The Meranda Law Firm Helps Client Get Treatment Over Incarceration

Nov. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Columbus criminal defense attorney Zachuary Meranda recently helped a young girl who was charged with breaking and entering and theft receive an order to complete a drug treatment program as an alternative to being incarcerated. The client’s acceptance into the Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) program occurred after the attorney—the founder of The Meranda Law Firm LTD—took the appropriate steps to show that this choice was the best option for resolving the case.

The client’s breaking and entering charge was at the fifth-degree felony level, and her theft charge was at the first-degree misdemeanor level. With those charges, she was facing a maximum incarceration period of 18 months and a maximum fine of $3,500. Despite these details, the client now has the chance of coming out of her situation without a conviction for this case—upon successful completion of the two-year program, her felony case will be dismissed. This will be possible for the client if she does not commit any other offenses.

Mr. Meranda’s client received this more favorable outcome as a result of the hard work the attorney dedicated to the girl’s case. He was able to demonstrate to the court and to the state of Ohio that the girl only committed the crimes she was charged with because she was trying to support her drug addiction. He showed that she needed help and that a felony on her record would only create more damage. The attorney helped his client obtain a drug/alcohol assessment from a licensed counselor and then filed a motion requesting that she be allowed to participate in the ILC program. As a result, the court found that the girl was eligible for this program and granted Mr. Meranda’s motion.

The attorney’s client now has a second chance, which can help her avoid many obstacles in her future. Having felony convictions on one’s record can lead to difficulty in getting into a good college, in finding employment and even in securing adequate housing. Furthermore, an untreated drug addiction can lead to additional crimes, which only further perpetuates the cycle.

When challenging criminal charges, it is important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney who will consider all the possible avenues for reaching positive outcomes and then pursue the best one. At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, Mr. Meranda is dedicated to providing aggressive and strategic legal representation on behalf of individuals accused of crimes. He also makes sure to provide his clients with personal attention, meaning his clients can expect him to use defense tactics that are specifically tailored to their particular circumstances. Those who want to learn more about Mr. Meranda and his firm, visit http://www.merandalaw.com.