
Defend yourself from jail time with professional local attorneys.
A misdemeanor charge in Ohio is a serious matter that requires a professional defense. While these offenses are less severe than felonies, a conviction can still lead to jail time, high fines, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences often impact your ability to secure housing, keep your job, or pass future background checks.
Attorney Daniel Gigiano has defended clients against misdemeanor charges in Northeast Ohio since 1999. With over 30 years of experience and a history of more than 40 jury trials, he and his team provide the aggressive representation needed to protect your rights in Wadsworth, Medina, Barberton, and Wooster.
In Ohio, a misdemeanor conviction carries a range of penalties depending on the level of the offense. Without a strong defense, you could face:
Jail Time: Sentences can reach up to 180 days for a first-degree misdemeanor.
Financial Burdens: Fines and court costs can total thousands of dollars.
Probation: Court-ordered supervision, drug testing, or mandatory classes.
License Suspension: Many traffic-related misdemeanors result in the loss of driving privileges.
Permanent Record: A conviction stays on your record and is visible to employers and landlords.
Attorney Gigiano and his legal team handle a wide variety of misdemeanor cases in local municipal and common pleas courts, including:
Theft and Property Crimes: Shoplifting, petty theft, and criminal damaging or mischief.
Violence and Threats: Domestic violence, assault, and menacing charges.
Drug Offenses: Possession of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.
Public Order Crimes: Disorderly conduct, trespassing, and public intoxication.
Traffic and OVI: First or second-offense OVI/DUI and driving under suspension.
Offenses Against Family: Child endangerment and related domestic charges.
Many individuals make the mistake of pleading guilty without first fully exploring their legal options. Attorney Gigiano and his team use a solutions-focused approach to challenge the prosecution’s case and minimize the impact on your life.
Our Defense Strategies Include:
Challenging the Evidence: We analyze police reports and witness statements to identify constitutional violations or factual inconsistencies.
Seeking Dismissals or Reductions: By highlighting weaknesses in the state’s case, we fight to have charges dropped or reduced to lesser offenses.
Negotiating Alternatives: When appropriate, we pursue diversion programs, community service, or probation to help clients avoid jail time.
Expungement and Sealing: We advise clients on their eligibility to have a past conviction sealed, protecting their long-term reputation.
Whether you are facing a first-time offense or have a prior record, you deserve an advocate who understands the local court systems in Medina, Summit, and Wayne Counties.
Don’t face the courtroom alone. Call us today at (330) 336-3330 for a consultation on your legal matter.
Yes, absolutely. While the penalties are less severe than a felony, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in jail time, significant fines, a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing, and driver's license suspension. A lawyer protects your rights and works to minimize these life-altering consequences.
Attorney Gigiano defends clients against a wide range of misdemeanor charges, including: DUI/OVI (1st & 2nd offenses), domestic violence, assault, theft (shoplifting, petty theft), drug possession, disorderly conduct, traffic offenses (reckless driving, driving under suspension), trespassing, criminal mischief, and certain sex crimes and child endangerment cases.
In Ohio, misdemeanor penalties can include up to 180 days in jail, fines of up to $1,000 (and often more for specific charges), probation, court-ordered classes or counseling, community service, and a driver's license suspension for traffic-related offenses.
Diversion programs are options for certain first-time offenders. If you complete specific requirements like classes, community service, and stay out of trouble, the charges against you may be dismissed. Attorney Gigiano can advise if you qualify for such a program.
You should never accept a plea deal without first consulting a defense attorney. Prosecutors often offer standard deals that may not be in your best interest. Daniel Gigiano can review the offer, negotiate for better terms, or advise you if fighting the charge at trial could lead to a more favorable outcome.