Don’t let criminal charges define you. You can get through this. Erb Legal can help.
Wesley is regarded as one of the fiercest defense attorneys in Northeast Ohio.
view firm awardsWhen you’ve been arrested in Summit County, it’s time to act fast. Don’t wait to see what happens or let fear paralyze you. Whether you’re under investigation or facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Akron criminal defense attorney Wesley C. Buchanan can help. With his courtroom record and reputation, he will find a way to fight back.
We’ve represented individuals fighting criminal charges throughout Northeast Ohio for years. In 2020, Martindale Hubbell awarded Erb Legal its highest Preeminent rating. Prosecutors know we’re elite trial attorneys and capable of beating criminal charges.
The last thing you want is a criminal defense lawyer who wastes your time. At Erb Legal, we believe in taking action. We answer your questions but aren’t all talk. We’ll always be in touch about the status of your case, and we’ll move things along as quickly as possible.
You decide what happens in your case and how we move forward. It’s our job to lay out your options and give our recommendations. But ultimately, whether you accept a plea or fight it out at trial is up to you.
Every criminal case is unique. One DUI or drug possession charge is not like another. We get to know you and the specific facts surrounding your case. We’ll craft a defense customized for you and your goals.
Easy-going attitude, fantastic legal mind, and his in-depth legal knowledge is second to none!"
See all reviews
Stay Firm & Get Results
Are you facing a difficult criminal matter in Akron, Ohio? It’s important to remain level-headed and seek advice from a capable attorney who is 100% committed to you.
We don’t like bullies & never back down from a fight – Ever.
Attorney Wesley C. Buchanan takes your rights and future seriously. He knows what it feels like to face the crushing weight of the government and understands the circumstances that land people in criminal court. A mistake shouldn’t limit the rest of your life. Wesley is ready to defend you against juvenile, misdemeanor, or felony charges, and with his impressive trial experience, you’re in excellent hands.
At Erb Legal, we offer candid advice and aggressive representation at every stage.
Preparation is vital in any criminal case, which is why Wesley gets to know you and the circumstances that led you here. Meanwhile, he’ll investigate the charges and work to gather evidence that supports your defense.
There are usually a few ways to resolve your case. We’ll explain all of them, including negotiating to have charges dropped or reduced. We might file a motion to dismiss, find a diversion option that keeps a conviction off your record or fiercely defend you at trial.
Whatever course of action we decide on, you can bet Wesley will put his whole heart into it. He doesn’t do anything by half. You can be confident a tenacious Akron criminal defense attorney is fighting for the absolute best possible outcome in your case.
Wesley treats every case with the gravity it deserves. He understands that even the lowest misdemeanor offense can have serious repercussions. While it isn’t possible to beat every charge, Wesley won’t rest until he’s fought for the case to be dropped or dismissed. He isn’t afraid to push for an acquittal at trial, either.
The court process your case moves through depends on the charge. Ohio municipal and county courts handle misdemeanors and conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases. The Ohio Court of Common Pleas General Division hears all felony criminal cases.
Ohio uses a cash bail system, and whether you can get out of jail depends on if you can afford the payment.
Local jurisdictions set the bail amount for misdemeanor charges; you can immediately find out how much bail you, a relative, or a friend must pay. For a felony, you’ll have to wait for a judge to decide the amount and other bail conditions. It’s a good idea to hire an Akron criminal defense lawyer right away. Wesley can fight for you to get out of jail for a minimal amount.
Being a criminal defendant is stressful. When you must go to court, avoid casual clothing, such as jeans and t-shirts. You don’t need a full suit, but dress pants, a button-up shirt, or a skirt and blouse work just fine.
Don’t expect to do much, if any, talking. Even at your arraignment, you won’t say much other than to enter your plea. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, plead not guilty. This gives you time to hire a lawyer and learn more about your case.
During any court appearance, don’t interrupt others or speak out of turn. Being disruptive can get you into more trouble. You can prepare more by looking over the Akron Municipal Court’s Local Rules.
Yes, you have the constitutional right to a defense attorney. If you can’t afford one, you must ask the court to appoint a lawyer for you. However, there are drawbacks to working with public defenders. They have immense caseloads and less time to devote to each client. You won’t receive the same level of attention as you will with Erb Legal. A public defense will push to resolve your case quickly, even if it’s not the best possible outcome for you.
You hire an Akron criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not talk to the police or an alleged victim. You can’t work out a misunderstanding or prove your innocence by talking to the cops, and everything you say to them can be used against you in court.
You say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I want a lawyer.” That’s it. Don’t answer questions or try to explain yourself. You must tell the officers you are going to remain silent. You can’t simply not speak. You also must make it clear you want a lawyer.
The constitution protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. If officers searched your person, vehicle, home, or office, we’d scrutinize whether they had the right to do so, including whether they had a warrant or a valid exception to a warrant. If we find they performed an illegal search and seizure, we’ll fight to suppress any evidence they found.
You may face time in jail or prison based on the level of the charge against you. Ohio has five levels of misdemeanors and five levels of felonies, most of which allow for incarceration if you’re convicted. However, with the help of an Akron criminal defense lawyer, it’s possible to avoid or minimize jail time.
Erb Legal offers reasonable fees for criminal defense cases and does everything possible to keep the costs down. We know how much of a financial strain attorneys’ fees can be. Don’t hesitate to talk with us about our fees and financial options during your free consultation.
Erb Legal is the complete package for high-caliber representation in the Akron, Barberton, Stow, and Summit County region.