If you’ve been accused or charged with murder in Akron or anywhere 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.
Defending 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.
Murder vs. Aggravated Murder in Ohio: what’s the difference?
Ohio separates homicide offenses into different categories, and the charging decision usually depends on intent, surrounding circumstances, and specific allegations.
Aggravated Murder (ORC 2903.01)
Aggravated murder generally involves allegations of purposeful killing with additional factors that make the charge more serious (such as certain specified circumstances under Ohio law).
Murder (ORC 2903.02)
Murder often involves allegations that a person purposely caused the death of another, or a death resulted as a proximate result of committing or attempting to commit certain serious offenses (“felony murder”).
Manslaughter and other lesser-included offenses
Depending on the facts, a homicide accusation may be charged—or negotiated—into a different category, including various forms of manslaughter or assault-related offenses.
Penalties for murder and aggravated murder in Ohio
Sentencing in an Ohio homicide case is severe and depends on the exact charge, specifications, and the facts presented.
- Murder penalties in Ohio: A conviction for murder in Ohio is typically punishable by an indefinite prison term of 15 years to life.
- Aggravated Murder penalties in Ohio: Aggravated murder sentencing can involve life sentences and, in certain cases involving aggravating circumstances/specifications, the sentencing process follows Ohio’s statutory framework for aggravated murder.
Because the stakes are so high, the defense approach in homicide cases often focuses on:
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challenging the legality of the stop/arrest/search
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testing the state’s forensic and medical conclusions
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identifying alternative explanations and timelines
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attacking witness credibility and motive
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litigating self-defense or defense of others where supported
Where murder and homicide cases are handled in Akron and Summit County
Most murder and aggravated murder cases in Summit County end up in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas (General Division), which is the trial-level court that handles felony criminal cases.
However, it’s common for the earliest stages to start in a municipal court—especially if the case begins with a complaint and arrest before an indictment is returned. In Akron-area cases, the Akron Municipal Court may handle initial felony proceedings (like bond and early hearings) before the matter is bound over to Common Pleas.
Why this matters: the first days are often when key decisions are made—bond conditions, no-contact orders, witness issues, and evidence preservation. Early representation can help protect your rights and prevent mistakes that can follow you throughout the case.
Max Hiltner known for fighting tooth and nail for his clients — especially in high-stakes cases like murder and homicide defense. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a lawyer who prepares relentlessly, challenges every piece of evidence, and is ready to take your case to trial.
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 6, 2021, Ohio’s new “Stand Your Ground” law ORC 2901.09 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.
- They were not the aggressor in the situation; and
- They had a reasonable belief that they were in danger
What to do if you or a loved one is facing a murder investigation or charge in Akron
If law enforcement has contacted you—or someone close to you has been arrested—what happens in the first days can shape the entire case.
Here are the most important next steps:
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Do not give statements to police or detectives without counsel present—no “quick chat,” no “clearing things up.”
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Do not contact witnesses or alleged victims’ family members. Even well-intended contact can create new allegations.
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Preserve evidence immediately: texts, call logs, social media messages, location data, photos, surveillance footage, receipts, and names of potential witnesses.
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Write down a timeline while events are fresh—who, what, when, where (but keep it private and share it only with your attorney).
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Avoid posting online about the incident or your whereabouts. Prosecutors routinely use social media.
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Get counsel involved early to address bond, no-contact orders, device searches, and evidence preservation—before the state’s theory hardens.
If you need help, the safest move is to speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible.
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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FAQs About Murder Charges in Ohio
What is considered murder under Ohio law?
Under Ohio law, murder generally means intentionally causing the death of another person or causing a death while committing or attempting certain serious felonies. Murder charges are aggressively prosecuted and carry some of the most severe penalties under Ohio law.
How is murder different from manslaughter or other homicide charges?
Murder requires a higher level of intent than manslaughter. Manslaughter typically involves reckless or negligent conduct rather than a deliberate act. Homicide is a broad legal category that includes murder, manslaughter, and other unlawful killings.
What happens during a consultation with a murder defense lawyer?
During a consultation, the attorney will listen to your side of the story, review the charges or investigation, explain your rights, and discuss possible defense strategies. This conversation is confidential and focused on protecting you from the very beginning.
What penalties can someone face if convicted of murder in Ohio?
A murder conviction in Ohio can result in:15 years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case. Additional consequences may include:
- Fines
- Loss of civil rights
- Long-term effects on employment, housing, and personal freedom
Can self-defense be used as a defense in a murder case?
Yes. Ohio law allows self-defense claims when a person reasonably believed they were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm and used force to protect themselves. These cases are highly fact-specific and require careful legal analysis.
What should I do if I am being investigated for murder but not yet charged?
You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Speaking with law enforcement without legal representation can seriously harm your case. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and influence how the case develops.
Can murder charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, in some cases. Murder charges may be reduced or dismissed due to insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, credible self-defense claims, or successful challenges to the prosecution’s case.
Why is it important to hire an experienced murder defense attorney?
Murder cases involve complex legal issues, forensic evidence, reliable testimony, and high-stakes courtroom strategy. A seasoned defense attorney understands how to challenge evidence, test witness credibility, and fight for the best possible outcome when everything is on the line.
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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.
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“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.”
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