Criminal defense
Representation in felony and misdemeanor cases, with attention to the allegations, the available evidence, and your defense options.
Northeast Ohio criminal defense
Your defense.
Our focus.
A criminal charge can put your future in question. We help you understand your options and prepare a defense that addresses your circumstances.
Jason Harless & Christina Vagotis
Attorneys at Law
Sheffield Village, OhioCriminal & traffic defense
Our office5505 Detroit Road, Suite E · Sheffield Village
Our communityLorain County · Cuyahoga County · Northeast Ohio
Practice areas
A defense built
around your case.
Every case deserves careful attention to the facts, the evidence, and the person facing the charge. Contact us to discuss your matter and the next steps.
OVI & traffic matters
Defense in OVI and traffic cases, including review of the stop, the investigation, and the potential consequences for your license.
Explore traffic-ticket defense
Hearings & trial preparation
Preparation for bond hearings, pretrials, motions, and trial, with a strategy shaped by the specific issues in your case.
Traffic tickets & local courts
Traffic tickets.
Local court defense.
A traffic ticket can raise questions about your license, your record, and your next court appearance. Harless Law LLC helps drivers understand their options and respond to citations in local municipal and mayor’s courts.
Talk to us about your ticketMayor’s courts
Have your ticket, the court name, and any upcoming hearing date ready when you contact us.
Court names link to their official websites for court information.
Harless Law LLC / Ohio law
Misdemeanor
sentencing guide.
Understand the general fine ranges and possible jail terms for Ohio misdemeanor levels, from a minor misdemeanor (MM) through a first-degree misdemeanor (M1).
| Offense level | General fine range | Possible jail term |
|---|---|---|
| MMMinormisdemeanor | $0–$150 | No jail |
| M4Fourth degreemisdemeanor | $0–$250 | Up to 30 days |
| M3Third degreemisdemeanor | $0–$500 | Up to 60 days |
| M2Second degreemisdemeanor | $0–$750 | Up to 90 days |
| M1First degreemisdemeanor | $0–$1,000 | Up to 180 days |
How to read this chart
General limits per offense. A fine may be $0 where no mandatory fine applies. Jail is not mandatory for every M1–M4 conviction. Specific laws, including OVI laws, may require minimum penalties or authorize different or additional penalties.
Fines exclude court costs, fees and restitution. Community control, community service and license consequences may also apply. Unclassified misdemeanors are not covered.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2929.24(A) (opens in a new tab), 2929.26(D) (opens in a new tab), 2929.28(A)(2)(a) (opens in a new tab), and 2929.22 (opens in a new tab). Law verified November 5, 2026. General information only; not legal advice.
Getting started
Know your
next step.
Start with a conversation about your situation, your court dates, and what you need from your attorney.
Tell us about the matter.
Call to discuss the charge, the court, and any upcoming deadlines.
Understand your options.
Discuss the available information, questions that need answers, and possible approaches to your defense.
Plan for what comes next.
If representation is agreed upon, work with your attorney to prepare for the next stage of the case.
Harless Law LLC
Your attorneys.
Our firm represents people facing criminal and traffic matters in Northeast Ohio. Reach either attorney directly to discuss your matter.
Attorney at Law
Jason Harless
Email JasonAttorney at Law
Christina Vagotis
Email ChristinaBefore you contact us
A few common
questions.
How do I request a consultation?
Call 440-695-8628 or email jharlessesq@gmail.com. You can also contact Christina at 440-902-8075 or cvagotis@harlesslawllc.com. Contact us to discuss availability and arrange a consultation.
What information should I have ready?
If available, have your case number, the court handling your matter, the charges, and your next court date ready for the conversation. Please avoid sending confidential details until an attorney confirms that the firm can represent you.
Where is the office?
Our office is at 5505 Detroit Road, Suite E, Sheffield Village, OH 44054. Call to arrange a meeting. Get directions (opens in a new tab).
Does contacting the firm create an attorney-client relationship?
Contacting Harless Law LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation requires an agreement with the firm. This website provides general information and is not legal advice.
Take the next step
Let’s talk about
your defense.
Call or email to arrange a consultation.
Visit our office
5505 Detroit Road, Suite ESheffield Village, OH 44054Get directions (opens in a new tab)
Call to arrange a meeting.
Please avoid sending confidential details until an attorney confirms that the firm can represent you. Email links open your email application.