Toledo Criminal Defense Attorney
At Patituce & Associates, we’re committed to presenting your side of the story persuasively and effectively in court.
Our sole focus is on defending people who are facing criminal charges in Ohio. Our team consists of three former Cuyahoga County prosecutors who are now dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of the accused.
Collectively, we have won thousands of cases and successfully navigated more than 200 criminal trials. Our Toledo criminal defense attorneys know the challenges our clients face as they confront the charges against them and aggressively explore every conceivable legal avenue toward a reduction or dismissal on their behalf.
Contact us for a free initial consultation with a Toledo criminal defense attorney at Patituce & Associates by calling (440) 771-1175 today.
Why Hire Our Criminal Attorneys in Toledo?
At Patituce & Associates, our team is committed to a personalized approach to criminal defense. We learn the stories behind each of our clients, what their unique circumstances are, and what their goals are as they face the accusations against them.
This has allowed us to build relationships with our clients and their families and ensure we effectively and thoroughly advocate for them during this uncertain time. Clients throughout the Toledo area choose us for several reasons, including:
- Over 70 years of combined experience
- 1,000s of criminal defense cases won
- Successfully handled over 200 jury trials including murder trial acquittals
- Being the law firm other attorneys, police, and prosecutors turn to for help
- Our lead attorney is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
- Offering no-cost, confidential phone consultations and are available 24/7
Ready to start exploring your legal options? We’re ready to hear from you. Contact our Toledo criminal defense lawyers at (440) 771-1175 today.
Battle-Tested Criminal Attorneys Handling All Types of Cases
Being accused of or charged with a crime is, without question, a legal emergency. Depending upon your circumstances and the severity of the charges, your reputation, career, family life, and freedom may hang in the balance.
With so much at stake, you need an experienced attorney at your side. At Patituce & Associates, we have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you mount the strongest possible defense. We understand how important your case is and always dedicate the time and effort necessary to achieve the greatest outcome.
We take pride in that we are known for their fierce advocacy and rigorous defense of the Constitution. Our firm is well-versed in cases that involve felony and misdemeanor offenses, including federal crimes.
We can help you with the following types of cases:
- Arson
- Assault
- Casino Offenses
- Child Enticement
- Coercion
- Criminal Mischief
- Criminal Usury
- DUI/OVI
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Extortion
- Family Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Homicide
- Juvenile Crimes
- Kidnapping & Human Trafficking
- Medical Disciplinary Action
- Post-Conviction
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Vandalism
- Weapons Crimes
- White Colar Crimes
Our Approach To Criminal Defense: No Case Is Hopeless
Depending on the nature of your case, you might worry that even the best lawyer can’t help. However, whether you face a felony or misdemeanor charge, you need to contact a skilled attorney right away. At Patituce & Associates, we can show you how spending just 10 minutes discussing your case with a defense lawyer can greatly improve your situation.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Through our decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys have handled cases involving a wide range of alleged criminal code violations — both at the state and federal levels.
Additionally, we can help clients even if they have already been convicted of a crime. We have significant experience handling post-conviction issues such as challenging a conviction through a writ of habeas corpus, filing a direct appeal, seeking clemency through commutation or pardon, and even expungement or record sealing.
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How soon should I hire a defense attorney after being arrested?
Engaging a defense attorney promptly after an arrest is of paramount importance. The period immediately following an arrest is often filled with critical moments that can significantly influence the trajectory of a case. Having an attorney early on ensures that your rights are protected from the outset and that you can avoid certain pitfalls, such as self-incrimination during police interrogations. Your interests are paramount to us; as soon as you contact an attorney, we begin to take charge of your case by starting the process of building a robust defense strategy. Early legal intervention can also impact bail considerations, evidence preservation, and witness testimonies. In essence, the sooner you have a defense attorney advocating for you, the better positioned you’ll be to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
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How often will I be updated about my case’s progress?
At our firm, transparency, and communication are cornerstones of our client relationships. We understand that facing criminal charges can be a distressing, uncertain experience. Therefore, we commit to providing regular updates at critical junctures of your case, whether that’s pre-trial hearings, negotiations, or changes in case strategy.
Beyond these systematic updates, we foster an open line of communication where our clients are encouraged to reach out anytime they have concerns, questions, or require clarifications. Our aim is to ensure you’re always informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
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What is a plea bargain, and how does it work?
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the defendant’s attorney and the prosecution. This agreement typically involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for a reduced sentence, the dismissal of other charges, or other concessions from the state.
The plea bargain process can be intricate. It often involves weighing the strength of the evidence, the potential penalties if convicted at trial, and the specific circumstances of the defendant. While plea bargains can expedite the legal process and provide a certain outcome, they also require the defendant to relinquish their right to a trial. It’s crucial to work closely with an experienced Toledo criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance on whether accepting a plea offer is in the defendant’s best interests.
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What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Ohio?
In Ohio, both misdemeanors and felonies represent categories of crimes, but they differ primarily in terms of severity, potential penalties, and long-term consequences.
Misdemeanors are less severe criminal offenses, though they still carry significant consequences. Ohio classifies misdemeanors into five degrees, with the first being the most severe and the fifth being the least. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor might involve offenses like petty theft or certain DUI offenses, resulting in penalties of up to 6 months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Conversely, fifth-degree misdemeanors are less severe and might result in smaller fines and less jail time.
Felonies are more serious offenses and carry stiffer penalties. Ohio categorizes felonies into five degrees as well, with the first degree being the most serious and the fifth degree being the least in terms of felonies. A first-degree felony, for instance, might pertain to crimes like aggravated robbery or attempted murder and could lead to penalties ranging from 3 to 11 years in prison and hefty fines. Fifth-degree felonies, although less severe than first-degree, still carry considerable penalties, which can include prison time.
In addition to immediate penalties, the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony has long-term implications. A felony conviction can significantly impact an individual’s ability to find employment, housing, or even obtain certain licenses. It also affects one’s voting rights and ability to possess firearms.
Given the gravity of these consequences, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional if facing either type of charge in Ohio, as the legal nuances and potential consequences can be complex and profoundly impact one’s life.
Call Today for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been accused of or charged with a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony, you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Patituce & Associates, our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is standing by to listen to the facts of your case and begin building a strong defense. We understand that this is a difficult, potentially frightening time in your life, but time is not on your side.
We Serve all of Toledo and Surrounding Areas
Our Toledo criminal defense law firm is located at 412 14th St., Toledo, OH, 44331. If you have a legal matter to discuss with us in the greater northern Ohio area, please contact us at a location that’s convenient for you.
In addition, we serve the following neighborhoods within Toledo:
- Birmingham
- East Toledo
- Franklin Park
- Old West End
- DeVeaux
- Westgate
- Ottawa
- Point Place
- South Side
- Scott Park
- Five Points
- Reynolds Corners
- Beverly
- Warehouse District
- North River
Call (440) 771-1175 or fill out our contact form to request your free, confidential case evaluation today.
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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- Glenn G.
I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
