Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorney
At Luftman, Heck & Associates, our Cincinnati criminal attorneys realize that no one plans on being charged with a crime. However, if the unexpected happens, you need to take those criminal charges seriously.
Regardless of the accusations, our experienced and highly-dedicated criminal lawyers Juliea Crumes and Brad Groene are top-rated (150+ 5-star reviews) defense attorneys in Cincinnati and ready to stand by your side. Whether it’s an OVI charge in Blue Ash, an assault charge in Fairfield, drug possession in Indian Hill, or any offense in Hamilton County, Southwestern Ohio, or Northern Kentucky, let us explain the charges you are facing and fiercely defend you.
Speak our Cincinnati defense attorneys today. Call (513) 338-1890 or submit a request online to schedule a free, initial consultation with a criminal lawyer near you.
Criminal Cases we handle
DUI / OVI Offenses
A DUI or OVI charge can upend your entire life. Imagine spending time in a Hamilton County jail, losing your job, or telling your children that you can’t drive them to Ault park because your driver’s license is suspended. Depending on the circumstances, you will face a license suspension, possible jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory substance abuse treatment. Dealing with a DUI can feel hopeless, but by working with a skilled Cincinnati criminal attorney, you can find a better way.
Drug Crimes
Whether it involves simple possession or drug trafficking, drug crimes in Hamilton County can mean long prison terms and permanent marks on your criminal record. It can take a lifetime to overcome a drug conviction. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Hamilton County, discuss the situation with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer and pursue every possible alternative.
Traffic Violations
Mistakes on the road are inevitable, and every driver in Hamilton County will likely be pulled over and ticketed at some point. While many traffic tickets can be addressed by merely paying the fine, depending on the violation, you could be dealing with severe consequences. This means large fines, raised insurance premiums, the suspension or revocation of your license, or even jail time for certain offenses, like reckless driving. Protecting your driving record requires highly-effective representation from the best criminal defense lawyer possible.
Assault & Domestic Violence
As an experienced Cincinnati criminal defense attorney, Brad Groene understands how situations can quickly escalate or be misinterpreted. If a heated situation leads to criminal charges, the effect on your life can be incredible. Assault charges and domestic violence charges are pursued aggressively by Hamilton County Courts and convictions result in severe penalties. A lot depends on telling your side of the story and with the help of a criminal attorney from our law firm, we can ensure your voice is heard.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are treated very seriously by Hamilton County Prosecutors, and convictions are devastating. Penalties mean prison time, mandatory and often permanent registration as a sex offender, and considerable damage to your reputation. These allegations are complicated and sensitive for all involved, but tragically false accusations and misidentifications are common. If you are ever accused of a sex crime, don’t take unnecessary risks. Protect your own rights and contact a skilled and passionate criminal defense attorney.
Cases we handle
DUI Defense
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DUI / OVI Offenses
A DUI or OVI can upend every aspect of your life. Imagine spending time behind bars, being unable to drive to work, or telling your children that you can’t drive them to the park. Depending on the circumstances or if you’ve had prior DUIs, you will face the loss of your license, possible jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory substance abuse treatment. Dealing with a DUI in Cincinnati can feel hopeless, but by working with a skilled DUI attorney, you can review your options and find a better way.
Drug Offenses
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Drug Crimes
Whether it involves simple possession or large-scale drug trafficking, drug convictions can result in potentially long periods of incarceration and permanent marks against your criminal record. It can take a lifetime to overcome such drastic effects. For example, even a misdemeanor drug conviction can limit your employment options or ability to secure financial aid for college. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Ohio, you should discuss the situation with a knowledgeable drug lawyer and pursue every possible alternative to preserve your future.
Criminal Traffic Violations
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Traffic Violations
Mistakes on the road are inevitable, and every Ohio driver will likely encounter being pulled over and ticketed. While many Cincinnati traffic tickets can be addressed by merely paying a fine, depending on the severity or amount of traffic offenses on your record, you could be dealing with some severe consequences. These include large fines, raised insurance premiums, the suspension or revocation of your license, or even jail time for certain traffic offenses, like reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter. Protecting your driving record requires highly-effective representation from a skilled and experienced traffic lawyer.
Assault & Domestic Violence
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Assault
As an experienced Cincinnati criminal defense attorney, Brad Groene understands situations can quickly escalate or be misinterpreted. If a heated situation leads to criminal charges, the effect on your life can be detrimental. Assault charges are pursued aggressively as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances and convictions may result in severe penalties and a violent act permanently attached to your criminal record. A lot depends on telling your side of the story in an Ohio assault case and with our help, we can ensure your voice is heard.
Sex Crimes
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Sex Crimes
Few offenses invoke the level of emotion than those related to sexual misconduct. Sex crimes in Ohio are treated seriously, and convictions can be devastating, including substantial prison time, mandatory and often permanent registration as a sex offender, and considerable damage to your reputation. These offenses tend to be complicated and sensitive situations for all the parties involved, and tragically false accusations and misidentifications are common. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Cincinnati or a surrounding area, don’t take unnecessary risks. Protect your own rights and contact a skilled and passionate attorney.
Other Criminal Cases We Handle
When to Hire a Local Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal charges in Cincinnati are confusing and scary. Whether it’s a felony charge or minor misdemeanor, you need to know the differences, the penalties, and how the right criminal lawyer can make a difference.
Misdemeanors & Felonies in Hamilton County
Criminal charges in Ohio are divided into two groups, based on their severity and the possible punishments. If you’re accused of either, it’s likely time to call a local criminal defense attorney.
Misdemeanors
Less serious than felonies
Misdemeanors in Ohio are classified according to severity:
First-degree misdemeanors – The Most severe misdemeanor class, up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples: Domestic violence, assault, and a first-offense OVI.
Second-degree misdemeanors – Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750. Examples: vandalism and shoplifting.
Third-degree misdemeanors – Up to 60 days of jail time and a $500 fine. Examples: negligent assault and sexual imposition.
Fourth-degree misdemeanors – Up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Examples: Consuming alcohol while in a motor vehicle & public indecency.
Minor Misdemeanors – The least severe misdemeanor with some fines but no jail time. Examples: Some traffic violations and disorderly conduct.
Felonies
Reserved for serious crimes
Felonies in Ohio are divided into categories based on severity:
Unclassified Felonies– The highest-level crimes you can be charged with, punishments are between 15 years and life in prison. Examples include Murder and aggravated murder.
First-Degree Felonies – Between three and 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. Examples: Voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, and drug trafficking.
Second-Degree Felonies – Between two and eight years in prison and $15,000 in fines. Examples: Various violent crimes, some sex offenses, and drug offenses.
Third-Degree Felonies – Between nine months and 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Examples: Certain drug charges and property crimes.
Fourth-Degree Felonies – between six and 18 months in prison and $5,0000. Examples: unlawful sexual misconduct with a minor and grand theft auto.
Fifth-Degree Felonies – Between six and 12 months in prison and $2,500 in fines. Examples: Drug possession and breaking and entering.
Should You Talk to the Cincinnati Police?
It’s natural to want to cooperate with the police, even if you may have made a mistake. But you don’t yet know the full impact of a conviction, and trying to “explain yourself” usually does more harm than good.
- Never give a statement or accept a deal without a lawyer.
- Stay off social media, and don’t talk about your criminal charges with anyone other than your defense attorney.
- You have the right to have an attorney with you during questioning.
- Police & prosecutors often lie, misinterpret, and will use what you say against you.
Is Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Worth It?
When you choose to work with a criminal lawyer, you get a qualified professional opinion about your situation and someone dedicated to securing the best possible result.
The benefits of having a criminal defense lawyer:
- Assess the case & evaluate the evidence.
- Investigation details that support your case.
- Negotiate for you – painting you in the best possible light.
- Guide you so you can make informed decisions
- Advise if a plea is the best possible deal.
- Pursue the best possible outcome – a dismissal, reduction, or an acquittal.
- Minimize any negative impact from reducing penalties to expunging your record.
Ultimately, investing in the right Cincinnati defense attorney protects you and gives you the best possible chance at resolving criminal charges the right way.
Meet Cincinnati Criminal Attorney Brad Groene
Cincinnati native Bradley J. Groene is a compassionate and highly-skilled advocate with extensive legal experience in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Attorney Groene is the lead criminal defense attorney for Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP Cincinnati and exclusively practices criminal law for clients throughout the region. Our law office is at 810 Sycamore Street in downtown Cincinnati, conveniently located near the Hamilton County Court Administration Building, Hamilton County Justice Center, and Hamilton County Courthouse.
For Brad, clients always come first. He believes that each client should have a personalized experience rather than feel like a number. When you work with Brad, you’ll have his cell phone number and access to your criminal attorney 24/7, so you can reach him whenever it’s necessary. He understands the urgency of answering questions quickly and promptly because it is your future at stake. Don’t take our word for it though, check out the 150+ 5-star reviews that our clients have given Brad.
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Meet Cincinnati Criminal Attorney Juliea Crumes
Juliea Crumes wanted to be a lawyer from a young age. Growing up in Covington, Kentucky, Juliea realized that she didn’t know too many African Americans (men or women) who were attorneys. She wanted to change that and be a catalyst for change by proving passionate advocacy to those facing an unforgiving criminal justice system, so little black girls could see themselves represented. Juliea joined Luftman, Heck & Associates in 2021
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DON’T FACE THE OHIO CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS ALONE
Criminal defense attorney Brad Groene would tell anyone facing the Hamilton County court system or anywhere in the area that the experience can be intimidating. Whether you are dealing with a DUI after leaving the Great American Ball Park, assault charges outside of a Newport bar, or rape accusations, the consequences are very real. While every case is different, no case is hopeless. You always have rights and options, but the decisions made early-on will be crucial. From the moment you are arrested by the Cincinnati police, through any questioning, negotiations, and until your case is resolved, attorney Groene will be there to provide guidance, straightforward advice, and all the necessary resources to secure the best possible outcome.
The first step is to understand what to expect at each stage of the criminal justice process:
Step 1/7
Arrest, Questioning, & Booking
If the police believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest that you committed a crime, this is called “probable cause” and law enforcement will use this standard to place you under arrest. Once you are in police custody, you will be entered into the system and typically questioned, to gain more evidence and strengthen the case against you. This is where the right to speak with an attorney is imperative. You can search for Hamilton county inmates here and by retaining a local criminal lawyer early, you can ensure this process moves along appropriately, and your rights are not violated.
Step 2/7
Arraignment & Bail Hearings
After criminal charges are filed in Ohio, you will be arraigned. During this initial court appearance, a judge will read the criminal charges against you, and if enough evidence exists, you will be given a chance to enter a plea, and the issue of bail/bond will be addressed. Essentially, bail secures your release pending trial, sometimes on the condition that a sum of money is offered to guarantee your appearance. The arraignment procedure may seem straightforward, but without legal guidance, you may spend excessive time in custody, be issued an unreasonable bail amount, or enter an unfavorable plea.
Step 3/7
Discovery Process
After your arraignment, the prosecution and defense will start building their respective cases. This involves collecting and sharing evidence, such as physical materials, witness statements, police reports, and any relevant laboratory reports. This is an important part of the process, and an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be vital to your defense. A skilled attorney will know the local rules and procedures, where to find the weaknesses, and how to attack the case against you.
Step 4/7
Pre-Trial Motions & Hearings
Once all the available evidence is compiled and reviewed, the preparation for your day in court beings. Whether you must appear in Hamilton County municipal court or the Court of Common Pleas, this often involves raising procedural questions and issues of law. Many criminal cases are won and lost here because this is how the court determines which evidence and arguments will be heard. For example, if your defense attorney argues that the police violated your rights before finding a piece of evidence, the judge could exclude the item, and your case may be significantly strengthened.
Step 5/7
Negotiation & Plea Agreements
In reality, most criminal cases are resolved before trial. Once the discovery and pre-trial phases are completed, many individuals are given a chance to settle the matter without going to court. During this phase, prosecutors and defense attorneys meet and discuss alternatives, including diversion programs, possible dismissal, reduced or amended charges, or other sentencing options. It is important to be realistic about your case, and by working with a knowledgeable Cincinnati defense lawyer, you can gain insights and practical advice.
Step 6/7
Criminal Trials
If a plea agreement isn’t reached, your criminal case will be scheduled for trial. Ohio criminal trials follow a certain procedure, where the prosecutor presents evidence aimed at proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes opening statements, offering evidence, and jury deliberation. Trial end with a verdict as to your guilt or innocence. Your defense attorney will be given the opportunity to rebut the prosecutor’s claims and make arguments on your behalf. This involves challenging witness testimony, questioning the accuracy of the evidence, or presenting alternate theories.
Step 7/7
Sentencing Process & Guidelines
If a judge or jury returns a ‘not guilty,’ verdict, your case will effectively be over. Conversely, if you the verdict is ‘guilty,’ your sentence will be handed down based on several factors, outlined in Ohio’s sentencing guidelines. These include the particulars of the crime, any aggravating elements, the presence of any mitigating factors, and statements from various parties involved. However, a capable Cincinnati criminal defense attorney will continue to advocate for you to receive a favorable result at the sentencing phase. This can mean reduced penalties, like less time in custody, diminished fines, or other options like probation, treatment, and home detention.
Why Hire Our Criminal Attorneys in Cincinnati?
1. We Pride Ourselves on Being Accessible
Every client will have their attorney’s cell phone number, so you can reach your defense attorney when you need them – not an assistant. Whether you have a quick question regarding your case or need swift legal action, we work fiercely for your benefit and know the importance of offering practical guidance and real-world solutions.
2. We Hear What You Have to Say
We know that people come to us during a tough time and we never take that for granted. Beginning with your free, initial consultation and until your case is resolved, we will take the time to get to know you and what’s important to you. It is how we define ourselves and how we stand out from the rest. If keeping your driver’s license is essential to maintaining your job, that will be our priority. If you are concerned that a criminal conviction will limit your future job prospects, we will fight to keep it off your record. Finally, if you were falsely accused, you can be sure that a passionate defense attorney will be by your side, fighting to prove your innocence.
3. Our Courtroom Skill and Record of Excellence
As Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys, Brad Groene and Juliea Crumes have proven themselves in court time and again. We know how cases work across Ohio and throughout Northern Kentucky and how prosecutors operate. We understand what it takes to succeed in front of judges and juries and our results speak for themselves.
