Providing Unparalleled Legal Representation
Columbus Criminal Defense Attorney
Award-Winning Defense For Your Criminal Case
Columbus Criminal Defense Attorneys
Award-Winning Defense for the Most Complicated Criminal Cases
Have you been accused of a crime in Ohio? You need to secure elite legal counsel right away. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, our Columbus criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping people who are in need of solid criminal defense representation. We focus exclusively on this area of law, which allows us to provide our clients with attentive care throughout every stage of their case. Our team is recognized by clients for our one-on-one support and the high level of service that we deliver.
Our founding attorney, Zachuary Meranda, won the 2012 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, and our firm is accredited by the Better Business Bureau®. Furthermore, two of our Columbus criminal defense attorneys have been ranked among the top 2.5% of young attorneys in Ohio and Kentucky, having been selected to the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠. Our Columbus criminal defense attorneys will be with you from day one, protecting you from police interrogations and fighting for your rights. Your freedom is important to us, and we will dedicate ourselves to safeguarding your reputation. A Columbus criminal defense lawyer from our firm can get started on your defense immediately.
Call our firm at (614) 707-4239 today to schedule your FREE consultation!
Client-Centered
Defense Services
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional who plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals accused of committing crimes. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what a criminal defense attorney does:
- Case Assessment: The attorney begins by conducting a thorough assessment of the case, which includes reviewing all available evidence, witness statements, police reports, and relevant documents. This assessment helps them gain a complete understanding of the case.
- Legal Research: Criminal defense attorneys engage in extensive legal research to identify relevant laws, statutes, and legal precedents that are applicable to their client's case. This research serves as the foundation for constructing a strong defense.
- Defense Strategy: Based on their analysis and legal research, defense attorneys craft a strategic defense plan. This plan outlines the legal arguments, evidence, and tactics they will use to protect their client's rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
- Client Consultation: Attorneys provide legal counsel to their clients. They guide clients in making informed decisions, including whether to pursue a plea agreement or proceed to trial.
- Negotiation: Defense attorneys engage in negotiations with the prosecution to seek favorable outcomes for their clients. This negotiation can include reducing charges, exploring alternative resolutions, or negotiating sentencing recommendations.
- Courtroom Advocacy: If the case proceeds to trial, defense attorneys become dedicated advocates for their clients in the courtroom. They present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make compelling legal arguments to defend their clients' innocence or mitigate charges.
- Post-Conviction Services: The role of a defense attorney continues even after a conviction. They may assist with sentencing hearings, appeals, or efforts to have a conviction expunged from the client's record.
- Protection of Rights: Defense attorneys ensure that their clients' constitutional rights are upheld throughout the legal process. This includes safeguarding against illegal searches and seizures, preserving the right to remain silent, and advocating for a fair trial.
In summary, a criminal defense attorney's role is multi-faceted and vital to ensuring justice within the legal system. They use their legal expertise, strategic planning, courtroom advocacy, and support to protect their clients' rights and interests throughout the criminal justice process.
Meet Our Columbus
Criminal Defense Team
Awards & Associations
Our Satisfied Clients
Read What They Say About Us
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“As stress free as it can be”
A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w -
“Great Representation”
There are three reasons I recommend Zachuary Meranda if you are arrested for DUI. First off, he is a straight shooter. Never did he sugar coat my situation. Second, he handled everything while keeping me informed and walked me through everything as it progressed. Third, he got me the result- NO DUI!!! Thanks Zak!- Shane Dolen -
“Excellent job!”
We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous -
“I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm”
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.- Payton R -
“Great work!!”
Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!- Pfeifer -
“Great Job”
Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.- Rod -
“Great Attorney”
Zach is a great attorney. He has represented me twice and both times I got positive results. If you need an attorney call The Meranda Law Firm, he's the best.- Frances Benson -
“An Attorney That Will Give You His All!”
Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.- Rylan Burrie
Our criminal defense attorneys in Columbus, Ohio are ready to work with you to ensure you get the strong defense you need and at a reasonable cost. This starts with offering a free consultation, where we can listen to your story and evaluate what your defense would entail. Then we can be upfront with you about what the cost for our services would be.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
