1. Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense representation across state and federal courts with particular strength in homicide defense, white collar crimes, drug offenses, and DUI/OVI matters. The firm handles cases throughout Northeast Ohio and has represented clients nationally and internationally.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, homicide and murder, drug possession and trafficking, DUI/OVI, white collar crimes including fraud and embezzlement, sex crimes, assault and violent crimes, theft, weapons charges.
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice including motions to suppress, preliminary hearings, grand jury representation, appeals, post-conviction relief, record sealing and expungement.
Background: The firm has received national recognition for criminal defense work. Partners include Ian N. Friedman, Eric C. Nemecek, Eric F. Long, Madelyn J. Grant, and Tyler J. Walchanowicz. Eric F. Long has received the William K. Thomas Distinguished Jurist Award. The attorneys have authored legal publications and educate other attorneys nationally on defense law. The firm serves Cuyahoga, Geauga, Franklin, Lake, Summit, Lorain, and Lucas Counties.
Location: Cleveland, OH (serves Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio)
Contact: (614) 859-0203 | https://www.iannfriedman.com/
Consultation: Available by appointment.
2. Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with emphasis on technology-related offenses, internet crimes, sex crimes, drug offenses, and OVI/DUI matters. Attorney Brad Wolfe serves as an Acting Judge and holds leadership positions in legal technology organizations.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OVI, drug possession and trafficking, sex crimes, internet and computer crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, receiving stolen property, identity crimes, pandering obscenity.
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, evidence challenges, sentencing advocacy, record sealing and expungement.
Background: Brad Wolfe serves as an Acting Judge and holds positions as Co-Chair of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Technology Committee and Past Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Cyber Security, Data Privacy, and Emerging Technologies Section. The firm includes Attorney Koby Adu-Poku. The practice integrates technology expertise with criminal defense, particularly in cases involving digital evidence. Member of the Ohio State Bar.
Location: Cleveland, OH
Contact: (216) 815-6000 | https://bradwolfelaw.com/
Consultation: Confidential consultation available.
3. Marein & Bradley
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with concentration in high-stakes cases including homicide, violent crimes, sex crimes, and drug offenses. The firm has a record of courtroom litigation and works with jury research and forensic consultants.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, homicide and murder, assault and violent crimes, sex crimes, drug possession and trafficking, domestic violence, white collar crimes, post-conviction matters.
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury selection (voir dire), expert witness coordination, motion practice, sentencing advocacy, appeals, post-conviction relief.
Background: Mark Marein is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer, including selection to the Top 100 lawyers in Ohio (one of only two criminal defense attorneys in 2016). He graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University and has practiced criminal law since 1982. Steven Bradley is also recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer and has practiced since 1990. Both partners are admitted to U.S. District Courts. The firm collaborates with nationally-recognized jury research and forensic consultants.
Location: Cleveland, OH (serves Northeast Ohio)
Contact: https://www.mareinandbradley.com/
Consultation: Available by appointment.
4. HMW Law (Henderson, Moten-Wickham Law)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with dedicated team handling felony and misdemeanor matters, including DUI/OVI defense, throughout Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio. The firm maintains separate teams for criminal defense and personal injury matters.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OVI, drug offenses, theft and property crimes, assault, domestic violence, weapons charges, probation violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, sentencing advocacy, case investigation.
Background: Justin M. Weatherly is a partner at the firm with experience representing clients in both civil and criminal litigation since 2004. The firm maintains a dedicated criminal defense team separate from its personal injury practice. The attorneys handle matters throughout state courts in Ohio. Members of the Ohio State Bar.
Location: Cleveland, OH
Contact: (216) 369-1352 | https://teamhmwwins.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available.
5. Edward R. La Rue, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense representation in state and federal courts with over 30 years of experience. Edward La Rue has worked as both prosecutor and defense attorney, providing perspective on both sides of criminal cases.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/OVI, drug offenses, assault and violent crimes, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, weapons charges.
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, case investigation, sentencing advocacy.
Background: Edward R. La Rue has practiced criminal law for more than 30 years, handling cases in both federal and state courts in the Cleveland area. He has experience as both a prosecutor and court-appointed defense attorney before establishing his private practice. His career includes numerous jury trials with documented not guilty verdicts. Member of the Ohio State Bar and admitted to practice in federal courts.
Location: Cleveland, OH
Contact: (216) 696-8995 | https://www.edwardrlarue.com/
Consultation: Free consultation offered.
Criminal Defense Regulations in Ohio
Bar Admission Requirements: Ohio requires applicants to pass the Ohio Bar Examination or the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) with a minimum score of 268. Applicants must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with a minimum score of 85. Character and fitness review is conducted by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Public Defender System: Ohio operates a county-based public defender system. Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, is served by the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office. Eligibility for indigent defense is determined based on federal poverty guidelines, generally at or below 125% to 150% of the federal poverty level depending on the county. Ohio also uses assigned counsel systems in some counties and maintains the Ohio Public Defender Commission, which provides support and standards for county programs.
Specialty Certifications: Ohio does not have a state bar-administered criminal law specialty certification. However, attorneys may obtain certifications from national organizations such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), which offers certification in Criminal Trial Law.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorney advertising. All communications must be truthful and not misleading. Ohio requires attorneys to include the name of at least one lawyer responsible for the content. Client testimonials are permitted but must not create unjustified expectations.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Ohio recognizes attorney-client privilege under Rule 1.6 of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and Ohio Evidence Rule 501. Communications between attorneys and clients are confidential, with limited exceptions for preventing reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm, or to prevent the client from committing a crime.
Continuing Legal Education: Ohio requires attorneys to complete 24 hours of CLE every two years, including at least 2.5 hours of professional conduct instruction. There is no specific criminal law CLE requirement, though criminal defense attorneys typically complete CLE in their practice area.
Felony Classification System: Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees. First-degree felonies are the most serious, carrying 3 to 11 years imprisonment (or up to life for certain offenses). Second-degree felonies carry 2 to 8 years. Third-degree felonies carry 9 months to 36 months. Fourth-degree felonies carry 6 to 18 months. Fifth-degree felonies carry 6 to 12 months. Ohio also has unclassified felonies such as aggravated murder and murder.
Misdemeanor Classification: Ohio classifies misdemeanors into four degrees plus minor misdemeanors. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to 180 days in jail. Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to 90 days. Third-degree misdemeanors carry up to 60 days. Fourth-degree misdemeanors carry up to 30 days. Minor misdemeanors carry no jail time, only fines.
Death Penalty Status: Ohio retains the death penalty for aggravated murder with specific aggravating circumstances. Capital cases require appointment of two qualified attorneys from the capital defense roster maintained by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Ohio has placed a moratorium on executions.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Ohio has reformed pretrial release practices in recent years. Judges consider the nature of the offense, defendant’s criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, and risk of flight or danger. Many counties have implemented pretrial services programs that use risk assessment tools to inform release decisions. Personal recognizance bonds are available for lower-risk defendants.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Ohio has statutory speedy trial requirements under Ohio Revised Code 2945.71. For misdemeanors, the state must bring the defendant to trial within 90 days if not in jail or 30 days if in jail. For felonies, the state must bring the defendant to trial within 270 days. Time limits may be extended for good cause and can be waived by the defendant.
Discovery Rules: Ohio Criminal Rule 16 governs discovery in criminal cases. Defendants are entitled to obtain from the prosecution any written or recorded statements by the defendant, the defendant’s prior criminal record, results of physical or mental examinations, and evidence favorable to the defendant (Brady material). Ohio uses a reciprocal discovery system where defendants must also disclose certain evidence they intend to use at trial.
Record Sealing and Expungement: Ohio significantly reformed its sealing and expungement laws through Senate Bill 288, effective April 4, 2023. Ohio now distinguishes between “sealing” (record hidden from public but still exists) and “expungement” (record destroyed). Most fourth and fifth-degree felonies may be sealed after 1 year from final discharge. One or two third-degree felonies may be sealed after 3 years. First and second-degree felonies cannot be sealed. Misdemeanors may be sealed after 1 year (6 months for minor misdemeanors). For expungement, felonies become eligible 10 years after the sealing waiting period. Misdemeanors may be expunged 1 year after discharge. Offenses ineligible for sealing include: first and second-degree felonies, three or more third-degree felonies, traffic violations including OVI, most domestic violence convictions, felony offenses of violence, and sex offenses requiring registration. The filing fee is no more than $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Cuyahoga County?
Following an arrest in Cuyahoga County, defendants are typically processed at the Cuyahoga County Jail located at the Justice Center in downtown Cleveland. Defendants must be brought before a judge for initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest (or the next court business day). During the initial appearance, the judge informs the defendant of the charges, advises them of their rights including the right to counsel, and sets bail or conditions of release. For felony cases, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days (if defendant is in custody) or 15 days (if released on bond) unless waived or the case is indicted by the grand jury first.
How does Ohio’s determinate sentencing system work?
Ohio uses determinate sentencing for most felony offenses, meaning judges impose specific prison terms rather than minimum-maximum ranges. Sentencing guidelines consider the offense level, specifications (such as firearm specifications that add mandatory prison time), and the defendant’s criminal history. For fourth and fifth-degree felonies, courts are required to impose community control (probation) rather than prison unless specific factors apply, such as prior prison terms or certain offense types. Third-degree and higher felonies are presumed prison-eligible. Judges must give reasons on the record for departing from presumptive sentences.
What are the penalties for OVI (DUI) in Ohio?
Ohio calls its drunk driving offense Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). First offense OVI carries 3 days to 6 months in jail (or 3-day driver intervention program), $375 to $1,075 in fines, and 1 to 3 year license suspension. Second offense within 10 years carries 10 to 180 days in jail, $525 to $1,625 in fines, and 1 to 7 year license suspension. Third offense within 10 years is a third-degree misdemeanor carrying 30 to 365 days in jail. Fourth offense within 10 years is an unclassified fourth-degree felony carrying up to 30 months in prison. OVI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged in Ohio.
How do I qualify for record sealing in Cuyahoga County?
To seal your record in Cuyahoga County, you must file an application with the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas (for felonies) or Cleveland Municipal Court (for misdemeanors). Eligibility depends on the offense type and waiting period since final discharge (completion of sentence including probation and payment of fines and restitution). Most fourth and fifth-degree felonies require a 1-year wait. One or two third-degree felonies require a 3-year wait. Misdemeanors require a 1-year wait (6 months for minor misdemeanors). You cannot have pending criminal charges. The court will hold a hearing where a judge determines whether to grant the sealing based on your rehabilitation and whether the public interest in sealing outweighs the government’s interest in maintaining the record.
What is the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury process?
In Cuyahoga County, felony cases are typically presented to the grand jury for indictment. The grand jury consists of 9 jurors who meet regularly to hear evidence presented by prosecutors. The grand jury determines whether there is probable cause to charge the defendant with a crime. Proceedings are secret, and defendants do not have a right to be present or present evidence (though they may request to testify). If at least 7 of 9 grand jurors find probable cause, they issue a “true bill” (indictment). If not, they issue a “no bill.” Once indicted, the case proceeds to arraignment in the Court of Common Pleas where the defendant enters a plea. Grand jury proceedings in Cuyahoga County typically occur within 30 days of arrest for in-custody defendants.