Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio

Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.

A misdemeanor charge may seem minor, but the impact can be significant. Even low-level offenses can result in jail time, fines, a criminal record, or loss of employment. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help individuals across Northeast Ohio respond to misdemeanor charges quickly and effectively, with a focus on protecting your rights and limiting long-term consequences.

Whether this is your first offense or you have previous history, we are here to walk you through the process, explain your options, and defend your future.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Ohio 

Misdemeanors in Ohio are divided by degree, ranging from minor to first-degree. While less severe than felonies, these charges can still lead to fines, probation, jail time, and a lasting criminal record. They are handled in municipal or county courts and often require quick response and court appearances.

Minor Misdemeanors

Minor misdemeanors are the lowest level of criminal charges in Ohio. These include nonviolent infractions like disorderly conduct, certain traffic offenses, and first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. While they do not carry jail time, they can result in fines, court costs, and a public record.

Many people underestimate the impact of a minor misdemeanor. These records may appear on background checks and create issues with employment, housing, or education. In many cases, we help resolve them through dismissal, diversion, or future record sealing.

Major Misdemeanors

First-degree, second-degree, and third-degree misdemeanors are more serious and include charges such as domestic violence, assault, theft, resisting arrest, criminal trespassing, and driving under suspension. First-degree misdemeanors can carry up to 180 days in jail, five years of probation, and fines of up to $1,000.

These offenses often involve allegations of harm, threats, or prior incidents. A conviction may lead to jail, restrictions on professional licenses, and long-term damage to your record. Courts may also order counseling, no-contact restrictions, or community control. We work to reduce or resolve these charges with the least impact possible.

How We Can Help at Your First Consultation 

We know how stressful even a first-time charge can be. At your consultation, we act quickly to give you clarity and control over your legal situation. Here is what we will do:

• We will review your charges and explain what they mean under Ohio law
• We will discuss the penalties you may face, including jail, fines, and a criminal record
• We will walk you through the court process and help you understand your options
• We will go over the facts of the case and hear your side of what happened
• We will explain how we handle your defense and go over our fee structure
• And we assure you everything you share with us is 100 percent confidential
  

We want you to leave that first meeting knowing you have someone in your corner who will act fast and fight hard.