Murder, Homicide, Assault & Violent Crimes

Violent crimes are taken very seriously by the Prosecuting Attorney. In fact, the prosecutor's offices in Portage County and Summit County usually assign their best prosecutors to cases regarding assault, murder, homicide and other violent offenses.

This is why it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer who has the knowledge and experience needed to match the government's extensive resources, protect your rights and guard your freedom.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer who is a Force in the Courtroom

Attorney Dan Weisenburger is a former prosecutor who has been a courtroom trial attorney for over 30 years. Mr. Weisenburger is the only nationally certified Criminal Trial Specialist in Portage County and one of only three certified defense lawyers in Summit County.

He will fight for your rights and minimize the consequences you face under Ohio law.

The Most Important thing to do Right Now

If you are a suspect in a crime involving assault, murder, manslaughter or any type of homicide, you absolutely must take advantage of your constitutional right to remain silent. This is critical, especially if you are innocent of the charges.

The worst possible mistake a person can make in these types of cases is to speak with police officers, friends or relatives.

Most people do not understand why talking to anyone will most certainly damage their case and make the situation far worse. Speak to no one! Call a skilled criminal defense attorney at the very first opportunity.

Definitions of Murder, Manslaughter, Homicide and Assault in Ohio

These crimes are well-defined in the State of Ohio and you can find the definition of each crime elsewhere on our website.

The terms to describe these offense have highly specialized and technical meanings that are usually far beyond the comprehension of the average citizen.

Homicide is a legal term for any killing of a human being by another human being. Homicide itself is not necessarily a crime... some homicides are legal, such as a justifiable killing of a suspect by the police or a killing done in self-defense.

However, unlawful homicides are classified as crimes like aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter, negligent homicide, vehicular homicide and other offenses.

Crimes of assault involve knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person.

This is usually intentional as opposed to accidental. Depending on the seriousness of the attack (or the nature of the weapon used), the crime of assault can rise to a higher level offense.

Examples would involve serious physical harm, weapons, family or household members, police officers or corrections officers.

Defenses to Assault, Murder and Homicide

Sometimes special defenses apply when a person is accused of these types of offenses.

Self-defense may serve to excuse the act, depending on the applicable laws and definitions, including the duty to retreat, the castle doctrine and the defense of others. The assistance of a lawyer is indispensable.

Other defenses may apply, such as alibi, coercion or insanity (NGRI or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity).

Due to the technical nature of such defenses, only an attorney well versed in criminal defense can assist you with these defenses.

Defending Criminal Charges in Summit County & Portage County

Over his extensive legal career, Attorney Weisenburger has skillfully defended clients in hundreds of criminal trials and negotiated favorable plea agreements for thousands of clients. Attorney Weisenburger will pursue all possible avenues to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Experience Matters

When it comes to criminal defense lawyers, experience is invaluable. Attorney Dan Weisenburger has over three decades of actual courtroom trial experience with nearly all types of violent crimes in Ohio courts, including:

Misdemeanor Assault

Felonious Assault

Weapons Offenses & CCW

Murder

Manslaughter

Vehicular Homicide

Domestic Violence

Theft, Robbery & Burglary

Aggravated Menacing

Stalking & Harassment Offenses

Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Abduction & Kidnapping