• Ohio Misdemeanor Law
• Ohio Misdemeanor Penalty Chart
• Stages of a Misdemeanor Case
• Criminal Defense Strategies

Stages of a Misdemeanor Case

Arraignment

The arraignment is normally your first court appearance. It is sometimes done via video if you are in jail. Most courts will have you watch a brief videotape, which will explain the potential penalties you are facing as well as your rights. It will also explain the various pleas that can be entered.

Prosecutors seldom appear at arraignments. Never discuss the facts of your case with anyone at the arraignment.

It is unwise to enter a plea of guilty (or no contest) at this time and throw yourself upon the mercy of the court without knowing what sentence the judge or magistrate will give you.

Your appearance before the judge will be brief. The judge will read the charges to you and ask you how you want to plead. The judge may also address the issue of bond. The main concern of the judge is whether or not you will appear for future court appearances. Where you live, where you work and whether you have ever missed a court appearance in the past are factors the judge will consider.

Pretrial Conference

After your arraignment, most courts schedule your case for a pretrial conference. Generally, this is where your criminal defense lawyer discusses resolution of your case with the prosecuting attorney. The judge is normally not involved in the case at a pretrial conference.

Sometimes this stage will be skipped and the case will be immediately set for Trial. This usually happens when you don't sign a time waiver.

Motions

Some cases then proceed to a Motion Hearing (such as a Motion to Suppress etc...), where your attorney challenges the evidence other issues resolved. filing motions on your own, without the assistance of a lawyer, is a recipe for disaster. Non-lawyers have no chance of overcoming the legal knowledge of the prosecuting attorney.

Trial

Ultimately, the case may be set for a Trial, either to Judge or to Jury. In misdemeanor cases, a demand for jury trial must be timely filed to preserve that right. Otherwise, the right to a trail by jury is forfeited.

Plea/Sentencing

If you choose to resolve your case by accepting an offer, the case will be scheduled for a Plea or Sentencing Hearing, when the Judge will decide the penalties.

In some cases, the judge will refer you for a pre-sentence investigation before sentencing.

Contact Attorney Weisenburger now at 330-296-8000 (Ravenna office) or 330-686-2890 (Stow Office) or via email. We offer free, confidential consultations and we quote fees right over the phone.

If you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Portage or Summit Counties, or elsewhere in Northeast Ohio, contact Attorney Dan Weisenburger right now at 330-296-8000 (Ravenna Office) or 330-686-2890 (Stow Office). Attorney Weisenburger routinely defends felony charges in the following courts:

• Portage County, Ohio: Ravenna Municipal Court, Kent Municipal Court, Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Portage County Juvenile Court.
• Summit County, Ohio: Akron Municipal Court, Stow Municipal Court, Barberton Municipal Court, Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
• Trumbull County, Ohio: Newton Falls Municipal Court, Warren Municipal Court.

Call Attorney Weisenburger now at 330-296-8000 (Ravenna office) or 330-686-2890 (Stow Office) for a quote and a free consultation.