Stevenson & Stevenson Law Office

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If you, a family member or friend have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense, finding the right attorney to defend you may be the most important decision you make in resolving your case. It is important that you find an attorney who can effectively defend you.

I focus my practice solely on criminal defense. By limiting my practice, I am able to more effectively defend my clients and achieve better results. I provide legal representation to clients throughout Central Ohio, including Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, and Perry counties, which include the communities of Lancaster, Columbus, Logan, New Lexington, and Pickerington. I provide individualized attention to each client's case, needs, and objectives. Every criminal case is different, and the circumstances of your case need to be individually assessed. The defending of hundreds of clients in many different types of criminal cases has given me experience, insights, and strategies that I will use in representing you in your case.

Many attorneys "handle" criminal cases, but not all attorneys who handle criminal cases are criminal defense attorneys - there is a difference! Effectively defending a criminal charge requires a deep understanding of criminal law, an evaluation of each case for all possible defenses, experience in conducting jury trials, effective consideration, preparation, and argument of pretrial motions, and the full knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system. For more information on my defense philosophy, fees, and location, please see the firm overview page.

I represent individuals charged with both felonies and misdemeanors in state courts. I defend all Types of Crimes, the more common crimes I defend are:

I offer a free initial consultation either by phone or in person. In the consultation I will give you an overview of your case, explain your legal rights, the nature of the charges against you, possible defenses, penalties you face, and go over your options with you. The initial consultation also provides you with an opportunity to determine if I am the right attorney for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any question. When it comes to your liberty, I believe that there are no questions that should not be asked.

Do I Need An Attorney?
Many innocent people are charged with crimes. This may be because of poor police work, not having the opportunity to provide your explanation, or because you have simply been falsely accused. You should not believe that just because you are innocent, you do not need a criminal defense lawyer. Many innocent people have been convicted and you do not need to be one of them. Further, a majority of people often face excessive or inflated charges. This is often called "overcharging" and is a common practice among prosecutors and law enforcement. Just because you may have been involved in an incident does not mean that you are guilty of what you have been charged. It is important that you understand the exact nature of the charges against you, you are aware of all defenses that may be available, and that your cases is fully evaluated and defended.

What Should I Plead at Arraignment?
If you have been arrested and are due to appear in court, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before you go to court. In the event that is not possible, you should plead NOT GUILTY. This is the only plea you should enter without the advice of legal counsel. A Not Guilty plea will give you the opportunity to speak with an attorney who can advise you concerning your case. If you plead guilty at arraignment there is very little that can be done later to undo your admission of guilt and correct the sentence.

Should I Talk With Law Enforcement?
You should never speak with law enforcement without first talking to a criminal defense attorney. Many people believe that if they say they want to talk to a lawyer, they will "look guilty." Crimes are charged and people are convicted based on evidence, not appearances. Speaking with law enforcement may only provide them additional information they did not have before, increase the likelihood that you will be charged, or provide them with a statement that could later be used against you. You can always tell your side of the story later, after you have had time to reflect, think, and obtain legal advice. All you should say to law enforcement is "I want my lawyer."