Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys

Friedman & Gilbert

600 Standard Building 1370 Ontario Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113 USA

 (216) 241-1430 or (877) 572-3955
 (216) 621-0427

www.friedmanandgilbert.com/
 Contact the Firm

Law Firm Overview

Friedman & Gilbert are experienced Cleveland lawyers with a practice focused in criminal law, civil rights, and civil and administrative law.

Those charged with crimes need aggressive, knowledgeable, and experienced Ohio defense attorney who is not afraid to stand up to police and prosecutors. There are few experiences in life more traumatic than being accused of a crime. We have over 75 years experience handling thousands of cases in: Cleveland, Youngstown, Akron, Lake County, and, Lorain County.

Often using a team approach, our lawyers are proactive in utilizing the latest trial techniques and expert witnesses. Our efforts have led to numerous acquittals and favorable results.

Our commitment is further demonstrated by our sponsorship of the annual Friedman & Gilbert Criminal Justice Forum at Cleveland State University Law School bringing nationally known experts and professors lecturing in cutting-edge legal issues.

We work with The Innocence Project and the Centurion Ministries, two national organizations that push for the review of innocence claims. For more memberships, see our attorney profiles. In addition, these pages show our public speaking engagements, professorial work, and other activities that demonstrate our dedication to the human ideals set forth in the Constitution of the United States. We stand up tall and strong for our clients, but we never put ourselves above them.

We defend against the establishment so you do not have to go it alone.

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Insider Trading; Federal Criminal Practice and Sentencing; Tax Crimes; Tax Evasion; ATM Fraud; False Bankruptcy; Corrupt Business Practices; False Advertising; Computer Fraud; Securities and Exchange Fraud; Conspiracy; Homeland Security Defense; Federal Habeas Corpus; Police and Government Misconduct; Brutality; Harassment; Illegal Search and Seizure; Public Humiliation; Wrongful Imprisonment; Civil Law; Professional License Representation.

Practice Areas Description

Friedman & Gilbert provides legal representation and services in the following areas of practice:

- Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges is a terrifying situation. Often, the entity filing the charges has already built up a case against their suspect. The suspect’s only hope is to call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at Friedman & Gilbert take on all kinds of criminal cases, including:

• Drug Crimes

Drug crimes are a major contributor to crime statistics in the United States. It is a crime to own, hold, manufacture, buy, sell, and use illegal drugs. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 25% of state and federal inmates in 2004 were jailed on drug related offenses. If convicted, these crimes can elicit prison sentences of more than 10 years. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has published a strategy to fight internet drug sales. The ONDCP also gives up-to-date information on policy strategies, drug treatment programs, and information on both illegal and prescription drugs.

• Homicide/Murder

Under criminal law, there are several classifications of murder: Murder is a purposeful killing without premeditation; Aggravated murder is a premeditated killing where the prosecution must prove intention, prior calculation, and design; Capital murder refers to first-degree murder with other felony acts such as kidnapping or rape. Sentences range from 20 years to life imprisonment and the death penalty. Currently, 182 inmates are awaiting execution for capital crimes. Since 2002, there have been more than 500 murders each year in Ohio, according to Ohio Law Enforcement Agency crime reports.

• White-Collar Crimes

The FBI characterizes white-collar crimes by intention to deceive and breach of trust. White-collar criminals defraud people, companies, or governmental entities in order to seize money or property, or to evade payment or services. Embezzlement, fraud, and insider trading are some examples of the white-collar crimes Friedman & Gilbert defend.

• Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are some of the most severely punished crimes in the United States. Most sex crimes carry prison sentences between 6-7 years, and penalties for the most violent sex crimes such as rape can be much harsher. If convicted of a sex crime, a felon will have to place his or her name on a sex offender registry. The various degrees of this list are reflective of the brutality of crimes committed and the likelihood these acts will be repeated.

• Federal Criminal Practice and Sentencing

Judges and lawmakers establish the federal government’s criminal sentences. These sentences often reflect the judges and lawmakers’ personal opinions and philosophies, and can prove to be unfair sentences with little chance for parole. A good criminal defense lawyer such as those at Friedman & Gilbert is familiar with federal criminal practices and statutes and will fight these blanket punishments to get his clients more appropriate rulings for their crimes.

• Appeals

Sometimes, judges and juries make mistakes. The outcomes of criminal cases are not always right, and those cases must be repealed. It takes a skilled and experienced attorney to handle an appeal; there is often prejudgment that the original ruling was correct. Appeals lawyers must fight through these prejudices and argue their clients’ case even stronger the second time. Friedman & Gilbert have the experience necessary to overturn your conviction.

• Tax Crimes

Tax crimes refer to any crime committed in relation to taxes, including tax fraud, filing a false tax return, and tax evasion. Most tax crimes fall under the fraud umbrella, but tax evasion typically stands alone. All tax law is complex and difficult to interpret. This Cleveland based law firm is well versed in tax law and equipped to try your case to the fullest power of the law.

• Fraud

Fraud charges run the gamut. As one of the broadest types of white-collar crime, fraud offenses include:

. Credit card fraud;
. ATM fraud;
. Tax crime;
. False bankruptcy;
. Corrupt business practices;
. False advertising;
. Computer fraud;
. Insurance fraud;
. Securities and exchange fraud;
. Many other areas.

The average prison sentence for fraud charges is two years in a federal prison, but can escalate to five years in jail.

• RICO

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was passed to help disband organized crime. Passed in 1970, RICO defines strict rules and regulates behavior of organizations. RICO cases can get very complex, involving other kinds of crimes and conspiracies. Anyone charged with a RICO crime needs a criminal lawyer with a wide breadth of criminal defense experience, such as Friedman & Gilbert.

• Gun Crimes

Ohio gun and firearm laws regulate the use, sale, manufacture, and transportation of weapons. Gun crimes, including the unlawful use of a weapon, can get tricky. These laws change often, and you need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to defend your Second Amendment rights.

• Conspiracy

A conspiracy charge indicates that the accused acted with one or more people to commit a crime. The prosecution in these cases must prove a direct relationship among the accused and show proof of the communication among the defendants. While such relations can be difficult to prove, your defense attorney must be aggressive and ready to tear down the prosecution’s case before it is built.

• Homeland Security Defense

One of the most important issues in the United States is homeland security. Undoubtedly, Americans need to be protected from dangerous acts committed against our nation. However, at what cost? The Patriot Act and other privacy breaching laws infringe on citizens’ rights each day. False allegations of homeland security endangerment are terrifying to face. If you are suspected of these charges, you need an aggressive, experienced attorney to gather evidence and defend your rights immediately.

• Federal Habeas Corpus

Habeas corpus is a Latin term meaning, “you have the body” and refers to the lawful observance of an individual’s Constitutional rights. This judicial mandate orders a convicted person to appear in court in front of a judge to determine if the imprisonment or conviction of that person is lawful. The habeas corpus petition indicates that there has been some error in conviction or sentencing and asks that the federal ruling be reviewed. A skilled and astute lawyer is necessary for filing a writ of habeas corpus—and only a brave lawyer will file it in a federal

• DUI

The Ohio Insurance Institute has published some statistics on drunk driving. According to their information, Ohio motorists saw more than 16,400 car accidents involving alcohol in 2005, and 474 drunk driving related deaths. Drunk driving laws are quite strict in Ohio. For one offense, a person can lose his license for 90 days. If he refuses to be tested, he can lose his license for an entire year.

- Civil Rights

Our attorneys at Friedman & Gilbert believe civil rights are the cornerstone of American values. The greatest changes our country has seen resulted from civil rights action, protest, and litigation. Every citizen is guaranteed rights to personal freedom by the Constitution. If you feel your rights have been violated, our lawyers can help. Their civil rights practice focuses on:

• Police and Government Misconduct

Experiencing police and government misconduct can be very frightening. The lawyers at Friedman & Gilbert have a solid understanding of civil law and are not afraid to take a stance against the illegal acts of corrupt police and government officials. These misdeeds can range from:

. Discrimination;
. Brutality;
. Harassment;
. Illegal search and seizure;
. Public humiliation.

No one should tolerate a violation of basic human rights—especially when members of law enforcement do it.

• Wrongful Imprisonment

People falsely accused and wrongfully convicted can spend years in jail for a crime they did not commit. Wrongful detainment results from many causes, such as: False accusation; False prosecution; Coerced confession; Judicial error; Jury error. No matter what the cause, Friedman & Gilbert work hard to get you or your loved one out of prison immediately. As members of The Innocence Project, our attorneys have a record of helping to free people who have been wrongfully imprisoned.

• Sexual Harassment

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, more than 40 years later, these incidents persist. Sexual harassment can include:

. Assault;
. Sexual advances;
. Abuse of power;
. Verbal abuse;
. Pregnancy discrimination;
. Requiring sexual favors for advancement or benefits (quid pro quo);
. An employer’s failure to correct harassment;
. Retaliation for reporting harassment.

Unwanted sexual advances and offensive, sexually suggestive talk and office postings should not be tolerated. If you have experienced any of the situations above, you may be a victim of sexual harassment. Contact civil litigation attorneys Friedman & Gilbert now.

• Discrimination

Discrimination comes in many forms. By law, civil rights protect victims of discrimination based on: Race, Age, Gender, Sexual, Religious, Pregnancy, and Disability. Discrimination can come from bosses, board members, law enforcement, and many others. Friedman & Gilbert are experienced in defending victims of unfair treatment. Our lawyers have a firm knowledge of laws protecting civil liberties and record of successful advocacy against discrimination.

• Wrongful Death

A wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another. These fatal injuries occur in a variety of situations, particularly:

. Medical malpractice;
. Car accidents;
. Construction accidents;
. Unsafe environments.

- Civil and Administrative Law

At Friedman & Gilbert, we also practice civil litigation and administrative law. Civil law cases typically involve a plaintiff filing a grievance in court against another party called the respondent. The respondent has a chance to review the claim and prepare a response. While both parties can meet to discuss a settlement, sometimes the claim will go to trial. Administrative law refers to any issue dealing with government agency—local, municipal, state, or federal. Our civil litigation practice covers:

• Personal Injury

Personal injuries can be traumatic experiences. Victims can experience physical, psychological, emotional, and economic devastation. Personal injury claims can include:

. Motor vehicle accidents;
. Medical malpractice;
. Products liability;
. Premises liability;
. Assault & battery.

Ohio’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims is only two years. When you experience a personal injury and another party is liable, contacting Friedman & Gilbert can start you on the way to recovery. We investigate your claim and let you know if you qualify for compensation or other options.

• Professional License Representation

At Friedman & Gilbert, our breadth of civil litigation experience allows us to take on many different types of cases and clients. We defend health care providers and other professionals in front of their respective boards and commissions in licensing hearings and other administrative legal needs.

We represent: Doctors, Surgeons, Health care professionals, Psychologists, Accountants, Attorneys, and Teachers. We understand first hand how much time, money, and effort it takes to earn your professional license. It would be devastating to see that license taken away. We have a vast experience in defending our clients’ rights to practice their chosen trades and we have successfully argued in front of many boards and commissions in Ohio.

Attorneys

Mr. Gordon S. Friedman Attorney Appellate Practice, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Drug Crime, DUI

Mr. Terry H. Gilbert Attorney Appellate Practice, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Drug Crime, DUI

More Information on Friedman & Gilbert

Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorney
Personal Injury Attorneys in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland Homeland Security Defense Lawyer
Drug Crimes Attorneys in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, OH White-Collar Crime Lawyer
Administrative Law Firm in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio
Friedman & Gilbert News and Publications
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