2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 17
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
(89)Why choose this provider?
Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C., represents individuals and entities who are under investigation or charged with criminal offenses in federal and state courts throughout Northeast Ohio. Attorney Wolfe is the Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section and has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Association “Top 40 Under 40” List for Criminal Defense in Ohio for three consecutive years. Attorney Wolfe believes that each case deserves powerful and creative advocacy and that every client be afforded their constitutional right to fairness, as well as superior levels of communication and compassion during all stages of their matter.
- Sex Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
- DWI/DUI
- Drug Crimes
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cleveland? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.
Why choose this provider?
The Botnick Law Firm, LLC, caters to clients in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. It represents individuals facing criminal charges, such as drug possession and manufacturing, theft, traffic violations, assault, and battery. The process involves preparing for the trial, negotiating with prosecutors for a plea agreement, and presenting the case to a judge and jury. Principal attorney Robert Botnick has been practicing law since 2004. He is a former prosecutor and has tried more than 60 felony cases.
- Theft & Burglary
- Federal Crime
- Drug Crimes
Why choose this provider?
Based in Chardon and established in 1980, Ibold & O'Brien provides criminal defense for individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Cleveland and the surrounding communities. Its team takes on a variety of criminal cases, including those involving traffic violations, DUI/OVI/DWI and drunk driving, drug crimes, assault and battery, fraud and embezzlement, vehicular manslaughter, and robbery and theft. In addition, the practice represents juvenile defendants in juvenile court. Mr. Ibold holds a BV Distinguished Rating with Martindale-Hubbell.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Casey O’brien - Partner | Active | 24 yrs |
| Dennis Ibold - Partner | Active | 51 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.5 (8)
Why choose this provider?
Lallo & Feldman Co. LPA is a criminal defense law firm that advocates for the rights of citizens accused of crimes within the Greater Cleveland area and surrounding communities, including Lake County and all of Northeast Ohio. Established in 1979, the practice has experience ranging from defense of small traffic charges to serious felony crimes. Its scope includes DUI/OVI, drug offenses, domestic violence, and assault. The firm also represents juvenile defendants.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Lallo - Partner | Active | 15 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Jaye M. Schlachet & Eric M. Levy represents accused citizens of Cleveland and neighboring communities. Its trial lawyers defend a variety of criminal cases, including ones with mental health components. They deal with petty crimes such as traffic infractions, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct. The team also contends serious allegations like fraud, rape, and murder. One of the attorneys, Jaye Schlachet, is the current president of the Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- DWI/DUI
Why choose this provider?
Carlos Johnson Attorney at Law Firm provides aggressive representation for defendants in Cleveland and its surrounding areas. It offers counsel in state and federal cases involving matters such as drug offenses, parole violations, juvenile crimes, and mortgage fraud. The law office also provides legal assistance in assault and battery, child cruelty and molestation, and domestic violence lawsuits. In addition, it handles personal injury, deportation, and immigration issues. Its lawyer, Carlos Johnson, is a former prosecutor.
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- DWI/DUI
Why choose this provider?
The Caruso Law Offices caters to the people of Cleveland and neighboring regions. It works to provide individuals a kind of defense that will help them avoid jail sentences or criminal convictions. The firm's practitioners take an aggressive approach to representing their clients to achieve the best possible outcome in court. They also assist in expunging or sealing previous criminal records. Morgan R. Caruso, the principal attorney, authored a chapter in the American Bar Association's book, The 2014 State of Criminal Justice.
- Theft & Burglary
- Drug Crimes
Why choose this provider?
Susan J. Moran is a criminal defense attorney who protects the rights of clients in the Cleveland metro. She represents people charged with traffic tickets, DUI charges, ALS suspensions, expungements, and other criminal offenses, in litigation or trial. She examines and investigates the record of the case and finds errors to develop defense strategies for clients. She serves as an adjunct professor at a law school and is a member of the Ohio Eighth Judicial District Conference. Moran has over 19 years of legal experience.
- DWI/DUI
Why choose this provider?
Marein & Bradley has been serving clients in Cleveland and the surrounding areas since 1996. It offers compassionate guidance to people facing criminal charges, from plea bargaining and pretrial hearings to final appeals. Its attorneys, with a combined 85 years of legal experience, conduct independent investigations and work with forensic, jury research, and trial consultants to achieve favorable results for clients. Founding partners Mark Marein and Steve Bradley have handled DUI, drug, and homicide cases that resulted in acquittals, diminished sentences, or dismissed charges.
- Juvenile Crimes
- Probation Violation
- Federal Crime
Why choose this provider?
Mandy Gwirtz, LLC, serves clients in the Cleveland metro. She takes on criminal defense cases and helps clients have their charges dropped. She also handles personal injury cases and provides legal representation for victims of negligence. In addition, she assists individuals with estate planning concerns and aids in resolving landlord and tenant disputes. Mandy Gwirtz has been in the legal field for more than 10 years. She is a member of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- DWI/DUI
Why choose this provider?
Jonathan N. Garver is a Cleveland-based attorney offering legal support to individuals charged with crimes, including DUI, theft, domestic violence, possession of drugs, and assault. His firm also provides defense strategies to those investigated for white-collar and violent crimes. Additionally, Garver assists clients in applying for expungement and restoring driving privileges. He is a member of the Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association member and has been in the legal practice for more than 40 years.
Why choose this provider?
Bret Jordan Co. L.P.A., Attorneys at Law, is a private practice serving Cleveland metro residents. It advocates for criminally accused individuals in court to obtain a not-guilty verdict. Its legal team studies clients' cases, reviews police reports, and gathers evidence to support its defense. Dedicated to providing personalized service, the firm's lawyers work directly and communicate regularly with each client. Founder Bret Jordan has been practicing law for over 26 years. He has appeared on various television shows, including Dateline NBC and Good Morning America.
- Theft & Burglary
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (12)
Why choose this provider?
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense offers aggressive representation to accused individuals in Cleveland. It handles misdemeanor charges, such as traffic violations, hit-and-run offenses, reckless operation, and driving under suspension. Its lawyers also protect the rights of defendants accused of white-collar crimes, sexual abuse, assault, arson, and theft. The firm helps clients recover from their criminal convictions by offering expungement services. Its founding partner, Bruce Taubman, has over 35 years of legal experience and is a member of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers.
- DWI/DUI
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (9)
Why choose this provider?
Gholizadeh Law serves the people of Cleveland and the surrounding areas. The firm's lawyer, Amir Gholizadeh, fights forindividuals who have been wrongfully indicted and provides them with the assistance they need to prevent potential sanctions, jail time, and a criminal record. He also represents clients before the appellate division. After earning his law degree, Gholizadeh worked as a post-bar fellow at the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office, Appellate Division, where he continued defending the rights of the indigent.
- DWI/DUI
Why choose this provider?
Esparza Rivero Law, LLC, advocates for juveniles and adults in Cleveland accused of crimes involving theft, drugs, sexual acts, violence, and the internet. It also defends individuals with DWI charges. Christopher Rivero, the firm's attorney, is a former public defender with extensive experience analyzing evidence, filing legal motions, interviewing witnesses, and representing defendants in pretrial hearings and trials. As someone who grew up in a troubled community where terrible events frequently occur, Rivero understands the struggles of those facing criminal prosecution.
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- DWI/DUI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Rivero - Founder | Active | 7 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Ondrejech Law Firm, LLC, offers counsel and assistance from its office in Cleveland. It is headed by Mark S. Ondrejech, who protects the rights of criminal defendants. He handles cases involving disorderly conduct, theft, drug possession, and assault. He also defends individuals arrested for tampering with records, obstructing justice, and carrying weapons under disability. In addition to criminal defendants, Ondrejech represents injury victims, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. He was licensed to practice in 2007.
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- DWI/DUI
Compare our Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C. | 1392 Som Center, Mayfield Heights, OH44124 | Call for consultation | View More | |
| The Botnick Law Firm, LLC | 20600 Chagrin Blvd #495, Shaker Heights, OH44122 | View More | ||
| Ibold & O’Brien | 401 South Street Village Station, Chardon, OH44024 | View More | ||
| Lallo & Feldman Co., LPA | 614 W Superior Ave Ste 1402, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| The Law Offices of Jaye M. Schlachet & Eric M. Levy | 55 Public Square Suite 1600, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Carlos Johnson Attorney at Law Firm | 323 West Lakeside Ave Ste 420, Cuyahoga, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Caruso Law Offices | 323 W. Lakeside Ave. Suite 450, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Susan J. Moran | 1382 W. 9th Street Suite 410, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Marein & Bradley | 526 Superior Avenue Suite #222, Cleveland, OH44114 | View More | ||
| Mandy Gwirtz, LLC | 20050 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH44123 | View More | ||
| Jonathan N. Garver, Attorney at Law | 4403 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH44103 | View More | ||
| Bret Jordan Co. L.P.A. Attorneys at Law | 50 Public Square, #1900, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Cuyahoga Criminal Defense | 1826 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Gholizadeh Law | 1220 West 6th Street Suite #303 Third Floor, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| Esparza Rivero Law, LLC | 1220 W 6th St Suite 203, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More | ||
| The Ondrejech Law Firm, LLC | 700 West St. Clair Ave., Suite 110, Cleveland, OH44113 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cleveland, Ohio?
(216) 623-5864 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cleveland.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cleveland, Ohio?
You can contact the public records department by phone, in person, or in writing. You can call the Cleveland Division of Police at 216.623.5352 during their weekday hours of operation. You can also visit them in person on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm at 1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113. Additionally, you can send a written request to the same address, Attn: Public Records.
What is the criminal litigation process in Cleveland?
The criminal litigation process in Cleveland involves the exchange of information between the prosecution and defense during the discovery phase. The defense may file a motion to exclude evidence during the suppressing evidence stage, citing reasons such as the evidence being inadmissible or illegally obtained. Evidence can also be challenged in terms of its validity or credibility. Both sides will investigate the facts of the case to gather evidence, including physical objects, surveillance footage, and witness testimony. Attorneys will review the evidence and discuss whether to challenge the validity or credibility of the state's evidence and gather their own evidence.
Why should you hire a criminal defense attorney in Cleveland before being charged?
By hiring a Cleveland criminal defense attorney before being charged, you can start building your defense and dismantling the opposition's case before it even has a chance to be formally brought against you. This can increase the chances of getting the case dropped and avoid a mark on your arrest record.
What should you do if you were arrested in Cleveland?
In the event that you are apprehended or arrested in Cleveland, it is recommended that you remain calm and cooperative with the arresting officers. It is crucial that you avoid resisting or arguing with law enforcement as this can worsen the situation and potentially lead to additional charges. You are entitled to be informed of the cause of your arrest and to request legal counsel. It is imperative that you exercise your right to remain silent and refrain from answering any questions until you have consulted with an attorney.
What should you do if you believe your rights were violated by the police in Cleveland?
If you suspect that your rights have been violated by law enforcement in Cleveland, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a criminal defense lawyer at the earliest. An attorney can assess whether any misconduct has taken place and may be able to have charges against you dropped if evidence was procured illegally. It's vital to maintain a record of any interactions you had with the police, along with the names of the officers and witnesses involved, as this can bolster your case.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Cleveland?
The cost of hiring an attorney in Cleveland can vary widely, depending on the legal matter's complexity, the attorney's experience and reputation, and the extent of investigation and preparation needed to build a strong case. It's advisable to do your research and choose a reliable and experienced lawyer who can provide a transparent breakdown of their fees and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circ*mstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.
How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Misdemeanors
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Specific types of fraud
- Possession of certain types of drugs
What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circ*mstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circ*mstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.
Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circ*mstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.
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