Shaker Heights Municipal Court
Experienced Criminal Defense Services
Facing criminal charges is never an easy situation. Your freedom and reputation are at stake, and you need an experienced advocate who can help you fight for the best possible outcome. Our Ohio criminal defense lawyers at Patituce & Associates have many years of experience fighting for people in situations like yours. We’ve taken more than 200 cases to trial, including many that occurred at Shaker Heights Municipal Court.
Most cases, however, don’t make it to trial. Instead, many defendants accept plea deals to avoid the worst possible consequences. When someone from our team handles your case, you can expect tough negotiation on any plea deal offered by the district attorney. If we believe your odds of beating your charges at trial are good, however, we can prepare a case that may help you avoid a conviction or the worst possible penalties for a conviction.
Learn more about how we can represent you at Shaker Heights Municipal Court. Call (440) 771-1175 today to request a consultation.
About Shaker Heights Municipal Court
Shaker Heights Municipal Court serves the communities of Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Hunting Valley, Pepper Pike, and University Heights. If you are arrested or cited for an offense within the boundaries of these communities, your legal matters will be handled at Shaker Heights Municipal Court.
Address: 3355 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Phone number: (216) 491-1300
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday (except holidays)
Court website: www.shakerheightscourt.org/
Judges: Anne Walton Keller (Administrative and Presiding Judge), Ethan Gee (Magistrate), Greg Gentile (Traffic Court Magistrate), Leslie John (Traffic Court Magistrate)
Types of Cases Heard at Shaker Heights Municipal Court
Shaker Heights Municipal Court conducts hearings for misdemeanors, felonies, traffic violations, and various civil matters. Some criminal cases can be handled entirely at this location, while others may involve preliminary hearings before transferring to a different court for adjudication.
Traffic Violations
If your citation has a checked box stating “Personal Appearance Required,” it is not eligible for a waiver. You must bring your citation, a valid operator’s license, and proof of insurance for the vehicle and driver on the citation.
Our attorneys at Patituce & Associates can help you assemble these documents and prepare a Not Guilty plea if you intend to fight your traffic ticket.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are considered less severe criminal offenses, but they can be punished with fines, jail time up to a year, and a criminal record. We can help you defend against misdemeanor charges and fight for an outcome that can avoid jail and overwhelming fines.
Felonies
Shaker Heights Municipal Court processes felony charges and conducts preliminary hearings for these cases. These hearings are used to determine if there is probable cause to hold a defendant. If the court finds probable cause, or a defendant waives their right to this hearing, then their case is transferred to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings.
Award-Winning Firm
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Facing criminal charges can have significant consequences, affecting your personal freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. A criminal defense lawyer understands the complexities of the legal system and works to ensure that your rights are protected. Without proper representation, you may not be fully aware of your legal options or how to navigate Shaker Heights Municipal Court effectively, potentially resulting in harsher penalties than necessary.
Criminal defense attorneys are also skilled in examining the details of a case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and building a strategy to challenge the charges. They can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, plea deals, or even case dismissals in certain situations. Their ability to scrutinize procedural errors, witness credibility, and law enforcement conduct can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Moreover, having an experienced lawyer means you're not facing the justice system alone. The stakes in criminal cases are often high, and making uninformed decisions can lead to life-altering consequences. A defense attorney can provide you with experienced guidance, ensuring that you understand your rights and the potential risks at every stage of the legal process.
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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- Glenn G.
I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
Why Should I Choose Patituce & Associates?
Choosing the right legal team to handle your criminal defense case can feel overwhelming. With over 70 years of experience, Patituce & Associates brings a deep well of knowledge to support your legal needs. Our team understands the importance of experience in building a strong defense, and we can help you challenge the accusations against you.
If you're facing charges related to any of the following areas, reach out to us for experienced legal representation:
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI/OVI
- Juvenile Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
We strive to craft a personalized defense strategy for each client that proactively seeks opportunities to reach positive outcomes. We take the time to thoroughly investigate the details of each case, analyze the evidence, and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments. We also work diligently to protect our clients' rights and ensure they receive fair treatment throughout the process.
Recent Case Results
Achieving a favorable outcome to criminal charges can mean a few different things. Perhaps the best possible outcomes are dismissed charges, case dismissals, and acquittals; however, carefully negotiated plea deals that include reduced charges, limited penalties, and deferred adjudication are also favorable under the right circumstances.
Take a look at a few outcomes we helped our clients achieve:
- Charges Dismissed: In the State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County, our client was accused of manufacturing ecstasy. Our tenacious representation of this client, who was a student, allowed them to enter into a treatment plan. The client completed the plan, and their charges were dropped.
- Acquittal: In the State v. Tevin Biles, our client was charged for their alleged involvement in a triple murder and felonious assault. A shooting occurred at a New Year’s Eve party, and our client was implicated as the shooter. We proved, however, that there wasn’t enough evidence to convict our client, which resulted in an acquittal.
- House Arrest and Probation: In the U.S. v Brehun, our client faced charges for felony bankruptcy fraud. This federal crime is punishable by many years of prison, but we negotiated house arrest and probation in lieu of time in a federal prison.
- Plea and Record Expunged: In the State v. Bailey, Cuyahoga, our client was charged with felony aggravated theft for allegedly stealing property valued at tens of thousands of dollars. We negotiated the charge down to a misdemeanor, which was expunged a year later.
The outcomes described above demonstrate that Patituce & Associates is committed to providing our clients with dedicated advocacy, even when they face difficult charges. No outcome can be guaranteed, but we strive to explore all opportunities to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
Contact Patituce & Associates today if you’re facing criminal charges or need help with a traffic ticket at Shaker Heights Municipal Court.
