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The Difference Between State and Federal Criminal Charges in Ohio
- December 17, 2025
- Criminal Defense
When someone in Cincinnati is arrested or investigated, one of the first questions they face is whether the case will be handled in Ohio state court or in the federal system. That distinction matters more than most people realize. Federal charges involve different laws, prosecutors, judges, potential sentences, and investigative agencies. Even the procedures can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming to someone who has only dealt with state[ ... ]
How Probation Works in Ohio: Conditions, Violations, and Consequences
- December 16, 2025
- Criminal Defense
Probation in Ohio allows a person to avoid jail time, but it comes with strict rules and real risks if those rules are broken. Many people in Cincinnati hear the word “probation” and assume it’s an easy alternative to incarceration. In reality, probation is a supervised legal status controlled by the court, monitored closely by probation officers, and backed by imme[ ... ]
What to Expect at a Pretrial Hearing in Ohio Criminal Cases
- November 7, 2025
- Criminal Defense
Uncertainty hangs over every first step inside the Ohio criminal justice system. When your world changes and questions pile up, you may hear the words pretrial hearing and wonder what they truly mean. This pivotal moment shifts your legal journey, creating opportunities for resolution, negotiation, and a clear path forward, even before a trial unfolds.[ ... ]
Plea Bargains in Ohio: Pros, Cons, and When They’re Used
- November 6, 2025
- Criminal Defense
The word "bargain" often suggests a win, a clear and simple victory. Yet, when it follows the word "plea," its meaning becomes heavy with uncertainty and a sense of compromise. For many facing criminal charges in Ohio, the concept of a plea bargain feels like a crossroads with no clear map. It represents a choice between the unknown risks of a trial and the guarante[ ... ]
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Ohio
- October 8, 2025
- Criminal Defense
A felony conviction in Ohio leaves an individual with more than the sentence handed down in court. The aftermath includes many lasting effects that extend well beyond jail or prison time, fines, or probation. These extended penalties are called collateral consequences of a felony conviction in Ohio, and they influence nearly every part of daily life. Many people who carry a criminal record worry about what comes next, from finding work to s[ ... ]
Understanding Ohio Expungement vs. Record Sealing: Who Qualifies?
- October 7, 2025
- Criminal Defense
Having a criminal record in Ohio often brings lasting consequences. Job applications, housing opportunities, and even educational goals may feel limited because of something in your past. Many people wonder about the difference between Ohio expungement and record sealing and who qualifies. Record relief requires careful attention to the details of your past case and the laws that apply. Ohio law gives people two main options for criminal record relie[ ... ]
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested or Charged With a Crime?
- September 29, 2025
- Criminal Defense
If you're arrested or charged with a crime, remain calm, exercise your right to stay silent, and don't speak to anyone before consulting a lawyer. These decisive actions can protect your rights and help prevent mistakes that could negatively impact the outcome. The following legal insights from experienced criminal defense lawyers at Farrish Law Firm LPA outl[ ... ]
When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Cincinnati?
- September 28, 2025
- Criminal Defense
You should hire a criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati as soon as you’re arrested, charged, or even suspect that you’re under investigation for a crime. But it is about more than knowing when to call. The Ohio criminal court system is thick with tight filing deadlines, complex considerations, and legal minefields that can destroy your freedoms and future. Experienced[ ... ]
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested or Charged with a Crime?
- September 10, 2025
- Criminal Defense
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, the first thing you must do is exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement, investigators, or prosecutors without a lawyer present. The time immediately following an arrest is when many people make unforced errors—answering questions or trying to explain their side of the story—that seriously damag[ ... ]
What is the Difference between a DUI, DWI, OMVI and OVI?
- September 16, 2024
- DUI Defense
Did you know there’s no real difference between the terms DUI, DWI, OMVI, and OVI? Ohio’s used all of these acronyms at one point or another in our history. Check out the timeline below and what they stand for here! Call our DUI and criminal defense attorneys in Cincinnati today if you have questions, we can help.[ ... ]
