Most criminal cases start long before anyone is arrested.
They start with an investigation.
How investigations work. Police look into whether a crime happened and who may have done it. They talk to witnesses, gather physical evidence, review video, and sometimes get search warrants from a judge. A search warrant is a court order that lets police search a place or item. To get one, police must show a judge they have "probable cause" — a fair reason to believe evidence of a crime will be found.
How arrests happen. There are two main ways police make an arrest in Ohio. The first is with an arrest warrant. A judge signs a warrant only when there is probable cause to believe a person committed a crime. The second is without a warrant. Police can arrest a person on the spot if they see a crime happening or have good reason to believe the person just committed one, such as a felony.
Your rights. You have the right to stay silent. You do not have to answer questions, and anything you say can be used against you. You also have the right to a lawyer. These rights protect you, and it is smart to use them.
What happens after arrest. After an arrest, you are usually "booked." That means police record your name, take your photo and fingerprints, and note the charges. If you are held in jail, the law protects you from being held too long without court review. A judge must look at whether there was probable cause for the arrest promptly — usually within 48 hours. You must also be brought to court for your first bail hearing quickly, no later than the second court day after your arrest.
Bail and release. Bail is how the court decides whether you can be released while your case goes on, and under what conditions. Ohio law says the court should use the least strict conditions needed to make sure you come back to court and that the public stays safe. The judge looks at things like the charge, your ties to the community, your record, and whether you are a flight risk. Release can be on your promise to return, or it can require money or a bond.
How VanHo Law can help. The earliest stage of a case is often the most important. Attorney Adam VanHo and VanHo Law step in quickly to protect your rights, speak to police on your behalf, and fight for fair release terms. Getting a lawyer involved early can change the direction of your entire case.
About Attorney Adam VanHo
Adam VanHo is a former prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General who represents individuals charged with a variety of crimes in state and federal courts.
A veteran of over one hundred trials, Adam represents individuals charged with offenses ranging from traffic offenses to capital murder and organized crime. An attorney for twenty-five years, Adam has appeared in trial and appellate courts in both state and federal courts, and has even briefed cases to the Ohio and United States Supreme Courts. Adam is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Ohio and Pennsylvania; all federal courts in the District of Columbia; the United States Supreme Court; and the International Criminal Court. Adam is currently a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panels for both the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Adam has regularly appeared as a commentator and expert in local media, and his cases have attracted national and international attention.
This article is intended for general information and to help the public understand how criminal cases proceed in Ohio. It is not legal advice. Every case is different.
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal matter, contact VanHo Law to discuss your specific situation.
