The following are general answers to common
questions regarding the criminal justice system.
Please remember that each presents unique
issues that require competent, knowledgeable and
well informed representation. By contacting us
immediately, we can start the defense of your
case without delay.
questions regarding the criminal justice system.
Please remember that each presents unique
issues that require competent, knowledgeable and
well informed representation. By contacting us
immediately, we can start the defense of your
case without delay.
| R. Clayton Lopez Co., L.P.A. Attorney at Law |
| 336 S. High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 Ph.: 614.255.3075 Fax: 614.255.3085 |
FAQ
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How can I afford to hire an attorney?
R. Clayton Lopez Co., L.P.A. realizes the importance of each
individual to be represented in court. Therefore, the firm will
work with individuals on payment and will accept payment
via American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
Do I need an attorney to appear at my
initial appearance or arraignment?
It is always better to have an attorney with you for any
proceeding in court. At your initial appearance / arraignment
you will be given an opportunity to enter a plea of not guilty
as well as request that bond be set.
In some cases a date will be set for your next court
appearance.
Bond: Getting Out After an Arrest
Bond is cash or a cash equivalent given to the court to
ensure that the arrested person will appear in court at a later
date. If a person appears in court, it is sometimes possible
to have the cash refunded. However, if an accused person
that is out on bond fails to appear, the bond money will be
kept by the court and a warrant will issue for their arrest. In
addition, to paying cash an individual may be released "on
their own recognizance." In that instance, a person only
needs to sign a document stating they will return for future
court dates.
How Bond is Set
Judges or magistrates are responsible for setting bonds at
initial appearances or arraignments. The Eighth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution requires that bond not be excessive
and to only ensure that the accused will appear in the future.
When to Exercise Your Constitutional
Rights
There are some circumstances where the police are not
required to "read you your rights." However, you have not
waived them or given them up. If you are arrested or the
police accuse you of a crime you should exercise your "right
to remain silent" and contact Attorney R. Clayton Lopez
immediately before speaking to anyone regarding your case.
What is the difference between a
misdemeanor and a felony?
State law differentiates between crimes that are considered
less and more serious. Generally speaking, a misdemeanor is
a crime that carries a possibility of a jail sentence of a year or
less.
A felony is generally a crime that can carry the possibility of
a prison sentence of more than one year.
Felony charges can also bring a number of other
repercussions, such as mandatory fines, the loss of the right
to vote, and the loss of the ability to practice certain
professions, such as medicine and law.
R. Clayton Lopez Co., L.P.A. realizes the importance of each
individual to be represented in court. Therefore, the firm will
work with individuals on payment and will accept payment
via American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
Do I need an attorney to appear at my
initial appearance or arraignment?
It is always better to have an attorney with you for any
proceeding in court. At your initial appearance / arraignment
you will be given an opportunity to enter a plea of not guilty
as well as request that bond be set.
In some cases a date will be set for your next court
appearance.
Bond: Getting Out After an Arrest
Bond is cash or a cash equivalent given to the court to
ensure that the arrested person will appear in court at a later
date. If a person appears in court, it is sometimes possible
to have the cash refunded. However, if an accused person
that is out on bond fails to appear, the bond money will be
kept by the court and a warrant will issue for their arrest. In
addition, to paying cash an individual may be released "on
their own recognizance." In that instance, a person only
needs to sign a document stating they will return for future
court dates.
How Bond is Set
Judges or magistrates are responsible for setting bonds at
initial appearances or arraignments. The Eighth Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution requires that bond not be excessive
and to only ensure that the accused will appear in the future.
When to Exercise Your Constitutional
Rights
There are some circumstances where the police are not
required to "read you your rights." However, you have not
waived them or given them up. If you are arrested or the
police accuse you of a crime you should exercise your "right
to remain silent" and contact Attorney R. Clayton Lopez
immediately before speaking to anyone regarding your case.
What is the difference between a
misdemeanor and a felony?
State law differentiates between crimes that are considered
less and more serious. Generally speaking, a misdemeanor is
a crime that carries a possibility of a jail sentence of a year or
less.
A felony is generally a crime that can carry the possibility of
a prison sentence of more than one year.
Felony charges can also bring a number of other
repercussions, such as mandatory fines, the loss of the right
to vote, and the loss of the ability to practice certain
professions, such as medicine and law.