Aggressive Defense For Violent Crime Charges In Northwest Ohio
Last updated on April 24, 2026
Being charged with a violent offense in northwest Ohio means your freedom is on the line because these charges often carry severe consequences. As such, hiring a Toledo violent crimes defense attorney knowledgeable in Ohio criminal law can help protect your rights and your future.
At Mahaffey & Associates, LLC, we have been defending people accused of violent crimes in Toledo, Sylvania and across northwest Ohio for over 25 years. Our founding attorney, Mr. Ty Mahaffey, has been a longtime resident of Toledo and has practiced law in northwest Ohio since 2002. As a legal team, we have built our firm’s reputation by consistently being accessible to address our northwest Ohio clients’ pressing concerns.
Is Being Charged With A Violent Crime Really That Bad In Northwest Ohio?
Yes, it can result in consequences such as:
- 180 days to life sentence or the death penalty
- A permanent felony record
- Loss of firearm rights
- Registration requirements for sex offenses
- Immigration difficulties
- Challenges in finding housing or securing employment
Our Toledo violent crimes defense attorney can work to expose the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Defending You Against Various Types Of Violent Crimes Charges
We defend our clients against several types of violent crime charges. Examples include:
- Simple and aggravated assault: Knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person.
- Domestic violence: Resulting from disputes between spouses or family members.
- Robbery and Burglary: Robbery involves theft by force, threat or intimidation, while burglary involves trespassing into an occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime.
- Homicide and manslaughter: Whether voluntary or involuntary, they can carry severe consequences.
- Weapons charges: Improper handling or having weapons while under disability.
- Rape: These cases rely on good testimonies and forensic evidence.
Our felony defense attorney in northwest Ohio can help investigate and fight to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
Proving Your Innocence In Ohio Violent Crimes Charges
Ohio law recognizes the right to use force under certain circumstances when you need to defend yourself or another person. So, if you had an honest and reasonable belief that you were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, you could have a valid defense.
Some of the laws include:
- Self-defense: You are authorized to use force to defend yourself from an immediate, violent act that you never triggered.
- Defense of another: You may use reasonable force to defend another person if being attacked.
- Ohio Castle Doctrine: The legal principle that states you can use force against someone unlawfully entering your residence.
Understanding these Ohio self-defense laws is critical in Ohio violent crime cases. Our robbery defense lawyer can help you understand these laws.
Strong Defense Against Northwest Ohio Violent Crime Charges
At Mahaffey & Associates, LLC, our Toledo violent crimes defense attorney works effectively and efficiently with a deep understanding that your legal needs must be protected at all costs. As such, you can rest assured of these qualities once you hire our lawyer:
- 24/7 availability for emergencies: We can offer evening and weekend consultations upon request.
- Effective solutions: We put in the hard work and develop solutions.
- Easily accessible: Always available to answer your questions.
- We treat you like family by offering personalized attention.
- We also offer a free initial phone consultation.
Our firm makes every effort to provide tailored solutions to all northwest Ohio clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Violent Crimes
Below, we address some of the questions that may be keeping you up at night as a resident of Toledo, Lucas County or northwest Ohio.
What is the difference between simple assault and felonious assault in Ohio?
Simple assault is often a first-degree misdemeanor and generally involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm. On the other hand, felonious assault is a second-degree felony that involves knowingly causing serious physical harm or attempting to use a deadly weapon.
Does Ohio have a “Stand Your Ground” law for self-defense?
Yes, enacted in April 2021 via Senate Bill 175, this law expanded the Castle Doctrine. It simply states that you may stand your ground in most public places and use reasonable force in self-defense if you are in danger and you can prove you are not at fault for causing the violent situation.
Can a violent crime charge be expunged from my record in Toledo?
It is nearly impossible because, under Ohio law, most violent crime convictions are not eligible for expungement or record sealing. However, exceptions exist for certain first-degree misdemeanor offenses. That is why you need an experienced aggravated assault lawyer in Sylvania to help challenge the violence case.
Speak To An Experienced Toledo Violent Crimes Defense Attorney
Facing a violent crime charge? Our Toledo violent crimes defense attorney can ensure you are not handling this alone. At Mahaffey & Associates, LLC, we have defended people against violent crime charges in Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, Maumee, Bowling Green, Wood County, Lucas County and across northwest Ohio.
Call 419-741-0111 or fill out the online contact form today for a free phone consultation.