A Charge Is Not a Conviction — Your Defense Determines the Difference

A criminal charge puts everything at stake: your record, your job, your family, your future. At Mahaffey & Associates, we defend individuals facing criminal charges in Sylvania Municipal Court and Lucas County Court of Common Pleas — and we start with a free consultation so you understand your options before you commit to anything.

The Outcome Is Not Already Written

Most people who call us after a criminal charge assume the worst — that the case is closed, the record is permanent, and there's nothing left to do but accept the consequences. That assumption is wrong, and it's one of the most damaging things a person can believe in the days after an arrest.


The outcome of a criminal case depends on the quality of the defense. Whether a charge becomes a conviction, what sentence is imposed, and whether a record can later be sealed are all questions that turn on legal representation. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Toledo can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present arguments that change results — but only if they're in the case early enough to do so.


Every hour after a charge matters. The sooner we're involved, the more options we have.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Northwest Ohio

Every case we take is handled by an attorney who knows these courts, these prosecutors, and how cases like yours actually move through the local system. We represent clients across the full range of criminal matters — from first-time misdemeanors to serious felony charges.

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OVI / DUI Defense

An OVI charge in Ohio can mean license suspension, fines, mandatory treatment, and a conviction that follows you for years. We defend OVI cases in Sylvania Municipal Court and throughout Lucas County, challenging the stop, the testing procedure, and the evidence at every stage.

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Drug Charges

Drug possession, trafficking, and distribution charges carry consequences that range from probation to significant prison time depending on the substance and the weight. We examine every element of how evidence was obtained and build a defense from the facts of your specific case.

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Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence charges move fast. An arrest can trigger a protection order that removes you from your home before your case is heard. We act quickly to protect your rights and your access to your family while your case is pending.

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Felony Defense

Felony charges are heard in Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, and the stakes are at their highest — potential prison sentences, loss of civil rights, and a permanent record. If you're facing a felony, the quality of your representation matters more than at any other stage.

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Misdemeanor Defense

Misdemeanors can still result in jail time, fines, and a record that affects employment and housing. Many people underestimate these charges and navigate them without an attorney — often to their lasting regret. We make sure that doesn't happen to our clients.

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Why Clients in Lucas County Choose Mahaffey & Associates

  • Ty Mahaffey has practiced law in northwest Ohio since 2002, with more than two decades of experience in Lucas County courts
  • We handle criminal defense alongside family law, bankruptcy, and estate planning — so if your charge has collateral consequences in other areas of your life, we can address them under one roof
  • Free initial consultations — we discuss your situation and your options before any financial commitment is made
  • Evening and weekend availability by appointment — because criminal charges don't arrive on a schedule
  • 4.1 stars across 52 verified Google reviews from clients across the Toledo metro

Justice that’s accessible

We don’t charge upfront. You shouldn’t have to pay to be heard.

What to Do If You've Been Charged

Step 1:

Do Not Speak to Investigators Without an Attorney

Anything you say to law enforcement after a charge can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until you've spoken with a lawyer. This is not an admission of guilt — it is your legal right.

Step 2:

Call Mahaffey & Associates at 419-829-2255

We offer free initial consultations and can typically schedule quickly. You'll speak with an attorney who handles criminal defense in Lucas County — not a paralegal, not a intake form.

Step 3:

Understand Your Situation Before You Decide Anything

At your consultation, we'll review the charge, explain what you're actually facing, and outline the realistic options available to you. You leave with answers, not more uncertainty.

A free consultation costs you nothing and gives you a clearer picture of where you stand. Call us at 419-829-2255, use our online contact form, or stop by our office in Sylvania. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Ohio

  • What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Ohio?

    Misdemeanors are lower-level offenses handled in municipal courts like Sylvania Municipal Court. Felonies are more serious charges heard in Lucas County Court of Common Pleas and carry heavier penalties including potential prison time. Both can affect your record, your employment, and your housing — and both deserve a real defense.

  • Can a criminal charge be removed from my record in Ohio?

    In many cases, yes. Ohio law allows certain charges and convictions to be sealed under specific conditions. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of your case, and how much time has passed. We can walk you through whether sealing is an option at your consultation.

  • Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a first offense?

    Yes. First-time offenders often assume a clean record will lead to leniency without legal representation. In practice, having an attorney — one who knows the court, the prosecutors, and the applicable law — consistently produces better outcomes than going unrepresented, even on a first charge.

  • How quickly should I contact a criminal defense attorney after being charged?

    Immediately. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories fade, and early decisions about how to respond to a charge can affect the entire trajectory of your case. Contacting a northwest Ohio defense attorney as soon as possible after a charge gives your defense the most room to work.

  • What does a free consultation actually include?

    We review the charge with you, explain what you're facing in plain terms, and outline the options available for your defense. There's no billing, no pressure, and no commitment required. You leave knowing where you stand.

  • Does Mahaffey & Associates handle criminal defense in Wood County or Fulton County?

    We primarily serve clients in Lucas County and the Toledo metro area, including Sylvania, Maumee, Perrysburg, and surrounding communities. If you're located in Wood County or Fulton County, call us and we'll let you know whether we can help with your specific matter.

Our criminal defense attorneys know these courts, these charges, and what it takes to fight for a fair outcome. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Toledo or the surrounding area, call us at 419-829-2255 or use the form below to schedule a free consultation. One call can change what happens next.