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Accused of Sexual Assault in Ohio? A Sex Crimes Lawyer Answers Your FAQs
Accusations of sexual assault can have serious consequences, impacting not only your personal life but also your professional and social standing.…
Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dismissed in Ohio?
Domestic violence is a serious and devastating crime that profoundly affects individuals and families. In Ohio, like many other states, the…
Understanding the Severity of First Time Drug Possession Charges in Ohio
The crisis surrounding illegal drug use is a far-reaching issue in Ohio, as in many other parts of the United States.…
What Evidence Is Needed to Convict a Sex Offender in Ohio?
One of the most sensitive and challenging areas of criminal law is sex crimes. In Ohio, sex offenses range from sexual…
What Offenses and What Felonies Cannot Be Expunged in Ohio?
Living with a criminal record can be like carrying a weight that impacts every aspect of your life. It can affect…
What Are the Penalties for a First OVI Offense in Ohio?
In our last blog, we shared the story of Sandra, who was arrested and later convicted of driving under the influence.…
How to File an Appeal in Ohio
Sandra had been struggling with chronic pain and anxiety, so her doctor prescribed medication to help her manage her symptoms. One…
I Sat in On My First Trial Experience, Here Are My Biggest Takeaways
Today’s blog is a guest post from Mia Severino, Fortress Law Group’s Sales & Marketing Coordinator. Mia shares her thoughts and…
Criminal Defense in Ohio: How to Prove Innocence When Falsely Accused
Imagine being accused and convicted of a crime you didn’t commit—it is a scenario none of us wants to experience in…
Fortress Law Group, LLC Participates in United Way of Lake County Friend-Raiser
WILLOUGHBY, Ohio—Matthew C. Bangerter, Criminal Defense Attorney and Founder of Fortress Law Group, LLC, was one of two primary sponsors of…
Backpack Fund Prepares for Third Annual School Supply Drop on Aug. 13
Backpack Fund Prepares for Third Annual School Supply Drop on Aug. 13 The Backpack Fund, a Lake County non-profit that raises…
Lyft Driver Says She Fought Off Two Attackers Only to Be Fired from Her Job
Lyft Driver Says She Fought Off Two Attackers Only to Be Fired from Her Job In search of an expert legal…
Twice Convicted Man to Be Released
Twice Convicted Man to Be Released Initially convicted of Aggravated Murder and 13 other counts in a 2011 jury trial and…
Attorney Matthew Bangerter Talks About Friday’s Jury Verdict in the Murder Retrial of His Client Nathaniel Brown
Nathaniel Brown Defense Attorney Matthew Bangerter Talks About Friday’s Jury Verdict in the Murder Retrial of His Client Nathaniel Brown Criminal…
Nathaniel Brown’s Retrial in Willoughby Hills Murder Case Begins
Nathaniel Brown's Retrial in Willoughby Hills Murder Case Begins After being convicted of Aggravated Murder and sentenced to life in prison,…
Nathaniel Brown Convicted of Murder, Gross Abuse Of Corpse; Cleared of 11 Other Counts
Nathaniel Brown Convicted of Murder, Gross Abuse Of Corpse; Cleared of 11 Other Counts Matthew C. Bangerter’s client has been adamant…
Second Willowick Woman Sentenced for Trying to Strangle Mother on Thanksgiving
Second Willowick Woman Sentenced for Trying to Strangle Mother on Thanksgiving Following a tragic string of events, criminal defense attorney and…
William Andrasiunas Gets 7 Years for Two Bank Robberies
William Andrasiunas Gets 7 Years for Two Bank Robberies In an attempt to reduce his client’s prison sentence for robbing two…
Have You Been Accused of a Sex Crime in Ohio? Here Are Some Possible Defenses
Is your world falling apart because you’ve been unfairly accused of a sex crime, and there is a warrant out for…
What Are Some Alternatives to Incarceration in Ohio?
If you face criminal charges in Ohio, the prospect of time in jail may seem terrifying. However, you should know that…
What Are Some Alternatives to Incarceration in Ohio?
If you face criminal charges in Ohio, the prospect of time in jail may seem terrifying. However, you should know that…
Fortress Law Group, LLC Raises $400 for Lake County Students’ School Supplies
WILLOUGHBY, Ohio—Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew C. Bangerter, Founder of Fortress Law Group, LLC, formerly known as The Fortress Law Office, announces…
Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer When Charged with a Crime in Ohio?
If you are facing criminal charges in Ohio, you may expect a range of grave consequences, from fines and penalties to…
How Use of Social Media Can Complicate Your Drug Crime Defense in Ohio
Social media platforms are a great way to connect with loved ones, learn about current events, and find groups of people…
The Fortress Law Office Launches Backpack Fund Donation Drive for Students
WILLOUGHBY, Ohio—Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew C. Bangerter, Founder of The Fortress Law Office, recently sponsored a Happy Hour kick-off to support…
An Experienced Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Explains Federal Crimes
Charges for federal crimes are extremely serious, and the criminal justice process for these cases is significantly different from those on…
7 Important Factors to Consider Before Pleading Guilty to a Crime
Are you facing criminal charges or under investigation for a crime? When charged with a crime, you might worry about what…
What Does It Mean in Ohio to Be Indicted?
Crime television shows make it seem like every accused party finds a criminal defense attorney and goes to court right away…
An Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Answers the Frequently Asked Questions About the Appeal Process
You can appeal a conviction for any type of crime, including drug, sex, violent, or white-collar crime. You may also appeal…
The Fortress Law Office Employee Wins First Place in Toastmasters Competition
(Willoughby, Ohio) - The Fortress Law Office is pleased to announce that Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Mia Severino, achieved first place…
Understanding Drug Crimes in Ohio
Convictions for drug crimes frequently carry harsh penalties, including lengthy jail or prison sentences, hefty fines, and stringent probation requirements. Depending…
An Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Answers the Frequently Asked Questions About a Sex Crime Conviction
If you are facing a sex crime conviction in Ohio, it is essential to learn more about Ohio sex crime laws…
Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Ohio
Being accused of a crime is devastating for so many reasons. You know you need help. You know you need a…
The Fortress Law Office and Westel’s Raise $2,000 for the Ronald McDonald House
Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew C. Bangerter, Founder of The Fortress Law Office in Willoughby, Ohio, announces the success of his Halloween…
What is the Difference Between OVI and DUI in Ohio?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Operating a Vehicle while Impaired (OVI) are serious criminal charges in Ohio. While OVI is…
First OVI Offense in Ohio
Have you been arrested for OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) in Ohio? If so, call us as soon as possible to…
An Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Answers the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement
People make mistakes. If your mistake resulted in a criminal conviction, it could haunt you for the rest of your life.…
Top Reasons to Hire an Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Appeal
A conviction in criminal court in Ohio does not mean that your case is over. A criminal defense attorney can step…
Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Bangerter Publishes “DNA Basics for Lawyers”
Matthew C. Bangerter, Criminal Defense Attorney and Founder of The Fortress Law Office in Willoughby, Ohio, published an article entitled, “DNA…
Understanding Felony Defense in Ohio
Being accused of a crime is devastating, not only for you but for your entire family. The emotional and financial strain…
DNA BASICS for LAWYERS
Many of us have seen DNA1 lab reports claiming that a match between our client and a sample of DNA is “5.46…
How Does the Appeals Process Work for Criminal Defense Cases in Ohio?
If you have been accused and then convicted of a crime, it’s natural to be concerned about your next steps. Depending…
Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew C. Bangerter Unveils Redesigned Website for The Fortress Law Office
Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew C. Bangerter, Founder of The Fortress Law Office in Willoughby, Ohio, announces the launch of a redesigned…
5 Qualities to Look for In a Criminal Defense Attorney
Deciding on a criminal attorney to represent you can be a complicated process. It is essential to know what criminal defense…
They Didn’t Read Me My Miranda Rights. Is My Case Dismissed?
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of…
What is a “Terry” Stop?
Bob had just come home from college to his hometown in Willoughby, Ohio and was enjoying a night out on the…
Gun Rights in Cleveland Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio is a good example of the dueling battle between local control and state control over gun laws. House Bill…
CCW Laws in Ohio
Previous articles on this site have discussed how to obtain a CCW and applicable gun rights in Cleveland, Ohio. What about…
About the Willoughby Municipal Court
At the end of the strip in downtown Willoughby sits a majestic and relatively new building. Inside the building you…
About the Painesville Municipal Court
Creative sentencing. That is the most common phrase associated with the retired Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael Cicconetti. Throughout his time…
About the Mentor Municipal Court
Mentor, Ohio. Home to the fighting cardinals, the Great Lakes Mall, and even a professional hockey team, the IceBreakers. In the…
About the Lake County Court of Common Pleas
Sitting in the heart of Lake County Ohio, majestically overlooking the charming square in Painesville, Ohio, is the Lake County Court…
Can Police Search My House?
It’s a cold winter day with numerous lake effect snow warnings for the snow belt area of northeast Ohio. You’ve just…
Can Police Search My Car?
Winter has set in Northeast Ohio, especially in the snow belt area, but snow sure does not stop the men in…
What Does It Mean To Be Indicted?
Law and Order, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Perry Mason - all TV dramas covering the world of criminal law. While most criminal…
Ohio Judicial Release
Ohio Judicial Release: I was just sentenced to ten years in prison in Ohio, but with good behavior I’ll be out…
Marijuana in Ohio
Let’s celebrate!! Marijuana is legal in Ohio! Let’s everyone go out and smoke a doobie! Well, before going loco, there…
Steps to Obtaining a CCW
Steps to obtaining a CCW: There are some wacky stories in the news today! A person cannot even go buy some…
OVI Checkpoints
It is one of the last Friday nights in the summer in Cleveland, Ohio where very soon, as all those…
Physical Control… What Does It Mean?
Picture a quaint little town with excellent restaurants serving a wide variety of wonderfully prepared food and a multitude of drinks…
Ohio Fake ID Laws
When J.R.R. Tolkien created the world of the Shire, he didn’t attach age restrictions to joining in on the pastime…
New Lake County Law Office
Here at Fortress Law, we believe we can offer quality legal counsel to our clients in Cleveland Ohio and the surrounding…
What Brought Me to Practice Law in Willoughby
Why I practice criminal law? For me, law is so much bigger than a day job. It’s bigger than a desk…
Why And When You Need A Consultation With An Injury Attorney
Today’s topic written by Aaron Crane, an experienced injury lawyer in Phoenix at Cantor Crane, is what to expect at a…
50 Years Of The Right To A Lawyer
50 years of the right to a lawyer: Fifty years ago today the US Supreme Court decided Gideon v. Wainwright, ruling…
Your Car Accident Attorney In Phoenix Can Help Establish Negligence
If you are involved in a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, it is important to know what will transpire. Quite often,…
Kasich Wants You To Pay A Misery Tax On Legal Fees
Governor Kasich has proposed a 5% sales tax on legal services, saying that they are “non-essential.” Ignoring for a moment the…
How Do You Pick Your Judges?
[caption id="attachment_311" align="alignright" width="193"] how do you pick your judges[/caption] Are you thinking about voting for a judge in the upcoming…
Don’t Make a Statement, Part 2
Lest I leave my 7 loyal readers hanging after the cliffhanger of Part 1, here is Officer George Bruch of the…
Texting While Driving is Now Illegal in Ohio
Governor Kasich’s new law banning drivers from texting while driving takes effect today. The law specifically outlaws “using a handheld electronic…
Don’t Make a Statement, Part 1
Welcome to the Fortress Law Blog. While I get things set up around here I will start you off with a…
Abuse Of The Elderly Is Increasing – Especially In For-Profit Care Centers
When you look at the figures for our population, there is a significant amount of elderly people at this point in…
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