FAQs
Do I need an attorney?
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, then you likely need an attorney. If the police want to talk to you about a potential crime, then you likely need an attorney. Any competent adult who has been charged with a crime has the right to represent themselves, but this is almost always a bad idea. If you need an attorney for your criminal case in Toledo or the surrounding areas, please call Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, at 419-830-7441 for a free consultation.
How much is the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is free. It costs nothing to call or set up a time to meet. At the initial consultation the facts of the case can be discussed.
I have been charged with a crime, now what?
You will need an attorney. While you can represent yourself, this is often a bad idea. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be assigned to you as long as the charge carries the possibility of jail time.
Do I have attorney-client privilege?
As a potential client, when someone discusses the facts of their case with an attorney with the intent of possibly hiring an attorney, then the attorney-client privilege does apply. At that point, a person is a potential client and that conversation is privileged.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the initial court appearance at which a person can enter a plea. In Ohio, those please are generally guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
What is a no contest plea?
A plea of no contest does not mean that you are admitting guilt, it allows the judge to accept the facts in the complaint and affidavit as true. Usually, the judge will find a person guilty upon a plea of no contest as long as a crime is alleged in the complaint or affidavit.
Will I receive jail time?
For many charges in the State of Ohio, there is a possibility of jail. For certain charges there is mandatory time that a judge must give you if you are found guilty. However, you certainly have a better chance of staying out of jail if you have an attorney. Every case and every charge is different, so call at 419-830-7441 to talk about the specifics about your case.
I have a warrant, what do I do about that?
The short answer is that you need to turn yourself in to clear the bench warrant. Sometimes people do not even realize this until they renew their license or apply for a passport. Some courts have specific times and procedures to turn yourself in. You can do this with or without the assistance of an attorney, an attorney can assist you in this process though.
How much will an attorney cost?
There are several factors that come into play to determine how much an attorney will cost. The seriousness of the charge is usually the most important consideration, but other factors matter as well. A criminal conviction can be costly as well. A conviction can affect job prospects, a driver’s license, and educational opportunities. Every case and every charge is different, so call at 419-830-7441 to talk to Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, to talk about the specifics about your case.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, then you likely need an attorney. If the police want to talk to you about a potential crime, then you likely need an attorney. Any competent adult who has been charged with a crime has the right to represent themselves, but this is almost always a bad idea. If you need an attorney for your criminal case in Toledo or the surrounding areas, please call Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, at 419-830-7441 for a free consultation.
How much is the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is free. It costs nothing to call or set up a time to meet. At the initial consultation the facts of the case can be discussed.
I have been charged with a crime, now what?
You will need an attorney. While you can represent yourself, this is often a bad idea. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be assigned to you as long as the charge carries the possibility of jail time.
Do I have attorney-client privilege?
As a potential client, when someone discusses the facts of their case with an attorney with the intent of possibly hiring an attorney, then the attorney-client privilege does apply. At that point, a person is a potential client and that conversation is privileged.
What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is the initial court appearance at which a person can enter a plea. In Ohio, those please are generally guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
What is a no contest plea?
A plea of no contest does not mean that you are admitting guilt, it allows the judge to accept the facts in the complaint and affidavit as true. Usually, the judge will find a person guilty upon a plea of no contest as long as a crime is alleged in the complaint or affidavit.
Will I receive jail time?
For many charges in the State of Ohio, there is a possibility of jail. For certain charges there is mandatory time that a judge must give you if you are found guilty. However, you certainly have a better chance of staying out of jail if you have an attorney. Every case and every charge is different, so call at 419-830-7441 to talk about the specifics about your case.
I have a warrant, what do I do about that?
The short answer is that you need to turn yourself in to clear the bench warrant. Sometimes people do not even realize this until they renew their license or apply for a passport. Some courts have specific times and procedures to turn yourself in. You can do this with or without the assistance of an attorney, an attorney can assist you in this process though.
How much will an attorney cost?
There are several factors that come into play to determine how much an attorney will cost. The seriousness of the charge is usually the most important consideration, but other factors matter as well. A criminal conviction can be costly as well. A conviction can affect job prospects, a driver’s license, and educational opportunities. Every case and every charge is different, so call at 419-830-7441 to talk to Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, to talk about the specifics about your case.