Criminal Defense Law
Because a conviction of any kind can impact every aspect of your life for years- if not decades- you should immediately contact an experienced, highly-skilled criminal defense attorney like the members of the legal team at Betras, Kopp, and Harshman if you are ever charged with a crime.
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Criminal Defense FAQs
Being charged with a criminal offense by local, state, or federal authorities can lead to life-changing consequences for both the accused and their families. Aside from the possibility of being imprisoned for months or years, being convicted of a crime could cost you your current job, your standard of living, your reputation, even your marriage and relationships with other family members and friends. And that holds true even if you are charged with and convicted of seemingly “minor” misdemeanors.
The criminal defense attorneys at Betras, Kopp and Harshman have successfully represented area residents charged with crimes ranging from reckless operation to racketeering, to burglary, assault, and murder. We have fought for and secured justice for defendants charged at every level of the system. When we walk into court prosecutors know they will be facing extremely well prepared, exceptionally knowledgeable legal professionals who have the, ability, will, and perhaps most importantly, the resources to do what it takes to win justice and freedom for our clients.
Why is it so important to hire a law firm with extensive resources to handle your criminal case? Because the law enforcement authorities and prosecutors who charged you work for the government. That means they have the money and manpower needed to build a strong case against you—no matter how long it takes or how much it costs.
At Betras, Kopp, and Harshman we’ve assembled a team that blunts the government’s advantage, including a staff of investigators comprised of former law enforcement officers. Their experience and fundamental knowledge of the way in which police and prosecutors build a criminal case provides them with the insight needed to recognize investigatory errors, identify other suspects the police may have missed or ignored, and spot procedural mistakes or constitutional violations.
In addition to working with our investigators, the attorneys at Betras, Kopp, and Harshman stirve to make every defendant an essential member of the criminal defense team. This combination of outstanding investigators, expert attorneys, and actively involved clients is the formula for success that has enabled us to win case after case, year after year in local, state, and federal court.
If you are under investigation, are about to be charged, or have already been arrested, don’t delay, contact the criminal defense team that has the proven ability to protect your freedom and your rights: Betras, Kopp, and Harshman.
Q: What should I do if I am about to be or have already been arrested.
Stay calm. Say nothing to the arresting officers with the exception of identifying yourself. Then immediately ask to be allowed to contact your attorney.
Q: When are the police required to "read me my rights?"
In television and movies police "read a suspect their rights" as soon as they are arrested. This list of rights is known as a defendant's "Miranda rights” and are named after the U.S. Supreme Court decision mandating that they be read to suspects when police plan to conduct a custodial interrogation. This means that the suspect is in police custody—they have been arrested and are not allowed to leave and are being questioned by law enforcement personnel.
Miranda rights include:
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The Constitutional right to remain silent;
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You must be advised that anything you say can be held against you in a court of law;
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You have the right to legal counsel
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You must be advised that if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you;
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You may have a lawyer present during interrogation.
It is important to note that you have the right to remain silent at all times—even if you are not the subject of a custodial interrogation. If you are arrested, or even if police simply suspect you of a crime, say nothing until you have had the opportunity to talk to a criminal defense attorney like the members of the legal team at Betras, Kopp, and Harshman.
Q: If I retain Betras, Kopp, and Harshman as my criminal defense attorneys will I be able to contact my lawyer whenever I need him or her?
Yes. All our criminal defense clients get cell phone numbers for their defense attorney — ensuring 24-hour access for the duration of your case.
Q: Do all criminal cases result in a trial?
No. At Betras, Kopp, and Harsham we strive to have charges dropped before trial. In some cases we may recommend that a defendant accept a favorable plea agreement. But if it does become necessary to try your case in court you will be vigorously represented by your criminal defense attorney.
Q: What is “bond” and how does it work?
Courts always require some form of “bond” to ensure that defendants appear at court proceedings. Many defendants are not even aware that they are on bond because in most instances they are not required to make any formal payment or sign documents. That being said there are generally three types of bonds in Ohio:
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Recognizance bond. This is little more than a promise to appear in court. In felony cases, a defendant is often required to sign paperwork as proof of the promise to appear. It is often referred to as a signature bond. It is important to note that prosecutors can file additional criminal charges for failure to appear on a recognizance bond. Courts may add financial conditions to a recognizance bond. For example, a court may impose a $5,000.00 recognizance bond. In this situation, the defendant is not required to post any money in advance. But the court can order payment of $5,000.00 if the defendant does not appear for court proceedings.
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Appearance Bond. This is also referred to as a “ten percent bond.” A defendant is required to post funds with the court under this type of bond. At the end of the case, the court will refund the bond money (less expenses) if the defendant appeared as required. It is called a “ten percent bond” because it generally requires ten percent of the bond amount. For instance, if a court sets a $10,000.00 appearance bond, the defendant must post $1,000.00 (ten percent of $10,000.00) with the court to secure his appearance.
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Cash or Surety Bond. The most costly form of bond is typically a “cash or surety” bond. A cash bond requires full payment of the bond amount to the court in advance. The full amount is then refunded, if appropriate, at the close of the case. A surety bond usually involves a bondsman. Bondsman operate like insurance carriers. They charge of “premium” and then post surety for the entire bond amount with the court. Bondsman typically charge ten percent of the bond amount for the premium.
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