Dedicated Newark Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being prosecuted for a crime is a stressful and frightening experience. If the police have arrested you, it is important that you invoke your right to remain silent and consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible to assist you with your case.
Before I became a defense attorney in Newark, Ohio, I spent six years as an assistant prosecutor in Licking County and one year as a private investigator before entering law school. As a result, I have a strong practical background and understanding of the criminal defense system. I have tried more than one hundred criminal cases, and I have investigated thousands.
Have you been arrested and are facing criminal charges? Call me today at 740-334-4256 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options for protecting your rights.
Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation
I defend clients charged with various felonies and misdemeanors, including white collar crimes such as fraud, violent crimes such as aggravated assault and felony murder, and traffic offenses such as OVI/DUI. I can also assist you with expungement of a criminal record or any other post-conviction remedy.
- OVI/DUI defense – OVI (also called DUI or OMVI) charges are both urgent and complicated, especially if you need to keep your commercial driver’s license (CDL). If your license has been suspended, you must request a license hearing within 30 days of your arraignment or your driver’s license (including your CDL if you have one) may remain suspended for up to five years. I also represent clients with multiple OVI offenses.
- Aggravated vehicular assault/Aggravated vehicular homicide – If you are driving drunk and cause an accident that results in serious bodily injury to another person, you can be charged with aggravated vehicular assault. If there is a death, you face aggravated vehicular homicide charges. A conviction on either charge can have very serious ramifications, including mandatory prison time and permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
- Drug offenses – Whether they are discovered in a traffic stop or a home search, crimes involving illegal street drugs, prescription drugs and related paraphernalia carry serious consequences, including losing your driver’s license. You have rights, and Calesaric Law will protect them.
- Theft offenses – Even a minor theft charge, such as shoplifting or petty theft, can leave the accused facing jail time, fines, restitution and other punishments. I work to see that your theft charges are minimized or dismissed whenever possible.
These represent just some of the criminal charges I defend. Whatever charges you face, I bring the same trial-ready approach and prosecutorial insight to your defense.
The First 48 Hours After Arrest: Critical Steps
The actions you take immediately after arrest can determine the outcome of your case. Understanding what happens during this critical window helps you protect your rights from the start.
Invoke Your Miranda Rights Immediately
The moment police detain you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both. Do not attempt to explain your way out of an arrest. Anything you say will be used against you by prosecutors who are skilled at using your own words to build their case. Tell officers you are invoking your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
The Booking and Arraignment Process in Licking County
After arrest, you will be booked at the Licking County Justice Center. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing and recording your personal information. Within 72 hours, you will appear before a judge for arraignment, where charges are formally presented and bail is set. This first court appearance is critical. Having an attorney present protects your interests and can influence bail conditions.
The 30-Day Administrative License Suspension Deadline
If you are arrested for OVI, you have only 30 days from your arraignment to request an administrative license suspension hearing. Missing this deadline can result in automatic license suspension for up to five years. This administrative process runs separate from your criminal case. I file the necessary paperwork immediately to preserve your driving privileges while we fight your charges.
Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Surveillance footage gets deleted. The sooner I begin working on your case, the more options I have to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. I can interview witnesses while memories are fresh, preserve critical evidence and identify procedural violations that occurred during your arrest. Early representation also prevents you from making statements to police or prosecutors that damage your defense.
Challenging The Prosecutor’s Case
Most people who are charged with a crime focus on what their own case looks like. I use a different approach. I focus on what the prosecutor’s case looks like. What fallacies or inconsistencies can I point out as a defense attorney? What facts can I point out to raise reasonable doubt? What evidence can we discover to prove our case?
I will attack the technical and procedural aspects of the case against you. I will aggressively test the evidence by filing motions to suppress the evidence against you, motions to dismiss, and motions to preclude the introduction of evidence at trial, if appropriate. My cases do not end up before a jury very often. I am often successful early on for reasons that have nothing to do with guilt or innocence.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense
People facing criminal charges in Licking County often have urgent questions about the legal process and what to expect. These are concerns I address regularly with clients.
How long does a criminal case take in Licking County, Ohio?
The timeline varies based on charge severity and case complexity. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within three to six months. Felony cases take longer, often six months to over a year, especially if the case goes to trial. I work efficiently while ensuring thorough preparation because rushing your defense compromises results.
What’s the difference between a public defender and a private criminal defense attorney?
Public defenders handle hundreds of cases simultaneously with limited resources. As a private attorney, I limit my caseload to provide focused representation. I have resources to hire investigators and expert witnesses. You also have direct access to me throughout your case rather than communicating through office staff.
Will I go to jail for a first-time offense in Ohio?
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders avoid jail through alternative sentencing, probation or diversion programs. The outcome depends on the specific charge and how effectively your attorney challenges the prosecution’s evidence. My former prosecutor experience helps me identify weaknesses in the state’s case and negotiate favorable outcomes.
Free Consultation With A Newark Criminal Defense Attorney
Contact me, attorney Robert Calesaric, to schedule a consultation about your case. I represent clients throughout central Ohio, including Columbus. Call now at 740-334-4256.