Am I Eligible to Appeal my Criminal Conviction?

In the state of Ohio, each defendant is entitled to have his or her criminal conviction reviewed by the court of appeals. This ensures that you were given a fair trial. An appeal is not a completely new trial where new evidences and defense strategies are introduced. Instead, if there were legal errors made at your trial, this appeal may give you the opportunity to have a re-trial and potentially have your charges or sentence reduced.

How To Make An Appeal

Appeals do not happen instantaneously. There are rules and limitations that go hand in hand with an appeal. For example, if you have been convicted of a felony, a notice of appeal must be filed no more than 30 days after your conviction and sentence were entered. If the deadline is missed, you can request a delayed appeal and must offer a valid reason for failing to comply with the deadline given. There is no guarantee that you will be granted a delayed appeal.

The court of appeals staff cannot determine if you are eligible for an appeal. The following documents define an appealable order:

•       Ohio Revised Code Section 2505.02

•       Ohio Civic Rule 54 (B)

•       Ohio Criminal Rule 32

Find out how I can help you!

The appeal process or any other post-conviction remedy can be very complicated. I have over 10 years of experience and have successfully defended a wide variety of criminal charges. When you secure my legal assistance, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. I proudly offer each prospective client a free case evaluation.

 If you have questions about the appeals process or any legal concerns, contact my firm. We are passionate about your freedom and wellbeing and will analyze your situation to maximize the chances of your charges being reduced.

Contact HYPERLINK "Contact-Us.aspx"Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC today to schedule your consultation and find out if your criminal conviction can be appealed. 

What is the Difference between a Federal Crime and a State Crime?

Federal and state crimes differ by codes and laws. A federal crime is one in which the defendant breaks a federal legal code. This is a violation of a statute that has been passed by the United States Congress. A state crime is a violation of an ordinance or statute passed by the local authority and state legislature. Laws and constitutions vary state by state; some crimes fall under both categories. 

What is a federal crime?

A federal crime is a criminal action that concerns the nation as a whole. Federal crimes can range from computer crimes to identity theft. If you have committed a federal crime, you could be investigated by government agencies such as the IRS, DEA and FBI. When a federal case goes to trail, it will not be prosecuted by a district or state attorney. All federal crimes are prosecuted by a United States Attorney. If convicted, the offender will be sentenced according to federal guidelines and may be sentenced to time in federal prison.

Federal crimes include, but are not limited to the following:

•       Internet sex crimes

•       Bribery and public corruption

•       Bank robbery

•       Different types of fraud

•       Bank robbery

•       Human trafficking

•       Embezzlement

•       White collar crimes

What is a state crime?

State crimes are criminal acts that vary state by state. Most crimes, whether technically labeled state or federal, will fall under the umbrella of a state crime.

What penalties could I be facing?

The majority of criminal prosecutions take place in state courts. Here, the state has power over the accused to arrest, try, charge and convict them. Penalties vary based on the seriousness of the crime you have been accused for. Under state criminal codes, the state judicial system will make all sentencing decisions.

If your matter relates to the federal government, they have complete jurisdiction over your criminal acts. Whether the individual committed the criminal act on federal property or his or her actions crossed state lines, the federal government has power over you and you have the right to a trial under the sixth amendment.

Under the U.S. Constitution and Federal Statutes, your involvement in a federal crime may result in the following sanctions:

•       Criminal prosecution

•       Search and seizures

•       Heavy bail amounts

•       Cruel and unusual punishment

Do I need an attorney?

Yes. Regardless of the specifics of your criminal charges, it is essential that you contact an experienced attorney. I have over a decade of experience in the criminal defense of federal and state crimes and have successfully represented numerous individuals facing charges such as yours. My extensive knowledge regarding both federal and state laws will allow me to build a tailor-made defense strategy on your behalf.

If you have been accused of a crime, do not hesitate to contact my firm. Your hearing is just around the corner and time is running out. Contact Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC today to schedule your initial consultation. 

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Ohio?

Contrary to the seemingly ever increasing trend in the United States, marijuana is not legal in any form in Ohio. Unlike California and various other states that receive the majority of media attention, Ohio will not allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients.

What are the penalties for marijuana possession?

In addition, although it is "only" a minor misdemeanor to have less than 200 grams of marijuana on your person, there are various other issues that may arise if you plead guilty to such a charge.

• First, your license can be suspended between six months and five years.
• Also, if you receive any student aid whereby you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to receive it, any drug conviction will immediately prevent you from receiving that aid.
• Additionally, you may be forced to return any of the monies that you have already received!
• Lastly, depending on a variety of factors, like how the marijuana has been packaged, even though the total weight of the drugs might be less than 200 grams, your charges can sometimes be raised to a trafficking felony.

Get A Free Consultation Today!

If you've been arrested for a marijuana offense, then contact my firm for protection! We can discuss your case at your free initial consultation and develop effective defense strategies. I have successfully assisted numerous clients with drug possession, trafficking, and other related charges. Call my firm at 888.506.2167or submit an online form to get started!