Prepared To Tackle Cincinnati’s Toughest Criminal Defense Cases
The criminal justice system is not something that you want to face alone. Judges are not on your side, and prosecutors are out to convict you to the fullest extent of the law. Since possible penalties include hefty fines, lengthy jail sentences and long-term license suspension, you want to make sure you are prepared to fight your charges.
At DeBra Law, LLC, we are committed to putting forth our most vigorous effort throughout every stage of the legal process. As an Ohio criminal defense attorney, Ryan DeBra is aggressive in defense of the rights of his clients in Cincinnati and across Hamilton, Clermont and Warren counties.
Our Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorney Can Fight For You
Our firm takes cases ranging from resolving simple misdemeanors to obtaining reductions and dismissals of felony charges in courtrooms across Ohio. No matter how severe the accusations are, our Cincinnati criminal attorney has the necessary skills to take an aggressive stand against the charges. Our firm can provide the representation you need for a variety of criminal accusations, including:
- Felonies
- Fraud
- Misdemeanors
- Underage consumption
- OVI/DUI
- Assault
- Sex crimes
- Theft or burglary
- Drug possession or sale
- Juvenile crimes
- Domestic violence
- Restraining orders
When you come to our office for a free initial consultation, our lawyer takes time to attentively listen to your side of the story. From there, we can begin to walk you through your defense options so that you can make an educated decision about how to proceed with your case.
Answering Your Questions About Criminal Charges In Ohio
Being arrested and accused of a crime can feel traumatic and overwhelming. You undoubtedly have many questions, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common criminal defense questions asked by prospective clients.
Should I talk to the police?
No – not until you have secured strong and capable representation from an experienced criminal lawyer in Cincinnati. Remember, police and prosecutors are not on your side. Everything you say to police or investigators could be used against you or others, and you should assume that every question that police ask you is designed to build a criminal case against you. Whether you are simply being detained or you have already been arrested, exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney at DeBra Law, LLC.
I think the police violated my rights. What are my options?
In many cases, criminal charges are reduced or dismissed because police failed to follow the correct procedure or otherwise violated the defendant’s rights. If you believe your rights were violated, we can investigate your case and determine the best course of action for protecting your rights and future.
Two of the most common examples of rights violations by police are unlawful traffic stops and unlawful search and seizure. Criminal cases may also be dropped if evidence is tainted or otherwise faulty, sobriety tests are unreliable, or police used unlawful force or coercion to obtain evidence or a confession. In any case, talk to us as soon as possible if you believe your rights were violated before, during or after your arrest.
Should I go to trial?
The answer to this question will depend entirely on the specific facts of your case, as well as the prosecution’s willingness to negotiate. The vast majority of criminal cases are resolved in the pretrial phase. That means the case does not proceed to a jury trial and is either dismissed or leads to a plea agreement.
If the best way to protect your rights and interests is to take your case to trial, our criminal defense trial lawyer will not hesitate to fight for you. He can assess your specific situation and help you determine whether a plea deal or a trial is the best option for you.
One thing to understand about DeBra Law, LLC, is that we always make our cases trial-ready – because that is the best way to build the strongest possible case for our clients. A strong, well-prepared, trial-ready case has a much greater chance of success than a case that is not ready for a possible trial.
What should I do and not do if I am pulled over for suspected drunk driving?
If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, it’s important to stay calm and keep your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel. Be polite and provide the officer with your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance when requested. You have the right to remain silent, and you can politely inform the officer you are choosing to exercise this right.
You should avoid admitting to drinking alcohol, as any statements you make can be used against you. It is also advisable not to perform field sobriety tests, as you are not legally required to do so and the results can be subjectively interpreted. Lastly, do not argue or physically resist the officer; if you believe your rights are being violated, you can address this later with legal representation.
When can police legally search my trunk for suspected drug possession?
In Ohio, police can legally search your trunk without a warrant under certain conditions. One such condition is if the officer has probable cause, meaning a reasonable belief that your trunk contains evidence of a crime, such as drugs. This is further supported by the “plain view” doctrine, meaning that officers typically have justification for a search if certain criminal evidence is discovered in plain view.
Another situation is if you voluntarily consent to the search (which most attorneys would say you should not do). If you are arrested, the police may search your vehicle, including the trunk, as part of the arrest process. Finally, if your car is impounded, police may conduct an inventory search of the entire vehicle, including the trunk.
How does Ohio law treat marijuana possession?
Cincinnati largely decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2019 via local ordinance. But until fairly recently, marijuana possession remained illegal under Ohio law. That changed in December 2023, when Ohio joined a growing number of states legalizing recreational cannabis.
Under the new law, anyone over the age of 21 can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams) of “flower” cannabis and up to 15 grams of extract. These same Ohioans can also keep several marijuana plants in their home for personal use.
Possession of amounts greater than those listed above can result in misdemeanor or even felony charges, so it is critical to know exactly how much cannabis you are possessing at any time.
Get A Free Consultation From A Dedicated Criminal Defense Lawyer In Cincinnati
Choosing the right law firm to represent you is critical. It is not an exaggeration to say that your life and liberty are in your attorney’s hands. You want an advocate whom you can trust is truly fighting for you and doing everything possible to win your case.
When you work with DeBra Law, LLC, we can use all of our knowledge and resources to fight to protect your constitutional rights and your best interests. To speak with a lawyer who is looking out for your freedom, please call us in Cincinnati at 513-548-5920 or complete our contact form.