Murder Defense Attorney in New Franklin, OH
Facing murder allegations in New Franklin, OH can leave you feeling powerless. These charges involve intent to kill and carry severe penalties. At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we provide the defense you need to protect your rights, challenge the accusations, and fight for the best possible resolution of your case.
What Our New Franklin, OH Clients Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it, see what our New Franklin, OH clients are saying!
“I’m so glad I chose Max to represent me. The best lawyer hands down. Went above and beyond my expectations and can’t thank him enough. I highly recommend him to anyone in need!” – Jason H.
“Attorney Max Hiltner is very attentive at all times, he makes you feel like family, he works on the cases to help you, I am very grateful for what he helped me with.” – Arturo D.
“Max did a wonderful job working on my case. He is very professional and went above and beyond to get the exact result I wanted and needed in a very difficult situation. I would recommend him to anyone.” – Claire M.
“Max was a pleasure to work with. He is a straight shooter, great communicator, got things done in court as quickly as permitted by law, achieved a better outcome than I’d anticipated, and helped me out beyond the scope of my original case. I have recommended Max to multiple friends who have all enjoyed similar results and had nothing but good things to say about Max.” – D.C.
Murder & Homicide Defense Services in New Franklin, OH
Homicide charges in Ohio vary based on intent, circumstances, and the prosecution’s theory of the case. At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we defend clients facing the full spectrum of homicide-related allegations, including:
Aggravated Murder (ORC 2903.01):
Aggravated murder is the most serious homicide charge under Ohio law and often involves allegations of a purposeful killing combined with specific statutory factors that elevate the offense. These cases carry the harshest potential penalties, including life sentences. Our defense focuses on dismantling intent allegations, challenging aggravating specifications, and rigorously testing the state’s evidence from day one.
Murder (ORC 2903.02):
Murder charges may involve claims that a person purposely caused another’s death or that a death occurred during the commission or attempted commission of certain serious offenses, commonly referred to as “felony murder.” We examine causation, timelines, forensic conclusions, and the underlying offense to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.
Manslaughter & Lesser-Included Homicide Offenses:
Depending on the facts, a homicide case may fall into a lesser category such as voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, or be subject to reduction through negotiation or litigation. We evaluate whether intent, recklessness, or provocation is truly supported by the evidence and pursue charge reductions or alternative resolutions when legally appropriate.
Dedicated Murder Defense Team in New Franklin, OH
The Summit County Court of Common Pleas ultimately handles most murder cases in New Franklin, OH, but initial hearings may begin in municipal court. Early representation is critical, as those first appearances can affect how the case develops moving forward.
The Earliest Decisions Matter in Murder Cases
After an arrest or accusation, crucial evidence may vanish, witnesses can be influenced, and informal conversations may become exhibits. Early representation safeguards your rights, controls communications, preserves key evidence, and addresses bond conditions or court orders before early errors create serious problems.
Max Hiltner is Ohio’s top rated murder defense attorney with a proven track record. When you need the best defense, call Max.
Why Hiltner Trial Lawyers? Our Promise to New Franklin, OH Clients
- Proven Criminal Defense Experience: Our attorneys bring years of hands-on experience handling serious criminal cases in Ohio courtrooms, including complex and high-stakes matters where outcomes truly matter.
- Serious Defense for Serious Charges: We routinely handle cases with life-altering consequences and understand how quickly situations can escalate without strong legal control from day one.
- Early, Strategic Action: From investigations to arrests and indictments, we step in early to protect your rights, manage communication, and preserve critical evidence.
- Detail-Driven Case Building: We closely examine police conduct, evidence collection, witness credibility, and procedural issues to identify weaknesses in the State’s case.
- Trial-Ready Approach: Every case is prepared as if it will go before a jury, strengthening our position in negotiations and ensuring readiness for trial.
- Clear, Honest Guidance: Clients receive straightforward answers, realistic expectations, and consistent communication throughout the legal process.
- Defense That Puts People First: We recognize that criminal charges affect families, careers, and futures, not just case files, and we advocate with that responsibility in mind.
Ready to Talk? Get Answers Today, Contact Our Murder Defense Attorneys
A murder investigation or charge involving you or a loved one in New Franklin, OH requires immediate attention. Call 330-475-3164 for a free consultation, or contact us through our form to discuss next steps and protect your rights with clear guidance and focused legal support available now.
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Ohio Murder Defense FAQs
Who should contact a murder defense attorney right away?
Anyone who has been arrested, questioned, served with papers, or even contacted by law enforcement about a homicide investigation should get counsel involved immediately—before giving statements or trying to “clear things up.”
What’s the difference between murder and aggravated murder in Ohio?
Aggravated murder (ORC 2903.01) generally involves a purposeful killing with additional factors that elevate the charge, while murder (ORC 2903.02) can involve purposeful killing or “felony murder” allegations tied to certain serious offenses.
Where will a homicide case be heard in New Franklin, OH?
In Summit County, felony homicide cases are generally handled in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, though early proceedings may start in municipal court before the case is bound over.
Why is it risky to talk to detectives “just to share my side”?
Because even casual or “informal” conversations can become evidence. Having counsel manage communications helps prevent misunderstandings, misquotes, and incomplete context from being used against you.
How does Hiltner Trial Lawyers build a strong murder defense?
We move fast to preserve evidence, challenge searches and statements, test forensic and medical conclusions, attack credibility gaps, and develop alternative explanations or lawful defenses (including self-defense) where supported—always preparing as if the case will go to trial.




















