Practice Areas

With nearly 25 years of experience serving Ohio residents in DUI and criminal matters, Attorney A. Dale Naticchia has a thorough understanding of what you might be going through when facing a criminal investigation or criminal charge. The rules and procedures that apply to criminal proceedings are often detailed and complex, making it even more important for you to retain a Cleveland DUI attorney who has substantial experience handling criminal matters at all stages. Our seasoned team of legal professionals can work tirelessly in reviewing your case and ensuring that all possible strategies for having the charge dropped or reducing the charge are explored. We handle a wide variety of legal matters, including DUI charges, drug crimes, theft crimes, and domestic violence, on behalf of people in Cleveland, Akron, and other areas of Cuyahoga County, so call us now to learn more about your options. Below is an overview of issues that may arise in some of our main practice areas.

One of the most common types of legal matters that we handle is a DUI charge. Ohio law makes it illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more. If you are a commercial driver, the limit is much stricter at 0.04 percent, and if you are under the age of 21, your blood alcohol content cannot exceed 0.02 percent. Ohio law technically describes driving while intoxicated charges as operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or OVI. There are very serious penalties associated with an OVI charge, including having your license suspended. If you rely on your vehicle to get to and from work or to manage other responsibilities like child care, an OVI charge can be crippling. As a DUI lawyer serving the Cleveland area, A. Dale Naticchia is well-versed in the many different defenses that may apply to your situation, such as improperly calibrated breathalyzer equipment, an improper stop of a vehicle, or inappropriately administered field sobriety tests.

Drug crimes also are frequently charged in Ohio. These cover a broad range of conduct, such as possessing, distributing, transporting, or selling controlled substances. Ohio’s laws regarding drug crimes are relatively complex, and the penalties associated with each crime change depending on the substance involved. Similar to DUI cases, however, there are procedural and substantive defenses that may apply to your situation, such as lack of probable cause to conduct a search or a lack of intent by the defendant. If the police fail to have an appropriate basis for searching your person, your home, or your vehicle, any evidence obtained against you must be suppressed at trial as improperly obtained. Our dedicated legal professionals are standing by and prepared to review your claim for possible defenses.

Domestic violence situations are some of the most complex and stressful criminal matters because the circumstances often involve intense emotions and conflicting testimony regarding the events that have taken place. In general, domestic violence includes acts of physical violence or attempted physical violence against a person with whom you live or with whom you share or formerly shared a certain relationship. This includes former dating partners, spouses, family members, and in-laws. Domestic violence matters are taken very seriously by the police, and they may give too much credence to the alleged victim’s statement at the time that an arrest is made. There are many defenses to a domestic violence dispute, however, possibly including self-defense and false allegations.

People fighting charges of burglary, shoplifting, or other theft crimes also need a strong defense. The weight of these charges tends to vary depending on the amount of property taken and in some cases the type of property. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible in an effort to keep your record clean. We may be able to argue that you lacked the specific intent required to carry out the crime, such that the prosecution cannot prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In other instances, we might be able to argue that the property should be valued lower than the prosecution is arguing, such that the level of the charge is reduced.

Attorney A. Dale Naticchia and his team of committed legal professionals know how anxious you probably are about any criminal situation that you might be facing. We proudly assist everyday citizens with understanding their legal rights and options in the face of a criminal investigation or prosecution. While you are coping with the stress and pressure that this event is placing on your professional and personal life, we can fight zealously for your rights. We serve people in Cleveland, Akron, Parma, Bedford, Berea, Rocky River, Garfield Heights, Stow, and Barberton. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Cleveland DUI lawyer or seek assistance with another criminal matter, call us now at 216-520-5297 or contact us online.