Facing accusations of a violent crime, can be one of the most terrifying moments in our lives. The stakes are incredibly high—charges like assault, robbery, or homicide come with the potential for years behind bars, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our violent crime attorneys in Athens, Ohio, are here to help protect your future.
At the K. Robert Toy Law Office, we understand what’s on the line. These aren't just legal problems—they’re personal ones that affect every part of who we are. That’s why we take violent crime accusations seriously from the moment we’re contacted.
We work hard to protect your rights, expose weak evidence, and develop strong criminal defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of each case. Whether it's a bar fight that went too far or a situation involving mistaken identity, we believe every person deserves a voice and a fair chance to defend themselves.
Types of Violent Crime Charges in Ohio
In Ohio, violent crimes are considered some of the most serious offenses. These charges typically involve force, threats, or physical harm, and prosecutors often pursue them aggressively. Depending on the circumstances, even a first-time offender could be facing felony charges with long-lasting consequences.
Some of the most common violent crime charges include:
Assault and aggravated assault: These charges involve intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. The presence of a weapon or the extent of the injury can increase the severity of the charge.
Domestic violence: Causing harm or threatening a family or household member can lead to both criminal and protective order proceedings.
Robbery and aggravated robbery: Using or threatening force during a theft, especially with a weapon involved, leads to elevated penalties.
Murder and manslaughter: These charges involve the intentional or reckless taking of another person’s life. They’re among the most serious charges we can face.
Kidnapping: Holding someone against their will, transporting them, or restraining their movement can qualify as kidnapping under Ohio law.
Felonious assault: This is often charged when there’s serious physical harm or the use of a deadly weapon.
No matter the charge, we know there’s always more to the story. That’s why we start by examining the facts and challenging the assumptions behind the accusations.
Don't Hesitate to Get Legal Help
What Prosecutors Must Prove
For a violent crime conviction, prosecutors must do more than make accusations—they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that we committed the crime. That means they carry the burden of showing each element of the charge clearly and convincingly, using admissible evidence.
Generally, the prosecution must prove:
Intent or recklessness: Many violent crimes require proof that we intended to cause harm or acted with a disregard for the safety of others.
Physical action or threat: There must be evidence of a physical act, injury, or credible threat of violence.
Use of a weapon (when relevant): In cases involving aggravated charges, the prosecution has to prove we used or possessed a deadly weapon.
Causation: The alleged victim’s injury or trauma must be directly linked to our actions.
If even one of these elements isn’t proven, we can't be convicted of the charge. That’s why our criminal defense strategy focuses on picking apart the state’s case piece by piece.
Defenses Available in Violent Crime Cases
Just because we're charged with a violent crime doesn't mean we're guilty. There are valid legal defenses that can reduce or eliminate charges depending on the circumstances. We work to uncover every angle—because sometimes the truth doesn’t come out until we dig for it.
Common criminal defense strategies for violent crime charges include:
Self-defense: If we used force to protect ourselves or someone else from immediate harm, we may have acted within our legal rights.
Defense of others: Similar to self-defense, we may be justified in using force if we believe someone else is in danger.
Lack of intent: In cases where intent is required, showing that the harm was accidental can weaken the prosecution’s case.
False accusations: Sometimes people lie, exaggerate, or misidentify others. We challenge the reliability of witness statements when necessary.
Alibi: If we weren’t at the scene when the alleged crime took place, we may be able to provide solid evidence to support that.
Each case is different. What matters most is having an attorney who takes the time to understand the facts and apply the right strategy.
Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction
Violent crime convictions carry severe penalties. The court considers not just the crime itself but also any aggravating factors—like prior offenses, the presence of weapons, or the extent of injury involved. These penalties can affect us long after the case is closed.
Some potential consequences include:
Lengthy prison sentences: Violent crimes often come with mandatory minimums and sentences that range from several years to life in prison.
Hefty fines: Fines can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the offense.
Parole and probation conditions: Strict conditions may apply even after release, limiting our freedom for years.
Permanent felony record: Most violent crimes are felonies, which follow us for life and limit employment, housing, and firearm rights.
Social stigma and reputational harm: A conviction can affect relationships, career prospects, and how we’re perceived in the community.
Given the serious nature of these penalties, the need for a solid criminal defense can't be overstated.
Our attorneys don't leave anything to chance.
How Law Enforcement Builds a Case
Police and prosecutors rely on a variety of tools to build their cases, and in many situations, they gather information quickly before we’ve had a chance to respond. Knowing how they operate helps us understand where mistakes might have been made or rights might’ve been violated.
Law enforcement may use:
Eyewitness statements: These can be flawed or unreliable, especially if taken under stress or confusion.
Surveillance footage or body cam video: This can either support or contradict witness accounts.
Forensic evidence: Fingerprints, blood, or weapons are often used to tie someone to the crime scene.
Statements from the accused: Anything we say without legal representation can be twisted or taken out of context.
Cell phone records or GPS data: These may be used to place us near the scene, but often lack full context.
We review every piece of evidence, question every claim, and look for ways to suppress illegally obtained material.
Why Legal Representation Matters
When we're facing violent crime charges, trying to handle the case on our own is a serious risk. Prosecutors are trained to secure convictions—they’re not there to help us or look out for our interests. That’s where legal representation makes the difference.
By working with a dedicated criminal defense attorney, we benefit in several ways:
We have someone who understands Ohio law and knows how local courts operate.
We get help crafting a strategy based on facts, not fear.
We avoid making statements or decisions that can harm our defense.
We receive representation in court, during plea negotiations, and at every hearing.
We improve our chances of having charges reduced, dismissed, or defeated at trial.
Robert Toy brings years of experience and a strong courtroom presence to every case he handles. His approach to criminal defense is thorough, aggressive, and focused on protecting what matters most—our future.
Steps in the Legal Process
The legal process for violent crimes in Ohio involves several stages, each with its own rules and deadlines. Missing a step or making a mistake early on can make things harder down the road. That’s why we walk through each phase together.
The process typically includes:
Investigation and arrest: Law enforcement collects evidence and arrests if they believe there’s probable cause.
Arraignment: We appear before a judge, are formally charged, and enter a plea.
Pretrial phase: Our attorney files motions, gathers evidence, and negotiates with the prosecution.
Trial: If no resolution is reached, the case goes to trial where we present our defense before a judge or jury.
Sentencing: If convicted, a judge will impose a sentence based on legal guidelines and the facts of the case.
At every step, we keep our clients informed and involved. We believe in preparation, transparency, and strong advocacy.
Alternatives to Prison
In some cases, there are alternatives to prison time—especially for those facing lower-level charges or who are first-time offenders. Exploring these options is part of a good criminal defense strategy and can lead to better outcomes.
Possible alternatives include:
Plea agreements: Negotiating a plea deal may result in reduced charges or lighter sentencing.
Probation: Rather than serving time, we may be placed under court supervision with specific conditions.
Diversion programs: These may be available for certain types of offenses and offer the chance to complete counseling or education in exchange for dropped charges.
Community service or treatment programs: Some judges may offer alternatives if rehabilitation is a better solution than punishment.
We explore every possible option and fight for outcomes that allow our clients to rebuild and move forward.
What to Do If You’re Accused of a Violent Crime
Being accused of a violent crime can lead to panic, confusion, and rash decisions. But there are a few important steps we can take right away to protect our rights and give ourselves the best chance at a strong defense.
Here’s what you should do:
Don’t talk to police without an attorney present: Even if we believe we're innocent, anything we say can be used against us.
Write down everything we remember: Names, times, conversations, and witnesses can all be helpful.
Avoid discussing the case with others: Friends, family, or social media aren’t the place to vent—everything can be discovered.
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately: The earlier we get legal help, the more time we have to build a defense.
You're not alone in this. Getting the right guidance from the start can change the outcome of the entire case.
Contact Our Athens, OH Violent Crime Lawyers
Violent crime charges have the potential to turn our world upside down. But we don’t have to face the system alone. With the right criminal defense strategy, the truth can come to light, and our future can still be protected.
At the K. Robert Toy Law Office, we fight for individuals and families throughout Ohio, including Athens, Vinton, Jackson, Morgan, Washington, Meigs, Hocking, Fairfield, Perry, and Gallia. If we’re facing a violent crime accusation, let’s take that first step together—toward defense, justice, and hope.