1. McManus & McManus Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/OVI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, theft crimes, white collar criminal law
Case Types Handled: DWI/OVI, vehicular homicide, traffic offenses, drug charges, domestic violence, robbery, theft, assault, battery, felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, criminal appeals, expungement
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, plea negotiations, appeals, license restoration, expungement, probation violation defense
Background: Martin J. McManus earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1982 and his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1987. He is admitted to the Ohio State Bar, State Bar of Michigan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Michigan. McManus has practiced law in the Toledo area since 1987, appearing in both state and federal courthouses. He is a third-generation attorney and a member of the Toledo Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. Kevin McManus also practices at the firm and is a member of both bar associations.
Location: 709 Madison Avenue, 303 Bell Building, Toledo, OH 43604
Contact: (419) 922-8172 | https://www.mcmanusandmcmanus.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available
2. Mahaffey & Associates, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for adults and juveniles, DUI/OVI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft crimes
Case Types Handled: OVI/DUI, drug possession, drug trafficking, domestic violence, assault, theft, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, juvenile delinquency, expungement
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, expungement and record sealing, license reinstatement, juvenile defense, appeals
Background: Ty S. Mahaffey founded the firm in 2008 after practicing law since 2002. He earned his B.A. in Biology from the University of Toledo in 1992 and his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2002. Mahaffey is admitted to the Ohio Bar, U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio (2002), U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan (2005), and U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio (2006). The firm has attorneys with over 25 years of combined experience handling complex cases in criminal defense, family law, and estate planning.
Location: 5577 Monroe Street, Suite 200, Sylvania, OH 43560
Contact: (419) 741-0111 | https://www.yourlocalattorneys.com
Consultation: Free initial phone consultation available
3. Gounaris Abboud, LPA
Practice Focus: Federal and state criminal defense, OVI/DUI defense, drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, OVI/DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, fraud, assault, weapons charges, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, appeals, expungement
Background: The attorneys at Gounaris Abboud include former prosecutors and judges who now practice criminal defense. This experience provides insight into prosecution strategies and court procedures. Both attorneys maintain 10.0 Superb Avvo Ratings. The firm handles cases throughout Ohio, including in Lucas County and the Toledo metropolitan area. They represent clients facing both state and federal charges.
Location: Serving Toledo, OH (main offices in Dayton, OH area)
Contact: (937) 222-1515 | https://www.gafirm.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
4. Law Office of Sarah Anjum, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/OVI, drug crimes, felony and misdemeanor defense, immigration law matters
Case Types Handled: Misdemeanors, felonies, drug crimes, driving under the influence, theft, assault, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, representation at hearings, defense in criminal proceedings
Background: Sarah Anjum founded her practice in 2016 and serves clients in the Toledo metropolitan area. She defends clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including drug crimes and driving under the influence, through plea negotiations and trials. Anjum completed the Ohio Death Penalty Defense seminar to qualify for appointment in capital cases. The firm also handles immigration law matters.
Location: Toledo, OH 43604
Contact: Contact through firm website
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
5. Law Office of Jeremy Levy, LLC
Practice Focus: DUI/OVI defense, drug possession, drug trafficking, traffic offenses, misdemeanor and felony defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/OVI, drug possession, drug trafficking, traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, full representation in criminal proceedings, consultation on legal options
Background: Jeremy Levy has over three decades of experience in criminal defense. He is a member of the Toledo Bar Association. The firm has particular experience with DUI cases and traffic offenses and represents clients throughout the Toledo area. Levy provides defense for individuals charged with drug possession, drug trafficking, and related offenses.
Location: Toledo, OH
Contact: Contact through firm website
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Ohio
Ohio bar admission requires passing the Ohio Bar Examination or meeting reciprocity requirements. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and pass a character and fitness review. The Supreme Court of Ohio oversees attorney licensing through the Office of Bar Admissions.
Ohio offers specialty certification through the Ohio State Bar Association, which provides programs for attorneys seeking recognition in particular practice areas. The National Board of Trial Advocacy also certifies attorneys in Ohio in areas including Criminal Trial Advocacy.
Ohio attorneys must complete continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
The Ohio Public Defender provides representation to indigent defendants in state criminal cases. Lucas County has a public defender office that represents individuals who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined based on federal poverty guidelines and financial screening.
Ohio classifies felonies in five degrees: First Degree Felonies (3-11 years imprisonment), Second Degree Felonies (2-8 years), Third Degree Felonies (9-36 months), Fourth Degree Felonies (6-18 months), and Fifth Degree Felonies (6-12 months). Unclassified felonies such as murder and aggravated murder carry their own penalty structures. Misdemeanors are classified from Minor Misdemeanor (fine only) through Fourth, Third, Second, and First Degree (up to 180 days).
Ohio reformed its sealing and expungement laws significantly through Senate Bill 288 (effective April 2023) and subsequent amendments. Under current law, there is no limit to the number of fourth and fifth-degree felonies that may be sealed. Up to two nonviolent third-degree felony convictions may be sealed. First and second-degree felonies cannot be sealed or expunged. Traffic offenses, including OVI, cannot be sealed. Violent felony offenses (not sexually oriented) and domestic violence convictions (except fourth-degree misdemeanor) are ineligible. The waiting period is one year for fourth or fifth-degree felonies and three years for third-degree felonies after final discharge. True expungement (destruction of records) became available in 2023, with waiting periods of 10 years for felonies after sealing becomes available and one year for misdemeanors after final discharge.
Ohio has bail provisions in its constitution and statutes. Defendants have a right to bail except in cases where the proof is evident or presumption great for offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment. Courts consider various factors in setting bail, including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and ties to the community.
Ohio abolished the death penalty for crimes committed on or after April 1, 2024. For crimes committed before that date, capital punishment remains a potential sentence for aggravated murder with aggravating circumstances. Capital cases require specialized training for defense counsel.
Ohio has penalty enhancements for repeat offenders, including mandatory prison terms for certain repeat violent offenders and enhanced penalties for repeat OVI offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the arraignment process work in Lucas County courts?
A: In Lucas County, arraignment typically occurs within days of arrest or the filing of charges. For felony cases, the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas handles proceedings after initial appearances in Toledo Municipal Court. At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges, informed of constitutional rights including the right to counsel, and asked to enter a plea. Bail or bond conditions are set or reviewed at this time. For misdemeanor cases, Toledo Municipal Court handles the entire process. Defendants who cannot afford an attorney may apply for a public defender at arraignment. The court will schedule future hearing dates including pretrial conferences and potential trial dates.
Q: What are the penalties for OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio?
A: Ohio OVI penalties increase with subsequent offenses. A first OVI offense is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying 3 days to 6 months in jail (or 3-day driver intervention program), $375-$1,075 in fines, and license suspension of 1-3 years. A second OVI within 10 years carries 10-180 days in jail, $525-$1,625 in fines, and 1-7 years license suspension. A third OVI within 10 years is still a first-degree misdemeanor but with 30-180 days in jail. A fourth OVI within 10 years becomes a fourth-degree felony with 60 days to 30 months in prison. High-tier BAC (0.17 or higher) and refusal to test carry enhanced penalties. Administrative license suspension occurs at the time of arrest, separate from court-imposed suspension.
Q: What is the process for sealing or expunging a criminal record in Ohio?
A: To seal or expunge a record in Ohio, an individual must file an application with the court that handled the case, pay a filing fee (approximately $50), and attend a hearing. The waiting period depends on the offense level: 6 months for minor misdemeanors, 1 year for misdemeanors and fourth/fifth-degree felonies, and 3 years for third-degree felonies after final discharge. Final discharge means completion of all sentence requirements, including probation, parole, fines, and restitution (excluding court costs). The prosecutor may object to the application. The court considers whether the applicant is an eligible offender and whether sealing serves the interests of justice. After sealing, the record is removed from public view but remains accessible for limited purposes. True expungement (destruction of records) requires additional waiting periods after sealing: 10 years for felonies, 1 year for misdemeanors.
Q: Where is the Lucas County jail, and how does bond work for someone who has been arrested?
A: The Lucas County Corrections Center is located at 1622 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo. When someone is arrested in Toledo or Lucas County, they may be held until bond is posted or until a court hearing. Bond can be posted in cash, through a bail bond company (typically 10% of the bond amount paid as a non-refundable fee), or through property bond. Some defendants may be released on their own recognizance without monetary bond. Bond amounts are set by the court based on the offense, criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. For misdemeanor offenses with predetermined bond schedules, release may occur relatively quickly. For felony charges, defendants typically must appear before a judge for bond determination.
Q: What diversion programs are available for first-time offenders in Lucas County?
A: Lucas County offers several diversion and intervention programs for eligible defendants. The Intervention in Lieu of Conviction program allows first-time offenders with drug or alcohol problems to receive treatment instead of conviction. Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed. The Toledo Municipal Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for defendants with substance abuse issues. Lucas County Common Pleas Court has specialty dockets including Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. Eligibility depends on the offense type, criminal history, and program availability. Participation typically involves regular court appearances, drug testing, treatment compliance, and supervision. Successful completion may result in charge dismissal or reduced sentencing.