Dayton Criminal Charge Attorney

Dayton Criminal Charge Attorney

When someone is arrested, especially for the first time, it is inevitable they will experience something unlike anything they have previously experienced. The prospect of going to jail even for a day is a haunting thought for anyone. This is why it is critical that the person arrested gets the best representation by a Dayton criminal charge attorney who is fully knowledgeable about Ohio criminal law and processes.

At VanNoy Firm, we have a dedicated criminal charge attorney ready to help you if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. 

What To Do Upon Being Arrested

If you have been arrested in Dayton or anywhere else in Ohio, you have certain constitutional rights that must be adhered to. Some of these rights include your right to remain silent. This means if you are under custody, that is, if you are not free to leave the presence of the officer arresting you, then you can refuse to answer any questions. 

If you are not sure whether you are under custody, you can simply ask the arresting officer whether you are free to leave or not. If the officer says you are free to leave, then you can tell them that is exactly what you wish to do. If the officer says you are not free to leave, this means you are in custody and, therefore, these constitutional rights apply in your case.

In that case, keep silent and do not answer any questions other than basic informational questions such as your name and date of birth. Do not answer any other questions and especially any questions they ask about what you did or did not do.

The Criminal Process

The criminal process in Dayton includes several steps which follow one another in the following order:

• Booking. The arrested person is taken into a police station, where their photograph and fingerprints are taken. The arresting officer will then ask a few basic questions establishing the identity of the person. The officer will also record and keep the personal effects of the person being arrested, such as wallet, watch, and any money they may have.
• Arraignment. The arrested person will then be brought before a magistrate or judge promptly though this is typically the next day or so. During arraignment before a magistrate or judge, the prosecutor will inform the arrested person of the charges they face, and the magistrate or judge will inform the accused of their constitutional rights. The accused, called the “defendant,” will then admit or deny the charges.
• Bond. If the defendant denies the charges, a pretrial date will be set, and the judge will decide whether the defendant is to be released or held in custody pending the pretrial hearing.
• Plea Bargain. The defendant’s lawyer and the prosecutor will then negotiate before the pre-trial to determine if a plea agreement can be reached to avoid a trial. If a plea agreement is reached, then there will be no trial, and the case will be closed in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
• Trial. If no plea agreement is reached, then the case will go to trial.

If you have been arrested in Dayton, then you should contact us today and speak to one of our dedicated criminal charge lawyers to help you get the best defense possible.