We’ve spent years defending people across Northeast Ohio from criminal charges. We know you’re coming to us for guidance. And rest assured, we’ll relentlessly pursue the outcome you deserve.

We’re Always Available & Pushing Forward

Some criminal lawyers seem to drag their feet. Not Erb Legal. We believe in working efficiently and pushing your case toward a favorable resolution. During that time, we’re always available to talk about your concerns and answer your questions.

Expect Transparency & Honesty

Every case is unique, which is why we get to know you and the circumstances surrounding your case. Thorough preparation gives us the ability to offer you candid advice and a custom defense plan.

Your Needs & Best Interests Come First

We don’t make all the decisions in your case. We lay out your options, make recommendations and work with you to choose the best path forward. At every point in your case, we prioritize what’s in your best interests.

former Client

5 stars

Mr. Buchanan is a top-shelf attorney!

Easy-going attitude, fantastic legal mind, and his in-depth legal knowledge is second to none!"

See All Reviews

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in NE Ohio

Stay Firm & Get Results

Are you facing a difficult criminal matter in Northeast Ohio? It’s important to remain level-headed and seek advice from a capable criminal defense lawyer 100% committed to you.

Drug Crime

DUI

Expungement

False Allegation

Felony

Juvenile

Misdemeanor

Probation Violation

Ready to Get Started?

Give us a call today.

330-446-3606

Our Awards

Martindale-Hubbell – Preeminent The AV Preeminent® (their highest standard) is given to attorneys ranked at the utmost level of professional excellence for their expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards.

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys – 10 Best A prestigious honor from The American Institute of Legal Counsel recognizing unparalleled success in the practice of family law for the benefit of their clients.

National Academy of Family Law Attorneys – Nation’s Premier NAFLA’s highest award, acknowledges the best family law attorneys in each state. Bases on their extraordinary knowledge, skill, experience, expertise, and success.

Avvo’s highest possible designation, attorney Tom Erb Jr provides a snapshot of his skill and insight into his extensive legal background.

As an Elite Lawyer, Thomas Erb Jr has demonstrated a high degree of skill and success in his divorce and family law career, and is active in the community.

The Ohio State Bar Association recognizes an attorney's extraordinary achievements and contribution to the Ohio legal community.

Membership in CACJ includes attorneys and professionals in California and other states with the shared mission of defending people’s rights.

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is invitation-only, made up of the premier trial lawyers from each state.

The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the premier professional association for Ohio defense attorneys.

Avvo is the largest and most popular online legal directory online and prides itself on providing detailed information on lawyers and legal issues.

Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients.

Each year, less than 2.5% of lawyers in each state make the Rising Stars list, recognizing lawyers under the age of 40 who stand out in professional achievement and peer recognition.

Lead Council Verified

How We’re Different From Other Criminal Defense Firms

Our courtroom ability & results set us apart.

Attorney Wesley C. Buchanan’s priority is securing your freedom and preserving your future. Whether it’s your first DUI or a serious felony allegation, you may be shocked to find yourself here. But you don’t have to resign yourself to a criminal conviction. Let us review the evidence, negotiate, and pursue the best possible outcome.

At Erb Legal, we are true client advocates. Our involvement may be the difference in getting your charges reduced, dismissed, or proving your innocence.

WE LOOK AT THE CASE DETAILS

We believe preparation is the key to winning your criminal case. That’s why we get down to the nitty-gritty and look at every fact. That’s how we find a robust and effective defense and resolve charges in your favor.

WE EXPLAIN ALL YOUR OPTIONS

Not every criminal case goes to trial, though that might be the right move for you. Long before trial, we’ll see if your charges could be reduced, dropped, or dismissed. If it isn’t possible, we’ll explain the pros and cons of a plea or defending yourself against criminal charges at trial.

WE STRIVE FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT

We will never push you to accept an easy resolution to save time. What we do is your decision, but we’ll tell you if a plea is a bad deal or if going to trial is a gamble. Whatever route you choose, we’ll fight hard for you.

At Erb Legal, you get honest, personalized representation. This isn’t a stuffy, big law office. We’re just people who want to help others through the NE Ohio criminal court system, so a mistake or misunderstanding doesn’t define their life. You are not alone and can get through this. Let us protect your rights and fight for you.

NE Ohio Criminal Defense Resources & Help Center

MEDINA CRIMINAL COURTS

Ohio has various courts that handle criminal charges. Ohio’s municipal and county courts deal with misdemeanors and conduct preliminary hearings for felonies. The Ohio Court of Common Pleas General Division handles all felony cases.

PREPARING FOR YOUR COURT APPEARANCES

Going to criminal court in Northeast Ohio for the first time doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. We’ll explain what going to court is like, when to arrive, what to wear, and what to do during the hearing. You won’t say much in court when you’re represented by a criminal defense lawyer from Erb Legal. Your job is to appear in clean, professional clothing and answer when spoken to.

You can learn more about the local criminal courts to prepare for your case.

YOUR PLEA OPTIONS

At your criminal arraignment, you must enter a plea. There are three choices: GuiltyNot Guilty, and No Contest (nolo contendere).

No contest is not a guilty plea, but there are similarities. You will have a conviction on your record, and a judge will sentence you. But by pleading no contest, your plea can’t be used against you in other legal matters, like a civil case related to these charges.

We recommend you plead not guilty and allow yourself to work with a skilled NE Ohio defense attorney.

GETTING OUT OF JAIL: BAIL BONDS

Ohio has a cash bail system, which means you may be required to pay a fee to get out of jail before your trial. If you have a loved one in jail right now, reach out to Erb Legal on their behalf. Local jurisdictions often set bail amounts for misdemeanors, but a judge determines the bail bond requirement for felony charges. Wesley immediately gets to work to get his clients out of jail.

former Client

5 stars

Absolutely pleased beyond words...

...at the level of professionalism and outcome of Erb Legal."

See All Reviews

Your Criminal Defense Questions Answered

DO I NEED A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY?

Yes, you should always have legal representation when facing criminal charges in Northeast Ohio. Even if this is not your first time charged with a crime, you do not know the law or legal system well enough to defend yourself. A local criminal defense lawyer with years of experience will have a better chance of beating the charges or mitigating the consequences of a conviction.

WHAT DO I DO IF THE CRIMINAL CHARGE IS BASED ON A MISUNDERSTANDING?

Hire a defense lawyer. Defendants often make the mistake of thinking they can clear things up with the police. That is not true. You should not say anything to the police. Invoke your right to remain silent immediately, then hire an attorney who can gather evidence of your innocence.

AM I FACING JAIL TIME?

It depends on the level of the charge, but most likely, you’re facing jail time. Ohio misdemeanors are punishable by weeks or months in jail, while felonies are punishable by years in prison. But when you work with Erb Legal, we fight for you to avoid incarceration.

HOW MUCH DOES A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER COST?

Erb Legal offers criminal representation in Northeast Ohio at reasonable rates. We know how intimidating attorney’s fees are, so we work to keep our client’s costs down. During your free consultation, we’ll explain our rates and billing processes.

Let's Get Started

Erb Legal is the complete package for high-caliber criminal defense in the Northeast Ohio region.

330-446-3606