunteered for mock trial and trial advocacy clinics. Nemann obtained a limited license to practice law while an intern, representing his own...
Dustin Mikel Blake
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 9 years experience
(614) 288-4822 580 S. High St.
Suite 200
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, DUI and White Collar Crime
University of Akron School of Law
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Dustin Blake is one of Ohio’s premier criminal defense attorneys and trial lawyers. Mr. Blake represents individuals and professionals charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes (i.e. DUI / OVI, drug crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, etc.). Mr. Blake has a track record of obtaining superior results for clients prior to Trial. Dustin Blake also has a track record of obtaining Not-Guilty Verdicts for clients at Trial.
Zachuary Meranda
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 8 years experience
(614) 707-4239 729 South 3rd Street
 Columbus, OH 43206
Criminal, DUI and Domestic Violence
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
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Zachuary Meranda is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer practicing in the Columbus, Ohio area. Attorney Meranda graduated cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 2008, as well as the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 2009. Today, he pursues his passion of defending individuals who have been wrongfully accused of all types of crimes. Attorney Meranda began his career as a public defender with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. He came to realize that he was the last line of defense for many, which cultivated his...
(614) 707-4239 33 West Main Street
Suite 205
 Newark, OH 43055
Edward Kirk Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 43 years experience
(614) 638-3006 1968 North Devon Road
 Columbus, OH 43212
Criminal, Business, DUI and Divorce
Ohio State University - Columbus
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James Patrick Tyack Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney.
(614) 221-1341 536 S High St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, Insurance Claims, Medical Malpractice and Traffic Tickets
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Tyler W. Kahler
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer. 6 years experience
(614) 569-0081 208 S James Rd
 Columbus, OH 43213
Criminal, Real Estate, Traffic Tickets and White Collar Crime
Capital University Law School
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Jefferson Liston Esq
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Lawyer.
(614) 221-1341 536 S High St
 Columbus, OH 43215
Criminal, DUI, Divorce and Family
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John Hilt Jr
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Franklin County, OH Criminal Law Attorney. 41 years experience
3083 Columbus Street
 Grove City, OH 43123
Free ConsultationCriminal, DUI, Divorce and Traffic Tickets
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FAQ Lawyers Get Listed

Franklin County Criminal Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

State Legal Services Association Southeastern Ohio Legal Services Program
(614) 299-2114
Columbus, OH

Thompson Hine LLP Pro Bono Services
Columbus, OH

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Related Practice Areas

DUI
Traffic Tickets
White Collar Crime

Arrested or facing criminal charges?

Criminal law addresses the government's prosecution of individuals who have been accused of committing a crime. Such laws may be federal, state, or local. The prosecution represents the people of a particular jurisdiction, and acts on behalf of the government by bringing a case against an accused. Under the U.S. Constitution, a person accused of a crime may have the right to a criminal defense attorney during interrogations and certain other times before and during a trial.

Whether you are under police investigation, have been arrested, or are facing charges, having an advocate familiar with the criminal justice system.

Most jurisdictions classify crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with felonies being the more serious offenses with the possibility of more severe sentences. Some criminal lawyers focus on a specific area of criminal defense law, such as white-collar crime, drug offenses, theft crimes, or violent crimes. You should consult with a criminal defense lawyer early on in the process to preserve options, such as diversion programs or plea bargains.

When hiring a criminal defense attorney, you should evaluate the experience and fee structure of the attorney. Some offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Accomplice liability: If a person aids, assists, or encourages another in the commission of a crime, they are criminally liable as an accomplice to the crime.

Self-defense: The claim that an act otherwise criminal was legally justifiable because it was necessary to protect a person or property from the threat or action of another.

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