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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do at the arraignment?

The best course of action is to enter a plea of “not guilty,” at least until you have a chance to talk to a lawyer.

Under no circumstances should you enter a plea of “guilty” or “no contest” without a thorough understanding of the ramifications. It is much wiser to plead “not guilty” and resolve the case later when the exact penalty has been negotiated.

What happens if I plead guilty at my arraignment?

This can be a disastrous decision. You are essentially placing your future in the hands of whatever judge or magistrate happens to be hearing arraignments that day. The Judge or Magistrate may very well accept all accusations as true. Essentially, you are giving up any chance or negotiating a favorable resolution. Not only is it unpredictable, but most Judges or Magistrates will not allow you to withdraw your plea in light of a harsh sentence.

Will I upset the Judge by pleading “Not Guilty?”

No. Most judges respect the fact that people hire a lawyer to handle their case, as it makes the entire process much smoother. Defendants without lawyers and lawyers who are not very experienced tend to clog up the system to the dismay of the judges.

Contact us. We can explain to you the pros and cons of pleading guilty (or not guilty) so that you will understand all the consequences of your decision. These decisions sometimes impact people for the rest of their lives, so being well informed is vital.

What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a plea of no contest?

A plea of No Contest is the same as a plea of Guilty, except that it usually cannot be used against you in a civil trial for damages. A sentence for a plea of No Contest will be identical to a sentence for a plea of Guilty. Some judges will not accept No Contest pleas in felony cases.

Can my DUI conviction be expunged?

No. A DUI in Ohio stays on your record for 50 years.

Disclaimer

The ohiocrimelawyer.com website is designed for general information only. Any information on this site is not to be construed as formal legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer, a DUI lawyer, a family law lawyer, or estate planningwillstrusts, and probate lawyer, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek personal advice regarding their individual legal issues.

The attorneys in our law firm primarily service Portage County courts (Ravenna and Kent) from our office in Ravenna and Summit County courts (Akron, Stow, Barberton) from our office in Stow. Cases in all other courts in North East Ohio, such as Cuyahoga County courts, are handled under specific terms and conditions.