Email: msmithlawoffice @yahoo.com

Michele A. Smith Law Office, L.L.C.

Criminal Law

Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, criminal law involves individuals who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government for an act that has been classified as a crime. Crimes are classified as either Misdemeanors--less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine  like petty theft, obstruction of justice, or possession of a small amount of marijuana; and Felonies--more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as grand theft or  assault with a deadly weapon.

In criminal law, the suit is initiated by the state or federal government through a prosecutor and the prosecutor has to prove to the judge or jury "beyond a reasonable doubt"  that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

Sometimes people do not understand that a “no contest” pleas to a criminal charge will result in the Judge finding the individual “guilty” of the charge.   It is important to know your legal rights in criminal matters as statements made to police officers or other investigator may be held against you even if the statement is taken out of context.  Do not take a wait-and-see approach to a criminal situation, contact our office at 419-502-2002 at the onset of the situation for experienced legal representation.  

Expungement of Criminal Convictions 

Under certain limited circumstances it may be possible to have a criminal conviction expunged from an individual’s record.   Expungement of criminal convictions refers to a legal process by which a person’s criminal record is altered in a favorable manner for the individual.   Please call our office, at 419-502-2002,  for consultation as to if your criminal conviction can be expunged.