Felony Attorney in Akron

Facing a Felony Charge in Akron Can Change Everything

A felony charge can affect every part of your life, from your freedom and your job to your ability to support your family. One mistake, one accusation, or one investigation in Akron can suddenly place you in a system that feels confusing and stacked against you. In that moment, you need clear guidance from a felony attorney in Akron who knows how these cases actually move through local courts.

I defend people accused of serious criminal offenses in this area, and I understand how overwhelming this feels. Many of my clients have never been in trouble before. They want to know what will happen next, what they should say or not say, and whether there is any way to protect their future.

When you contact Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq., LLC, you work directly with me, Attorney Christopher G. Thomarios. I have spent over two decades representing people in felony cases in Summit County and throughout Northeast Ohio. My role is to explain the law in plain language, give you an honest assessment of your situation, and start building a defense that reflects the full story of your life, not just what is written in a police report.

My role as your felony attorney in Akron is to listen carefully, answer your questions in plain language, and explain how I would approach your defense. Contact me online or call (888) 506-2167.

Why Clients Choose Me as Their Felony Attorney in Akron

When you search for a felony lawyer in Akron, it can be hard to tell what truly sets one apart. My practice is built on a simple promise. If you hire me, I am the person who will handle your case from our first conversation to the final hearing. I do not send clients to junior associates, and I do not turn serious felonies into files that are passed around an office.

For over twenty years, I have appeared in Akron Municipal Court, Summit County Court of Common Pleas, and courts across Northeast Ohio. Over that time, I have developed working relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff. No relationship decides a case, but knowing how different courtrooms operate helps me prepare you for what to expect and tailor strategy to the reality of each setting.

My work has helped clients obtain dismissals, significant charge reductions, and not guilty verdicts in a range of serious matters. These outcomes come from careful preparation, not shortcuts. I review every piece of available evidence, including reports, recordings, and digital data, and I look for legal, factual, and constitutional problems that can change the direction of a case.

I have been named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for four consecutive years, and I am admitted to practice before the U. S. District Court, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Those credentials reflect a career spent handling high-stakes matters at many levels, from local hearings to complex litigation.

I deliberately limit the number of cases I accept so I can stay personally invested in each one. That means that as your felony attorney in Akron, I have the time to answer your questions, return your calls, and stay on top of deadlines and developments. For many people facing felonies, that level of consistent attention offers a measure of peace of mind at a very uncertain time.

After a Felony Arrest or Investigation in Akron: What You Should Do

The first hours and days after an arrest or after you learn about an investigation are critical. What you say and what you do can shape how the case is charged, how bond is set, and what evidence is available later. Many people feel pressure to explain their side to police or investigators, especially if they believe there has been a misunderstanding. That instinct is understandable, but it can be dangerous.

If you have been arrested or contacted by law enforcement about a felony in this city or elsewhere in Summit County, your first priority should be to protect your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a felony attorney in Akron. You do not have to answer questions about where you were, what you did, or who was involved, and you do not have to sign written statements or consent to searches without understanding the consequences.

Right after an arrest or when you learn of an investigation, these steps can help protect you:

• Do not discuss the case with the police without counsel. Politely state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and that you want an attorney. Once you say this clearly, questioning should stop, although you may still experience pressure to talk.
• Be cautious about what you say to others. Conversations with friends, family, or people you barely know can find their way into reports and testimony. So can text messages and social media posts. It is safer to avoid discussing details until you have had legal advice.
• Collect basic information. If possible, keep track of which agency arrested you, where you are being held, and any paperwork you receive. This information helps me move quickly to address bond, court dates, and other urgent issues.
• Have a trusted person contact me. If you are in custody, a family member or friend can reach out to my office so I can start working on bond and prepare for your first appearance.

In Akron, felony charges often begin with an arrest and an initial appearance in Akron Municipal Court, where bond conditions are set. Cases that remain as felonies typically are transferred to the Summit County Court of Common Pleas for indictment and further proceedings. The earlier I am involved, the more opportunity I have to influence bond arguments, preserve favorable evidence, and address charging decisions before they become harder to change.

How I Handle Felony Cases in Akron Courts From Start To Finish

Felony cases follow a series of stages, and understanding those stages can ease some of the fear you may feel. My job as your felony attorney in Akron is to guide you through each one, explain what is happening and why, and work to protect you at every point. I stay personally involved from the first meeting to the last hearing.

Early Court Hearings & Charging Decisions

A case that begins with an arrest in Akron typically first appears in Akron Municipal Court. There, the court usually addresses the bond and schedules the matter for preliminary hearings. If the prosecutor pursues felony charges, the case commonly moves to the Summit County Court of Common Pleas after indictment by a grand jury. At each step, I help you understand what the court is deciding and what options we have.

Investigating The Evidence & Filing Motions

Once the case is filed at the Common Pleas level, I obtain discovery materials, which may include police reports, body and dash camera recordings, lab results, photographs, phone records, and other documents. I review this material carefully, looking for inconsistencies, gaps, and legal issues such as unlawful searches, illegal stops, or improper questioning. No argument is left out, and no piece of evidence is ignored simply because it is time-consuming or complex to address.

When there are grounds to challenge evidence, I file appropriate motions, such as motions to suppress statements or physical items, or to exclude unreliable identification procedures. These motions can affect what the judge allows at trial, and in some situations, they can lead to reduced charges or dismissals. I keep you informed about the purpose of each motion and the possible outcomes, so you can see how it fits into the larger defense strategy.

Plea Discussions, Trial & Sentencing

Most felony cases are resolved by plea agreements or other negotiated outcomes rather than by trial, but that decision should never be made blindly. As your felony attorney in Akron, I explain the sentencing ranges involved, any mandatory penalties, and likely positions of the prosecution. If you are considering a plea, we talk about how it compares to the risks of trial and how it may affect your record, employment, and other parts of your life.

If a trial is the right path, I prepare the case thoroughly and present your story in a way the judge or jury can understand. Throughout this process, I speak plainly. I tell you when the law is on our side and when it presents an uphill battle, and I give you my best assessment of the choices in front of you. My goal is for you to feel that you are making informed decisions, not being pushed in a direction you do not understand.

Local Insight That Matters In Summit County Felony Cases

Felony charges are governed by Ohio law, but how those laws are applied can look different from one courthouse to another. Practicing regularly in Akron Municipal Court and Summit County Court of Common Pleas has shown me how local procedures, unwritten expectations, and individual preferences can affect bond, plea offers, and how cases are scheduled and resolved.

For example, different judges may have different approaches to setting bond based on factors such as the nature of the charge, a person’s record, and ties to the community. Prosecutors may have office policies about certain types of felonies, such as drug offenses, violent crimes, or theft-related charges. Understanding these patterns does not guarantee any particular result, but it does help me prepare realistic arguments and explain to you what we are likely to face.

I maintain offices in both Akron and Cleveland, which keeps me closely connected to courts throughout Northeast Ohio. That regional perspective is useful when clients have related cases in more than one county, or when civil issues arise from the same events as the criminal charges. My admissions to the U.S. District Court, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court also allow me to continue representing clients if cases move beyond the trial level.

When we talk about your case, I explain not only what Ohio statutes say, but also how similar matters are usually handled here in Summit County. That local insight helps you understand why certain strategies make sense and why some options are more realistic than others.

What You Can Expect When You Work With My Firm

Choosing a felony attorney in Akron is about more than legal knowledge. It is also about how the lawyer treats you as a person during one of the hardest times in your life. I structure my practice so that every client receives consistent, direct attention from me and knows what to expect.

When you call, you speak with me about your case, and I strive to return messages as quickly as possible, often the same day. If an urgent issue comes up after hours, such as a sudden arrest or a problem with bond, I work to be reachable. I understand that legal emergencies do not wait for business hours, and I take that responsibility seriously.

From the first meeting through the outcome, I do not hand your file off to someone else. The level of care you receive at the beginning remains the same throughout the case. We meet to discuss developments, review discovery together when helpful, and talk openly about strategy. I explain legal terms, court procedures, and possible consequences in plain language, so you are never left wondering what something means or why a hearing matters.

Many of my clients return to me when they or someone close to them faces another legal problem in the future. They know they will be treated with respect, that I will listen carefully, and that I will tell them the truth even when it is difficult to hear. I also understand that the cost of a felony defense can be a major concern. I work with clients on payment terms that reflect their circumstances, and I am clear about fees up front so there are no surprises or hidden charges.

In a system where people often feel like numbers, my goal is to provide steady support, clear information, and determined advocacy from start to finish.

To talk with me about your felony case and schedule a confidential consultation, call (888) 506-2167.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After A Felony Arrest In Akron?

The most important step after a felony arrest is to protect your rights before you say or sign anything. You typically will appear first in Akron Municipal Court for an initial hearing where bond is addressed, and what you have said up to that point can already affect how the case is viewed. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a felony attorney in Akron, and you can clearly state that you will not answer questions without a lawyer present. If you or a family member contacts me quickly, I can start working on the bond, gather information about the charges, and advise you about what to expect at the first appearance. It is also wise to avoid discussing details of the case with anyone else until we have had a chance to speak privately.

Will I Have To Go To Jail If I Am Charged With A Felony?

Whether someone goes to jail or prison in a felony case depends on many factors, including the specific offense, prior record, the facts involved, and how the judge views the situation. In the early stages, the court generally decides bond conditions, which can range from release on recognizance to higher cash or surety bonds. 

Later, if there is a conviction, sentencing ranges are set by Ohio law, and judges often consider matters such as criminal history, the impact on victims, and the person’s efforts to address underlying issues. My role is to present your background and circumstances in a way that humanizes you and to pursue outcomes that limit or avoid incarceration when the law and facts support that goal. While no felony attorney in Akron can promise that jail or prison will be avoided, careful preparation and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.

How Quickly Can You Start Working On My Felony Case?

I begin working as soon as I am retained, and in many situations, I can take initial steps the same day we first speak. That may include contacting the jail or court to gather basic information, preparing for an upcoming bond hearing, and advising you or your family about immediate concerns. Early involvement allows me to address issues such as preservation of video or digital evidence that might otherwise be lost. Because I control my caseload and handle every case myself, I can move quickly when a new felony matter arises. If you call my office, I will work to respond promptly so we can talk about what is happening and what needs to be done next.

Will You Personally Handle My Felony Case Or Hand It Off?

I personally handle every felony case that comes into my firm. I do not use junior associates to appear in court on my behalf, and I do not rely on others to make key strategic decisions. When you hire Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq., LLC, you are hiring me, and I remain your point of contact throughout the process. That means the person who hears your story in detail is the same person who reviews your discovery, drafts motions, negotiates with prosecutors, and stands next to you at hearings and trial. Clients often tell me that this consistency helps them feel more confident and less like a number in the system.

How Honest Will You Be About My Chances & Possible Outcomes?

My commitment as your felony attorney in Akron is to be straightforward about your case, even when the news is difficult. I explain the charges, potential penalties, and common outcomes for similar cases in Summit County, and I describe where I see strengths and weaknesses in your situation. I do not promise results, because many factors are outside any lawyer’s control, from how witnesses testify to how a judge rules on a motion. Instead, I walk you through realistic scenarios and the risks and benefits of different choices, such as going to trial or accepting a plea. Clients appreciate hearing the truth in clear language so they can make decisions based on understanding, not false hope.

How Do Fees & Payment Plans Work For Felony Defense?

Felony defense is typically handled on a flat fee or structured fee basis rather than hourly billing, but the exact arrangement depends on the nature and complexity of the case. I discuss fees openly at the start of our relationship, so you know what to expect and what is included. I also work with clients on payment terms when possible, because I know that an arrest can create sudden financial pressure on a family. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges added later without explanation. If you have questions about cost, we can address them directly during our first conversation so that you can focus on the legal issues rather than worrying about unexpected expenses.

Can A Felony Conviction In Ohio Be Removed From My Record?

Ohio law does allow some people with certain felony convictions to pursue relief such as record sealing, but the rules are detailed, and not every offense is eligible. Whether a conviction can be sealed often depends on the type of felony, the number of offenses on your record, and how much time has passed since the case was completed. It is usually easier to plan for the future of your record while the case is still open than to fix problems later. When I represent someone on a felony, I consider how potential outcomes will affect their record and future opportunities, and we talk about that as part of our overall strategy.

If you already have a prior conviction and want to know whether relief might be available, we can discuss your specific history and the current state of Ohio law.

When you contact my firm, you speak with me, and I stay personally involved for as long as your case lasts. I will give you an honest evaluation, outline potential strategies, and describe the next steps so you can make informed choices about your defense.