Area of Practice

Criminal Defense
Legal Services

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers

Protecting Your Freedom, Record, and Future

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially when your liberty, job, immigration status, and reputation are at stake. Whether you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, the stakes are high — and having the right defense attorney can make all the difference.

At Herman Legal Group, we provide aggressive, strategic, and compassionate representation for a full range of criminal cases. We protect your rights in court, seek to minimize or dismiss charges, and if you’re a non-citizen, we fight to safeguard your immigration status too.

Specialized Criminal Defense for Immigrants

Many criminal charges have direct immigration consequences, such as:

 

  • Deportation or removal
  • Denial of green cards, visas, or naturalization
  • Inadmissibility for future immigration benefits

We understand the intersection of criminal law and immigration (“crimmigration”) and carefully structure your defense to protect both your freedom and your ability to stay in the U.S. legally.

We Defend Against a Wide Range of Criminal Charges

DUI / OVI / DWI Charges

We defend individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including:

  • First-time and repeat DUI offenses
  • Underage DUI or DUI with an accident
  • License suspension hearings and ignition interlock device issues

Drug Crimes

From misdemeanor possession to felony trafficking, we handle:

  • Possession of controlled substances (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.)
  • Drug manufacturing, delivery, and conspiracy charges
  • Prescription drug fraud
    We challenge unlawful searches, fight suppression of evidence, and negotiate rehabilitation-focused outcomes when appropriate.

Theft & Property Crimes

We represent clients facing:

  • Petty theft and shoplifting
  • Burglary and robbery

Identity theft, embezzlement, and white-collar fraud
We work to reduce charges, protect your record, and avoid jail where possible.

 

Assault & Violent Crimes

Serious charges require serious defense. We defend:

  • Domestic violence and spousal abuse
  • Assault with a deadly weapon

Aggravated assault, battery, and homicide
We build strong defenses based on self-defense, lack of intent, and witness credibility.

 

Federal Crimes

Federal charges come with high stakes and tough prosecutors. We defend:

  • Wire fraud, tax fraud, and healthcare fraud
  • Immigration-related federal offenses

RICO, conspiracy, and federal drug charges
We handle investigations, grand jury subpoenas, and federal court defense with precision.

 

Juvenile Defense

We represent minors charged with:

  • School fights, theft, underage drinking or drug use
  • Vandalism and cybercrime
    We focus on rehabilitation, not punishment — aiming to seal records and protect your child’s future.

Specialized Criminal Defense for Immigrants

Many criminal charges have direct immigration consequences, such as:

  • Deportation or removal
  • Denial of green cards, visas, or naturalization
  • Inadmissibility for future immigration benefits

We understand the intersection of criminal law and immigration (“crimmigration”) and carefully structure your defense to protect both your freedom and your ability to stay in the U.S. legally.

Our Approach to Criminal Defense

  • Immediate Action: Early involvement allows us to protect your rights and control the direction of your case.
  • Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s case at every angle.
  • Negotiation & Trial: Whether negotiating a plea deal or taking your case to trial, we’re always prepared to fight.
  • Client Communication: You’ll always be informed, involved, and empowered to make the best decisions.

Criminal Charges Can Have Serious Immigration Consequences

A non-U.S. citizen convicted of certain criminal offenses could be at risk of serious immigration consequences, including removal or deportation. These consequences can apply even if the person is a green card holder!

Various felonies will trigger an immigration response, but it may surprise you to learn that other crimes, including petty misdemeanors, may also put you at risk of deportation, including:

  • Theft
  • Domestic violence
  • Fraud (including forgery of checks or identity documents)
  • Drug-related offenses
  • Crimes of moral turpitude
  • Two or more convictions of any type

You are considered to have a criminal conviction any time that a plea of guilty or nolo contendre was found by a judge, jury, or entered voluntarily (perhaps on the advice of your lawyer or through a plea bargain). Receiving a lenient sentence based on entering a plea does not help once ICE (U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement) becomes involved.

Because immigration is a very complex area of the law, unfortunately, many defense attorneys are not well educated on these risks.

Long-Lasting Effects

Depending on your status at the time you entered the U.S., a conviction could haunt you five or even ten years later. In addition, even if ICE did not initiate removal proceedings during that time, any crime of moral turpitude can prevent you from proving the “good moral character” necessary to gain citizenship later. Disconcertingly, which offenses qualify as crimes of moral turpitude are not defined by law and will be argued in each case.

If you already have a criminal conviction in your past, you may be able to overcome it if you were not properly advised on the potential immigration consequences by your attorney or by the judge at the time of the case.

If you are currently facing a criminal charge and are not a U.S. citizen, we suggest you consult with an attorney that is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration matters to provide you with the best advice. Because we pride ourselves on being the Law Firm for Immigrants, we are committed to assisting our clients with ALL their legal matters, now and in the future. Contact Herman Legal Group to discuss your criminal matters with a professional, dedicated and aggressive attorney.

Why Choose Herman Legal Group for Your Criminal Defense?

Choose Herman Legal Group for your criminal defense because we understand the high stakes for immigrants facing criminal charges. Our team combines deep knowledge of criminal law and immigration law to protect both your freedom and your legal status. We fight tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Why Herman Legal Group?

Extensive Experience

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Expertise

Aggressive Advocacy

Vigorous Representation for Your Rights

Trusted Experts

Deep Knowledge and Strong Trial Background

Top-Rated Excellence

AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Extensive Experience

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Expertise

Aggressive Advocacy

Vigorous Representation for Your Rights

Trusted Experts

Deep Knowledge and Strong Trial Background

Top-Rated Excellence

AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Book Your Consultation

Honest Advice. Multilingual Team. Decades of Experience. Get the Clarity and Support you Deserve.

Contact us

Head Office OH

408 West Saint Clair Avenue, Suite 230 Cleveland, OH 44113

Phone Number

+1-216-696-6170

Email Address

richardtmherman@gmail.com

FAQS

Help & Support FAQs

Our Help & Support FAQs section is designed to answer your most common questions quickly and clearly. You’ll find step-by-step guidance, useful tips, and solutions to common issues all in one place. It’s the fastest way to get the help you need without waiting for support. Explore the FAQs to save time and get back to what matters.

Certain criminal convictions can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or loss of lawful status, even for green card holders.

Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, aggravated felonies, and certain domestic violence charges can have severe immigration repercussions.

In some cases, yes. A lawyer can seek post-conviction relief or negotiate plea agreements to minimize immigration consequences.

A “crimmigration” attorney understands how criminal law and immigration law intersect, allowing them to defend you in court while safeguarding your immigration future.