Violent crimes in Ohio include assault, robbery, and homicide, among other common charges. If you’re convicted, these serious allegations can lead to long prison sentences and lasting consequences beyond the courtroom.
When you are accused of a violent crime in Bellefontaine, Columbus or Ohio, understanding your charges and the legal process can help you make informed decisions about your defense. Each case is different, and the specific facts of your case will determine how your defense is built. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in protecting your rights, especially when you have an experienced violent crimes defense attorney in your corner.
McNamee Defense offers strategic, discreet, and aggressive representation to clients facing violent crime charges. Our firm works hard to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, contact McNamee Defense for a confidential consultation.
Violent Crime Charges We Defend
McNamee Defense represents clients facing a wide range of violent crime charges in Ohio. Our firm takes on cases at every stage, whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are preparing for trial. Here are some of the charges we regularly defend our clients against:
Assault
Assault is knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. This charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on factors like the extent of injury, the victim’s identity, whether the victim was pregnant, and whether a weapon was involved.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault occurs when someone, while under “sudden passion” or a “fit of rage” caused by provocation, causes or tries to cause serious physical harm or uses a deadly weapon. This offense is more serious than simple assault and carries harsher penalties. Like simple assault, aggravated assault charges are more serious if the victim is pregnant or if the victim is a law enforcement officer.
Felonious Assault
Felonious assault is the most severe assault-related charge. It means one of two things: causing serious physical harm that leads to substantial risk of death, disfigurement, organ impairment or pain, or causing physical harm using a deadly weapon. “Deadly weapons” include things designed as weapons, such as a gun or a knife, and things that can be used as a weapon, such as a baseball bat or car. Another version of this crime is to have HIV/AIDS and have sexual contact with another person without disclosing that fact, or to have sexual contact with a minor or person with diminished mental capacity.
As its name suggests, felonious assault is a felony-level crime. Usually, it is treated as a felony of the second degree. Sentencing guidelines suggest a two- to eight-year prison sentence for a first offense.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges apply when a person knowingly causes or attempts to cause harm to a family or household member, including co-parents and former spouses or partners. These cases often involve protective orders, and penalties escalate sharply if prior convictions exist.
Robbery
Robbery involves committing or attempting a theft offense while using force, threatening harm, or inflicting injury. Robbery is either a second- or third-degree felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the crime.
Aggravated Robbery
Using a weapon or causing serious injury can elevate a standard robbery charge to aggravated robbery. Aggravated robbery is always a first-degree felony.
Homicide
Homicide charges in Ohio include vehicular homicide, reckless and negligent homicide, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, murder, and aggravated murder. The specific charge depends on intent and the surrounding circumstances. These are some of the most serious crimes under Ohio law. Potential penalties include life imprisonment.
Kidnapping and Abduction
Kidnapping occurs when someone removes another person from a location or restrains them by force, threat, or deception, often with the intent to hold them for ransom, facilitate a felony, or cause harm. Abduction involves knowingly removing or restraining another person under circumstances that create a risk of harm or fear. Both charges are serious felonies involving significant prison time, especially when minors or weapons are involved.
Menacing
Menacing is the act of threatening someone with physical harm. The threat can be against the victim themselves, a member of their family, or their unborn infant. This threat can be delivered through words or actions. It must be knowingly done to cause the victim to believe it. Other forms of menacing include aggravated menacing, which involves the threat of serious physical harm, and menacing by stalking, which means threatening physical harm or mental distress through a pattern of conduct.
If you’re not sure which crime you’ve been charged with, contact McNamee Defense. Our experienced criminal defense attorney can explain your charges and your potential defenses.
How Violent Crime Cases Are Investigated and Prosecuted
Violent crime charges often involve extensive investigations. These proceedings can begin long before an arrest. Generally, the legal process involves:
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Police investigations: Officers collect physical evidence from the scene, take photographs, and secure weapons, clothing, or DNA samples. They also interview witnesses and suspects.
- Surveillance and forensic testing: Investigators often review video footage from security cameras and analyze phone records. Depending on the crime, they may request forensic testing like fingerprint comparisons, ballistics analysis, or toxicology reports.
- Expert testimony: Forensic experts, medical examiners, and other specialists are often called to interpret evidence for the court. Their findings can heavily influence the prosecution’s narrative.
- Prosecutorial decisions: Prosecutors decide which charges to file and whether to pursue a plea bargain or trial. They build cases based on police reports, consult investigators, and evaluate whether the evidence is likely to result in a conviction.
- Special task forces: In serious or high-profile cases, state or federal task forces may assist in the investigation.
While the exact process depends on the specific accusations, working with an experienced defense attorney is the best way to protect your rights.
How McNamee Defense Approaches Violent Crime Cases
Violent crime charges demand immediate, skilled legal representation. Police build these cases quickly, and prosecutors are under pressure to secure convictions. Without the right defense strategy, you risk facing the full weight of Ohio’s sentencing laws.
McNamee Defense represents clients facing serious charges in Columbus and the surrounding areas. Our firm’s approach is straightforward: Colin McNamee will work to understand your side of the story, investigate every detail, and prepare as though the case will go to trial. This creates leverage for negotiations and shows our commitment to challenging the prosecution’s evidence. Thanks to extensive local experience, McNamee Defense is familiar with local law enforcement and courts, which is a critical advantage for every client, regardless of their charges.
While every case is different, many violent crime cases share common defense strategies. These typically include:
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Self-defense or defense of others: This defense proves that your actions were necessary to prevent immediate harm to yourself or another person.
- Lack of intent: If you didn’t intend to cause injury, the prosecution may not be able to prove this key element.
- Mistaken identity: Eyewitness testimony is unreliable, especially in high-stress situations. Surveillance footage may not be clear or show the full situation. Our firm challenges eyewitness accounts, photo lineups, and other identification methods.
- Insufficient evidence: We point out gaps or contradictions in the prosecution’s case that prevent them from meeting their burden of proof.
- Procedural errors: Prosecutors and law enforcement are subject to strict procedural and Constitutional standards. We challenge unlawful searches, improper police conduct, and prosecutorial errors.
With McNamee Defense on your side, you’ll have a knowledgeable lawyer advocating for you. We’ll pursue every available defense to protect your freedom and future.
What To Do if You Are Under Investigation or Charged With a Violent Crime
If you are under investigation, or if charges have already been filed, remain silent. Speaking to police without legal representation can unintentionally harm your case, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong. Anything you say may be used against you. Law enforcement officers are trained to gather statements that support their version of events. Do not discuss the case with friends, family members, or anyone else besides your attorney. Even casual conversations can be misinterpreted or repeated in a way that damages your defense.
Act quickly to gather and preserve any evidence that may help your defense. This could include photographs, messages, receipts, or any other documentation that supports your side of the story. Memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost.
Finally, contact McNamee Defense as soon as possible. Early involvement allows your attorney to guide you through police questioning and begin building a defense before the prosecution gains momentum.
Start Building a Strategic Defense Today
If you’ve been accused of a violent crime, acting fast can help protect your rights. Contact McNamee Defense to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.