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OHIO

Murder Defense Attorney

If you’ve been accused or charged with murder in Ohio, hope is not lost. Our attorneys at Hiltner Trial Lawyers have successfully defended people charged with murder and brought them home to their families with all charges dropped.

Call 330-475-3164 for a free consultation

“Max Hiltner is dynamite in the courtroom by connecting with the jury, recalling facts and cultivating good relationships with the opponents and presiding judge. He is professional, dedicated, honest and cares about the livelihood of his clients and their families. He excels in negotiating and hiring experts necessary for a well rounded defense. Max was one of my lawyers that stood between me and a life sentence. Without him on my team I would still be in prison. He will fight for you.” – Colleen O.

Murder Cases in Ohio

Murder charges in Ohio are the most serious types of criminal charges someone can face. That’s because murder, unlike manslaughter, suggests that the perpetrator had the intent to kill their victim.

Ohio law states that a person accused of murder must be suspected of all of the following:
  • Purposefully causing the death a person other than himself (or unlawful termination of a pregnancy)
  • Causing the death of another person while attempting to commit a violent felony (with some exceptions)

If convicted of murder, you could face the harshest penalties permissible by law, ranging anywhere from 15-30 years in prison, a life sentence, or even the death penalty. Serious fines may be included in the penalty, as well as a class 2 suspension of the perpetrator’s driver’s license if a motor vehicle was involved when they allegedly committed the crime.

Self-Defense Cases in Ohio

In some instances, it may be necessary to protect yourself or others.

Traditionally, Ohio has always had the “Castle Doctrine,” which means that a person does not have a duty to try to run away (or voice their intent to run away) before using self-defense if they are defending themselves in their home, place of business, or their car.

As of April 5, 2021, Ohio’s new “Stand Your Ground” law has also gone into effect.

The new law states that the duty to run away (known as a “duty to retreat”) no longer applies to any cases of self-defense.
But this does not mean that claiming self-defense is necessarily easier.

To claim self-defense, Ohio law requires a defendant to prove:

  • They were not the aggressor in the situation; and
  • They had a reasonable belief that they were in danger

Why Choose Hiltner Trial Lawyers

Understandably, you need an experienced and dedicated defense attorney to defend you if you’re charged with murder in Ohio. At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped many clients through their murder cases.

At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped many clients through their murder cases.

One of our most high-profile cases involved a young woman who had acted in self-defense and was accused of murder. The jury trial lasted approximately two weeks and resulted in a hung jury, and the young woman was able to go home.

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Contact Ohio attorney Max Hiltner to secure your defense today

If you or someone you love has been accused or charged with murder, this is probably one of the scariest days of your life. And you’re going to need a good defense attorney in your corner. Contact Hiltner Trial Lawyers to discuss your case in your first consultation.
Call 330-475-3164 for a free consultation

“Max Hiltner is dynamite in the courtroom by connecting with the jury, recalling facts and cultivating good relationships with the opponents and presiding judge. He is professional, dedicated, honest and cares about the livelihood of his clients and their families. He excels in negotiating and hiring experts necessary for a well rounded defense. Max was one of my lawyers that stood between me and a life sentence. Without him on my team I would still be in prison. He will fight for you.”

- Colleen O.

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    jordan nowak
    15:03 25 Feb 25
    I was supporting a friend going through a really rough time with the law. The prosecutor was relentless and it seemed every angle we approached got shot down. With research we found Max. When we sat down and talked to Max and Andrew, not only were they professional, they were empathetic and compassionate. They are genuine in their work and in their words. These are guys that you want in your corner, they fight against all odds, they Pioneer new avenues To fight for you, they stay up-to-date on recent cases that may apply to your current case. While going through the legal battle, they also used informative information, keeping my friend in the loop every step of the way. Explaining legal terms, taking the time to lay out the picture. I am writing this review to give credit to this team of lawyers, Being a veteran, there are a few people I’d trust to have my back in combat, but if it was a legal battle These are the guys I want to have my back. They work timely, efficiently, and professionally to secure the best outcome possible. They demonstrated that clients aren’t just a paycheck. They authentically care about each individual person they work with, Understanding the person‘s background, the family they have, They label the importance of the individual they’re representing as if it were themselves. I gave them five stars because they do their homework, They’re personable, Genuinely care about the individual, They work relentlessly, And their work is outstanding.
    jason haught
    21:00 18 Feb 25
    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!
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    17:56 12 Feb 25
    Attorney Max Hiltner had a very good outcome for someone I know in court.
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    22:55 15 Jan 25
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    21:28 25 Nov 24
    Max and his team provide exceptional support and service. They are true experts in their field and consistently go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. Their dedication and commitment to their clients set them apart, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help and guidance.
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    17:19 18 Nov 24
    We as a family highly recommend Max Hiltner. He is dependable and constantly communicative. He is excellent at addressing questions and explaining the gravity of situations and legal details in a clear and understandable way. He makes himself accessible when issues arise and goes above and beyond for his clients.
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    15:23 04 Mar 24
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    16:13 07 Feb 24
    Great lawyer!
    Amy Allen
    13:00 07 Feb 24
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    Donia Amra
    15:47 05 Feb 24
    I am grateful for the outstanding legal representation I received from Max Hiltner. He not only possesses a deep understanding of the law but also goes above and beyond to prioritize clients' needs. Max guided me with clarity and transparency, making a complex legal situation more manageable. The communication was prompt, and his dedication to my case was evident throughout. I highly recommend Max for anyone seeking a knowledgeable and reliable attorney. Thank you for your exceptional service!
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    15:57 30 Jan 24
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    23:02 25 Jan 24
    I worked with Max, and he listened to my concerns and desired outcomes, and got me to where I wanted to be. He also explained options at each step and guided me along our legal path to resolution. I trusted him to work for my interests, and he absolutely did.
    Jim Long
    16:22 25 Jan 24
    I reached out to several lawyers for help. Most sent automated emails back with lists of fees for various services.Max is the only one who called me personally to ask how he can help.After hiring Max, he patiently listened to everything I had to say and answered all of my questions.He helped me get an amazing deal during a very difficult situation.10/10
    Cody Schatz
    13:45 24 Jan 24
    Max was the first lawyer we spoke with who we felt actually heard our side of the story. From the first phone call he asked specific questions and was available. Max worked hard to get us the best possible outcome and took time to make sure we knew the legal processes at work. This is the guy you want on your side.
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