CRIMINAL DEFENSE: I defend clients accused of crimes in state and federal criminal prosecutions, including traffic offenses, OVI/DUI/OMVI, misdemeanors, domestic violence, felonies, and juvenile delinquency proceedings. I also handle appeals and post-conviction relief. I have previously worked with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender in the death penalty section when the State of Ohio first reinstated capital punishment in 1981. Additionally, I am a member of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers.
The tree of liberty grows only when watered by the blood of tyrants. Bertrand Barere.
Whatever your legal situation is, if you are being questioned or investigated and don't know what your legal rights are, you should exercise your right to remain silent and then obtain legal counsel as soon as you can. You should always be courteous and respectful with law enforcement. It is important to hire an attorney and let the attorney assist you in your defense or plea bargain.
Most types of criminal defense cases are charged on a flat fee basis. I also offer credit card payments and payment plans.
If you have been charged with driving without a valid operators license and/or driving under a suspended license and were involved in an automobile accident with no insurance, filing bankruptcy could allow you to discharge the debt and the BMV security suspension, thereby allowing you to get your license back and drive legally. Bankruptcy, however, may not be available as a legal option if you were also charged with OVI, DUI, or OMVI out of the accident. Call me to discuss your legal situation.
If you choose not to obey the law and drive without a valid drivers license, you should at the very least always purchase an SR-22 bond, which is "like" automobile insurance. This way, you will have met the state law's financial responsibility requirement and avoid an FRA suspension. Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and/or private insurance companies that sell automobile insurance for more information.
TABLE OF PENALTIES:
Classification Confinement
Felony 1 3 to 10 years
Felony 2 2 to 8 years
Felony 3 1 to 5 years
Felony 4 6 to 18 months
Felony 5 6 to 12 months
Misdemeanor 1 Max 180 days
Misdemeanor 2 Max 90 days
Misdemeanor 3 Max 60 days
Misdemeanor 4 Max 30 days
JOHN H. BATES, Esquire, (614)221-3630, batesjustice4all.com, 495 S. High Street, Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43215
