Expungement

A criminal conviction can impair your ability to obtain employment, housing, financing, and many other substantial rights and privileges. Current Ohio Law allows many individuals to clean up their criminal records. This is known as Expungement and Sealing.

Once Expunged, a person's criminal record is no longer public and will not appear in criminal background checks that search law enforcement and government databases. Expungements may now be obtained for people who may have one, two, and sometimes three or more Felony and/or Misdemeanor convictions, depending on the circumstances.

If you have any questions about obtaining an Expungement, including whether or not you or a loved one is eligible, contact McNeal Legal Services today!

 

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor charges are no laughing matter. If you are charged with a Misdemeanor offense, you could be looking at hefty fines, court costs, probation, and even jail time. Also, a conviction for a misdemeanor will stay on your criminal record record; a fact which can hamper your life well after your case is closed.

Alas, there is hope! Early intervention by competent and aggressive counsel can often lead to a speedy resolution of a misdemeanor offense that will not ruin your life. If you have been charged with a Misdemeanor in any one of the various Municipal Courts of Northeast Ohio, it is critical that you retain legal counsel to ensure that you receive a just outcome.

OVI/DUI

An OVI offense could lead to stiff fines, a suspended driver’s license, and jail time. Also, an OVI/DUI conviction can have serious consequences to your professional license and credentials. In addition to being grounds for suspension or revocation of your professional license, an OVI/DUI conviction can show up in a criminal background check, and prevent your ability to secure employment or obtain necessary licenses and credentials.

Successfully defending an OVI/DUI requires aggressive representation at every step of the way through the judicial process. At MLS, we are experienced and effective in challenging the evidence used against you. Be it challenging the probable cause for the initial stop, challenging an improperly performed field sobriety test, or challenging an inadmissible breathalyzer test; we will fight to defend your rights.

Drug Cases

The War on Drugs has eroded many of the fundamental rights of American Citizens. Nowhere is this problem felt more acutely than in poor and minority communities. If you have been charged with either possession or sale of a controlled substance, the entire weight of the Government will be brought to bear against you. It is important that you have a strong and passionate advocate to defend you.

MLS is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the poor and minority communities in Northeast Ohio. We have no qualms about taking a stand against over-zealous prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and any agent of the criminal justice system who infringes upon the rights, liberties and protections of Ohio citizens.

The consequences of a drug conviction can ruin your life. You can lose your job, your family, your property, or your freedom for the rest of your life. If you have been accused of a drug crime, do not hesitate to obtain legal counsel.

Drug Possession

Possession of Drugs is governed by Section 2925.11 of the Ohio Revised Code. Depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved, Possession of Controlled Substances can lead to a charge ranging from a minor misdemeanor (less than a hundred grams of marijuana), to a potential First Degree Felony if a Major Drug Offender Specification is operable.

The good news if you've been charged with possession of drugs is that you may qualify for a pretrial diversion program, drug court, or some other program that disposes of your criminal charge without you having to face extended jail or prison time.

Nevertheless, Drug Possession can lead to a felony conviction, which includes a host of seriously negative collateral consequences. If you have been charged with Drug Possession, it is very important for you obtain experienced and effective legal counsel immediately.

Drug Trafficking

If you have been charged with trafficking in drugs under Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.03, you are in serious danger of many adverse legal outcomes.

Depending on the amounts involved, Trafficking in Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin or Methamphetamine is a felony ranging anywhere from the fifth, all the way up to the first degree. If convicted, you could face a lengthy stay in prison.

In addition to prison time, you could lose your driver's licence, professional licenses, and face a stiff fine as well.

The other collateral consequences of a conviction for Trafficking in Drugs include disqualification from public housing, ineligibility to receive student loans, loss of voting privileges, loss of your right to possess firearms, and a requirement to disclose your felon status on any employment application.

A conviction for Trafficking Drugs can ruin your life. If you have been charged with Trafficking Drugs in Ohio, you should seek competent and effective legal counsel immediately.

General Felonies

A Felony is most serious offense you can be charged with in the criminal justice system. Felony convictions can permanently deprive you of  fundamental rights of citizenship, subject to stiff fines, and lengthy time in prison. In addition to all of this, you may be permanently branded a felon for life, and the fact of your conviction can be used against you to attack your credibility, character, and subject you to both statutory, and de facto second class citizenship. 

At MLS, we belief that every person is innocent until they are proven guilty by credible, and admissible evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. We provide aggressive and multi-tiered legal services for Ohio residents facing Felony issues. Whether it's trial representation, plea-bargaining, appellate work, or rights restoration and expungement, we are dedicated to defending the citizens of Ohio and restoring their rights, dignity and freedom.