Tuesday, July 1, 2014

How to Hire the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Cleveland

When you, or a loved one, are arrested, it is a very unnerving experience. Many times, the law is counter-intuitive to those that do not possess legal experience and knowledge. Therefore, no matter what the issue is, it is best to retain an attorney to help guide you through the case, protect your rights, and fight with all their being to defend you.
Now, there are many attorneys out there that claim to be the best one to help you in your time of need. However, which one is the best for you and your particular circumstances? Every case is truly unique. So is every client. Therefore, you must be sure that you are satisfied with two elements before putting your future, and your freedom, in someone's hands.
First and foremost, the attorney must be capable and qualified to properly handle the representation. There are a lot of factors in deciding who is ready to properly handle your case.
  • What kinds of cases have they handled in the past?
  • How well do they know the court where the case is being held?
  • Are they comfortable in the courtroom?
  • More importantly, are they confident in their ability to handle a trial?
Yes, it is true that most cases resolve themselves by way of a plea or some type of agreed to resolution. Yet, you have a Constitutional Right to have your matter heard in all circumstances that jail is a possibility by a jury of your peers.
Secondly, you must have a good rapport with your attorney. Yes, there are capable attorneys out there, but do you feel comfortable with them? If you do not feel that they are interested in your particular situation, how are you going to trust the advice that they give you in your most important of affairs?
Many clients get frustrated that their attorneys are not spending the time necessary with them so that they fully understand all that is going on and the potential ramifications their case could have on their life. Nothing can substitute the face to face preparation of getting ready for a trial. If your case is getting ready for trial you must/will be spending a lot time with your attorney reviewing strategies, witnesses, and potentially your own testimony. Those experiences are long, focused, and intense. You need to be able to work with your attorney on a level that can get the proper results that you deserve.

At Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC, my clients' level of comfort with the legal process and with my representation is one of the most important parts of my legal assistance. I recognize that my client's livelihood and freedom is on the line, which is why I take cases just as seriously as those facing the arrest. My personalized service cannot be found at larger firms. In every case that I handle, I approach it with a fresh perspective to build the case up from scratch. My firm uses this approach because no two cases are the same and they therefore cannot be handled in the same manner.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

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. 

Monday, June 16, 2014

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. 

Friday, June 6, 2014

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!

Friday, May 30, 2014

How does a criminal record affect a professional license?

If you are convicted or even under investigation for a crime, then your professional license may be affected on a number of different levels. Obviously, a felony conviction will have a much more profound impact than a misdemeanor, causing the offender to lose their license altogether; however, misdemeanors can also cause quite a bit of damage as well. It may also cause loss of license in some professions, but will also impact the hiring process for any occupation. Many companies may be wary of hiring an employee with a criminal record.
Offenses that Will Cause Loss of a Professional License
Some vocations have stricter rules than others regarding the holding of a license with a criminal record. If your profession is not listed below, then you can find a complete list of professional licensing laws under Ohio Revised Code Title 47.
Accountants (O.R.C. 4701.16)
  • any felony conviction
  • conviction of a crime related to dishonesty or fraud
Attorneys (O.R.C. 4705.02)
  • any conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude
Chiropractors (O.R.C. 4734.31)
  • any felony conviction
  • a misdemeanor for a crime involving moral turpitude
Dentists (O.R.C. 4715.30)
  • any felony or misdemeanor conviction
  • prescribing or giving away drugs for non-purposes
Nurses (O.R.C. 4723.28)
  • any felony conviction
  • a conviction of a crime involving gross immorality or moral turpitude
  • Note: Even if the court dismisses the case, the board will still investigate the claims and hold their own adjudication
Pharmacists (O.R.C. 4729.16)
  • conviction of a felony
  • conviction of a crime of gross immorality
  • convicted of a misdemeanor related to the practice of pharmacy
Physicians (O.R.C. 4731.22)
  • conviction of a felony
  • conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
  • conviction of a misdemeanor committed during the course of practice
Veterinarians (O.R.C. 4741.22)
  • conviction of a crime involving illegal or prescription drugs
Educators are held to an even stricter standard than many of these professions. Visit O.A.C. 3301-20-01 to see violations that could cause loss of license for a teacher or another type of educator.

Contact Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC

If you are professional that is facing charges for a felony or a misdemeanor, then your license and future employment opportunities may be in danger. Contact my firm, Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC, for representation from an experienced Cleveland criminal defense attorney. I can defend your rights throughout the entire process, even if you are required to appear before a disciplinary board for investigation. Protect your career with my help. I care about your future and will do everything I can to make sure that your charges are dismissed!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Am I eligible for a first offender program in Ohio?

The First Offender Program (FOP) is a diversion program for accused persons who don't have a previous criminal record. Eligible participants can complete the terms of the program as an alternative to prosecution and their case will then be dismissed. In order to be qualified for FOP, the following must be true of you:
  • You do not have any prior felony or misdemeanor convictions. Misdemeanor convictions that occurred more than ten years may not be counted upon the recommendation of the prosecutor.
  • You do not have any other pending criminal, juvenile, or serious traffic charges.
  • You are not on probation for another offense.
  • You are not drug dependent or at high risk of becoming drug dependent.
  • You will benefit from the program and its close supervision.
  • You have not participated in any other diversion programs since the age of 18.

Exceptions to the FOP

There are some misdemeanor offenses that don't qualify for the first offender program. These include:

Get Legal Counsel From My Firm

Talk to my firm, Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC, if you have questions about the eligibility of your offense. As a Cleveland criminal defense attorney, I can analyze your situation and find out if you can take advantage of the FOP. I will explain the other requirements for entry and plead your case to the prosecution.

I have nearly a decade of experience in criminal law and have successfully defended countless clients. In my years of practice, I have been able to get clients into the First Offender's Program or get their charges dropped altogether. Call my office or submit an online form to obtain a free initial consultation!