Cleveland Criminal Lawyer Ron Frey - What happens during a Cuyahoga County Pretrial?

By: +Ron Frey 

Cleveland, Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer

As a criminal defense lawyer who practices in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on a regular basis, I am often asked the following question by clients and prospective clients: "What happens at a pretrial?" The answer will depend upon a number of variables. This essay outlines the general process that occurs during a pretrial in Cuyahoga County in a criminal case.

First, it is generally required that the defendant attend all criminal pretrial hearings in Cuyahoga County. Generally, the defendant is required to be present at the time that the pretrial is scheduled to commence. Most of the time the defendant will be asked to sit in the chairs outside of the courtroom during the pre-trial. 

Many things can occur during a pretrial. Oftentimes, the pretrial consists of the criminal defense lawyer meeting with the prosecutor assigned the case to discuss any issues that need to be resolved. These talks can include discussions regarding the exchange of discovery or evidence in a case, the setting of hearing dates and any other legal or factual issues that may need to be addressed. Further, after the exchange of discovery, plea negotiations are generally entered into whereby the criminal defense attorney and the prosecutor discuss possible resolution of the matter via a plea bargain. In other circumstances, the discussion is focused more upon the trial and the logistics of trial if it is apparent that no plea deal will be reached. Generally, the defendant is not involved in these discussions between the criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney. Rather, the defendant will remain on the floor or within the courtroom and wait until his or her lawyer returns.

In addition to meeting with the prosecuting attorney, criminal defense lawyers in Cuyahoga County also often meet with the judge on the case during pre-trial hearings. Each courtroom will handle this differently. However, if there is an issue that needs to be addressed by the court, or if the judge simply wants to meet with the lawyers in order to be updated as to the status of the case, the attorneys will often enter into the judge's chambers for a discussion.

There are other times during pre-trials when the defendant, the attorneys and the judge go on the record in open court. It is for this reason that defendants should always be prepared and dressed professionally whenever they have a court date or pre-trial. 

In most cases there are multiple pretrials held. In many instances, a matter can be set for a pre-trial and can be converted into a different hearing. For instance, a case can be set for a pretrial in Cuyahoga County and it can be converted to a change of plea hearing if a resolution is reached during the pretrial.

There is much more that can be said regarding the role of a Cleveland, Ohio criminal lawyer during pretrial hearings in Cuyahoga County. If you or someone you know has a question regarding a pretrial matter in Cuyahoga County, please contact my law firm for a free initial consultation at (440) 537-0299. 

Cleveland Firefighters Indicted - Cuyahoga County, Ohio

According to media reports this afternoon, 13 Cleveland, Ohio firefighters have been indicted by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office. The indictments include counts of theft and solicitation. These charges include felony level offenses. As such, the cases will be processed in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in Cleveland, Ohio.

If you, or someone you know, has been indicted in this case or has a question regarding these allegations, please contact the law firm of Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. for a free initial consultation at (216) 928-7700.

Please our Cleveland, Ohio law firm on the web at FAFLegal.com

Judicial Release (Early Release)

Cuyahoga County Judicial Release Lawyers

By +Ron Frey

In Ohio, individuals sentenced to incarceration in a Correctional Facility may be eligible for early release. This mechanism of release is known as Judicial Release. This process begins by filing a Motion requesting that the sentencing judge afford the inmate the opportunity to be released and placed on conditions of Community Controlled Sanctions. The timing for eligibility varies depending upon the level of the felony offense and the duration of the sentence imposed.

Since its inception, Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. has had success across the State of Ohio representing individuals seeking early release from prison. The goal of each Motion is to capture the true identity of the individual, and such an endeavor is not possible without investing a great deal of preparation into each Motion to be considered.

You see, it is our job to educate the court as to who our client really is and why they should get a second chance. At Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. we are skilled at helping judges or juries see the inner dignity and basic humanity of a person. Using verifying documents and letters of support on behalf of our client, we will construct an argument supporting the individual’s character and sincerity so that they can be treated with as much dignity and respect as they deserve.

If you have a question about Judicial Release and would like to have a free initial consultation, please call the law firm of Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. at (216) 928-7700. You can also visit our website at http://www.faflegal.com.

Technology Crimes - Internet Crimes - Computer Crimes

The public is inundated with reports of computer-based sex offenses. Yet state and federal law enforcement agencies continue to increase their efforts in prosecuting other technology-based offenses. Examples of these “cybercrimes” include but are not limited to:


On-line Fraud

On-line Theft

Computer Intrusions (Hacking)

On-line Threats & Harassment

Copyright Infringement

Internet Gambling

Espionage

Property Crimes

An effective defense of a cybercrime requires counsel that understands how these traditional crimes have evolved into their current technological context. Also, the lawyers of Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. understand the technology itself. This is a crucial point, because it enables them to provide a more comprehensive defense strategy.

In addition to representing individuals charged with technology-based offenses, firm members regularly lecture and write about issues relating to this rapidly growing area. In fact, Mr. Friedman serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law teaching Computers & Criminal Law; Mr. Frey is an Adjunct Instructor teaching Criminal Forensics.

If you, or someone you know, is under investigation or facing allegations of a computer or internet crime, please call the law firm of Friedman & Frey, L.L.C. for a free and confidential initial consultation at (216) 928-7700. You can also visit our website at faflegal.com.

Bail Bonds in Ohio State Courts

In an earlier Blog, I discussed bail bonds in the Ohio criminal justice system. In this Blog, I will discuss the types of bail bonds that a court can impose when a defendant is charged with a crime and awaiting trial pursuant to Ohio law and the Rules of Criminal procedure.

Personal Recognizance of the Accsued or an Unsecured Bail Bond

A personal recognizance bond is essentially a promise, by a person charged with a crime under Ohio law, that he or she will return to court and comply with any and all court orders. When a defendant is granted a personal recognizance bond, it is not necessary for any bond money to be posted in order for the accused to be released during the pendency of the case. In general, the accused signs the personal recognizance bond and is then released under whatever conditions of release the court may impose under Ohio law.

Ten Percent Bail Bonds

A Ten Percent Bond requires that ten percent of the amount of the bond be secured in cash. Thereafter, ninety percent of the deposit shall be returned upon compliance with all conditions of the bond. For instance, if an Ohio judge imposes a $25,000.00 Ten Percent Bond, the accused would reuire the posting of $2,500.00 in order to be released pending the resolution of the

criminal case.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond is a bond secured by real estate or securities as allowed by law. Further, cash can be deposited under this provision in order to satisfy the conditions of the bond.

Further Questions?

The foregoing is a basic overview of ohio Rule of Criminal Procedure 46. If you have more specific questions concerning Bail Bonds in Ohio, or if you have questions concerning a possible Bail Reduction, please visit http://www.criminallawyer.tel/ or call Cleveland, Ohio Criminal Attorny Ron Frey at (440) 537-0299 for a free consultation.