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Murder & Manslaughter

Murder Defense Lawyer in Columbus

Get an Aggressive Defense Against Your Charges

There are fewer criminal charges that can shake one's life as severely as the accusations of manslaughter or murder. You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or confusion during this time, but the good news is that you are not alone. Knowing that your future and freedom are at stake, your first call should be to a Columbus criminal lawyer who is fully committed to protecting your rights and best interests.

You need the strongest defense possible when faced with such serious charges. Our firm was named to the list of Ohio & Kentucky Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ and was awarded the Avvo Clients' Choice for 2012 in criminal defense law. This goes to show how hard we work on our client's behalf and how successful we have been in handling their criminal defense cases. We can contest your murder or manslaughter charges and work to secure the best outcome for your situation.

What penalties do I face for a conviction?

Murder is the most serious offense in Ohio, carrying the threat of the death penalty for offenders. Ensure you have the vigorous defense of a Columbus, OH criminal defense attorney by calling The Meranda Law Firm LTD as soon as possible. We know how to fight your charges!

For a murder conviction, the prosecution will need to prove one of the following:

  • You intentionally caused the death of another person;
  • While attempting to commit a violent felony, you cased another person's death; or
  • With a former record, you caused a death while committing any crime.

You can be charged with an elevated aggravated murder charge if it can be proved that:

  • You premeditated an act which would kill another person;
  • You caused a death while committing or attempting to commit a felony;
  • You caused the death of someone under 13 years of age; or
  • You intentionally killed a police officer in the line of duty.

Punishments for murder depend largely on the details of the case. A murder conviction typically carries anywhere from 15 years to life in prison with a $15,000 fine. Aggravated murder is punishable by a $25,000 fine and either a life sentence or the death penalty. Even attempted murder can put you behind bars for up to 11 years.

Get the Legal Defense You Need to Maintain Your Freedom

Regardless of what you may be accused of, you have the legal right to a strong defense and The Meranda Law Firm LTD is committed to providing that for clients just like you. Allow our team to aggressively advocate on your behalf and work to make sure your voice is heard in court. Your livelihood and future are at risk unless you take swift action to protect your name.

Contact a Columbus criminal defense attorney from our firm immediately to begin your defense. 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “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
    “I Highly Recommend The Meranda Law Firm to Anyone Seeking Help”
    Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.
    - Anonymous
    “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
    “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
    “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
    “I Would Recommend Him to Everybody”
    I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.
    - Kristina Poulton
    “He Is a Very Good Lawyer”
    He is a very good lawyer and always knows what he is talking about. He knows his stuff and no matter how bad the crime is he will get you out of it and he will always give you his all.
    - Jenna Taynor
    “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

Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.