Parma, Ohio - Criminal & Traffic Defense
Criminal & Traffic Defense Parma Ohio
Facing criminal charges or a traffic offense in Parma, Ohio? Protect your record with experienced legal representation from a family-owned local firm. From a DUI or traffic ticket to a felony charge, Mizak & Pacetti gives you experienced legal professionals and a former county prosecutor on your side, with no handoffs.
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Family-Owned. Parma-Based.
Mizak & Pacetti is a family-owned firm where attorneys live in the Parma community. Not a downtown Cleveland firm running ads in the suburbs.
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Parma business owners work directly with the attorney managing their matter from the first call through final resolution. No intake staff at any stage.
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Mizak & Pacetti is a family-owned Parma law firm that handles criminal and traffic defense for Parma, Ohio residents. The firm's attorneys live in the community, and experienced legal professionals handle your case with no handoffs to outside staff. From a first traffic ticket to a felony charge, Parma clients get clear guidance and full-service coverage under one roof.
Getting charged with a crime or pulled over for a serious traffic offense can shake up your whole life. You worry about your job, your license, your record, and what your family will think. A local criminal defense attorney who knows Parma Municipal Court and the rest of Cuyahoga County can step in early, explain what you are facing, and help you make a plan.
Criminal and traffic defense in Parma, Ohio covers a wide range of cases, from speeding tickets and OVI charges to assault, burglary, and drug offenses. Mizak & Pacetti, located on Broadview Road in Parma, represents clients in Parma Municipal Court and Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. With more than 40 years of combined experience, the firm's attorneys explain the charges in plain language and review how the stop, the arrest, and the evidence may affect your options, depending on the circumstances of your case. The firm is based in Parma and represents clients across Ohio, with cases handled in courts as far as Ashtabula, Sandusky, and Marietta when the situation calls for it.
Criminal and Traffic Defense Services for Parma Residents
Mizak & Pacetti provides criminal and traffic defense services for individuals and families across Parma and the surrounding areas. The firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases, traffic matters, and license issues, with experienced legal professionals working your case from the first call. Parma clients deal with one local firm, not a high-volume operation across town.
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense
Mizak & Pacetti defends Parma residents facing misdemeanor charges in Parma Municipal Court. These cases may include shoplifting, disorderly conduct, petty theft, and other minor offenses under Ohio law. A misdemeanor can still affect your job and your record, so even a smaller charge is worth a call to a local attorney.
Felony Criminal Defense
Mizak & Pacetti represents Parma residents facing felony charges in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Felony cases may include assault, burglary, weapons charges, serious drug offenses, and other matters that carry the risk of prison time. How a felony case is handled early can shape the options that remain later, so quick legal guidance matters.
Drug Charge Defense
Mizak & Pacetti represents Parma residents facing drug possession, trafficking, and paraphernalia charges in local and county courts. Outcomes in these cases can depend on how the stop happened, whether the search was lawful, and the prior record of the person charged. A direct conversation with a criminal defense attorney may reveal options that are not obvious at first.
Domestic Violence Defense
Mizak & Pacetti defends Parma residents accused of domestic violence and related charges under Ohio law. These cases move fast and can involve protection orders, custody questions, and a lasting mark on your record. The firm reviews the facts, the alleged incident, and the evidence to help you understand what you are facing, depending on the circumstances.
OVI and DUI Defense
Mizak & Pacetti defends Parma and surrounding-area residents charged with OVI and DUI offenses under Ohio law. An OVI charge in Ohio may carry license suspension, fines, and possible jail time, even for a first offense. Challenging the charge may involve a look at the traffic stop, the field sobriety testing, and the breath test, and each case is different.
Traffic Tickets, Speeding, and Reckless Driving
Mizak & Pacetti handles traffic tickets, speeding citations, and reckless operation charges for drivers across Parma and the South Suburbs. A ticket may seem small, but points on an Ohio license, a reckless operation charge, or a suspended registration can turn into a bigger problem. The firm reviews the citation and may look for ways to limit the effect on your record and your insurance, depending on the facts.
License Suspension and Driving Privileges
Mizak & Pacetti helps Parma drivers deal with license suspensions and requests for limited driving privileges. Losing the ability to drive can affect your job, your kids, and your daily life across the surrounding areas. The firm explains what the court may allow and what steps may help you keep driving for work, school, or family needs, depending on your situation.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Mizak & Pacetti assists Parma residents who want to seal or expunge an old criminal record under Ohio law. An old charge can follow you for years and get in the way of a job or housing. The firm reviews whether your record may qualify and walks you through the process in plain language.
The Attorneys Behind Mizak & Pacetti's Criminal Defense Practice
Mizak & Pacetti's criminal and traffic defense work is led by Attorney Vincent Pacetti, a former Cuyahoga County prosecutor who now defends clients across Parma and the surrounding areas. His years on the other side of these cases give him familiarity with how charges are built and how local courts handle them. Attorney James Kashien also handles criminal defense at the firm, representing clients facing a wide range of charges. Parma clients work with experienced legal professionals at the firm, with no handoffs to intake staff who do not know your case.
Vincent Pacetti
Partner — Criminal Defense · DUI · Divorce · Personal Injury
Vincent, a former Cuyahoga County prosecutor, is a skilled criminal law attorney with over 100 trials in Northeast Ohio. As private counsel, he handles criminal cases, juvenile matters, expungements, divorce, custody disputes, estate planning, personal injury, landlord/tenant issues, and more. Known for smart, aggressive, and cost-effective representation, Vincent is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes and protecting clients' rights.
Jason B. Mizak
Partner — Estate Planning · Business Law · Civil Litigation
Jason, a partner at Mizak & Pacetti, LLC, brings 18 years of experience in estate planning, estate administration, business law, and civil litigation. He specializes in preserving family legacies, managing estates, and resolving disputes. Jason also handles real estate issues, asset management, and business disputes within estates, providing strategic, empathetic legal solutions.
James Kashien
Attorney — Criminal Defense · Bankruptcy · Consumer Law
A dedicated and dynamic criminal defense attorney, James brings a unique perspective shaped by experience in a prosecutor's office, a consumer and bankruptcy law firm, and a general practice firm. Known for clear communication and client-focused representation, James ensures every client understands their rights and options.
Charges and Cases We Handle in Parma and Cuyahoga County
Mizak & Pacetti represents Parma and surrounding-area clients across many kinds of criminal and traffic matters, including:
If you have been charged or cited anywhere in the Parma area, a short talk with a local criminal defense attorney can help you understand what may come next.
— Practice Areas —
Full-Service Representation Under One Roof
Families and businesses in Parma have one trusted local firm for the legal matters that come up over a lifetime, from accidents and criminal charges to estate planning and small business counsel.
Why Mizak & Pacetti?
Mizak & Pacetti is a family-owned law firm where the attorneys don't just work in Parma, they live here. When people ask who the best lawyer in Parma is, they are usually looking for someone local, accessible, and trustworthy. Someone who returns calls, explains the process clearly, and stays involved from start to finish.
We provide hands-on legal representation for personal injury, criminal and traffic defense, divorce and custody, estate planning, business law, and cybersecurity and data protection matters. Our approach is practical, direct, and client-focused, not volume-driven or transactional.
Most of our work comes from referrals, not advertising. That trust has been earned case by case and neighbor by neighbor, and it's why so many Parma residents and small business owners turn to Mizak & Pacetti when the stakes are real.
Why Parma Residents Choose Us
18+
Years experience — Jason B. Mizak
100+
Trials — Vincent Pacetti, former prosecutor
7
Practice areas under one trusted local firm
Free
Consultation for all new clients
Honored to serve Parma, Parma Heights, Cleveland, Seven Hills, Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Independence, North Royalton, Brooklyn Heights, and the surrounding areas.
CLIENT REVIEWS
CHECK OUT WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Real feedback from Parma and South Suburbs residents.
"I have to make sure I let EVERYONE know about an amazing attorney!! God sent us Vince Pacetti and he worked many long hours, many long days, many years and didn't give up. He goes above and beyond for his clients, he pushes for justice, he pushes to make sure the does everything possible for you. He is the best attorney I have ever EVER EVER came across!! So if you are in need of an attorney please call him right away, don't call anyone else!!"
"I cannot recommend Blake Benson enough. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and was committed to providing me excellent support and guidance. He was prepared and thorough during the entire process. I will absolutely contact him in the future if I need a stand-up, hard-working attorney. Thank you Blake!"
"Vince Pacetti was very reliable, honest, upfront and knowledgeable. Yes he is busy, but always made sure I got the answers I needed and was very patient. Highly recommend him and Jason for your legal needs."
"Mr. Pacetti just represented my son looking at a 17yr. sentence End result was he got 2yrs. GREAT REPRESENTATION, VERY PROFESSIONAL, AFFORDABLE.. Great lawyer. Highly Recommended!!! Couldn't be more blessed for his services.. Mr. Pacetti is the way to go.. OUTSTANDING JOB!!! Thank you again."
Charged with a Crime or Traffic Offense in Parma?
Mizak & Pacetti helps Parma, Ohio residents respond to criminal charges, traffic tickets, and OVI cases under Ohio law. As a family-owned Parma firm where attorneys live in the community and handle cases with no handoffs, the firm offers a free consultation to review your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the penalties for a DUI in Parma, Ohio?
A: A lot of Parma drivers ask this right after an arrest, and the worry is understandable. An OVI in Ohio may carry fines, license suspension, and possible jail time, and a first offense usually looks different from a repeat one, depending on the facts. A high test result or a prior record can lead to longer suspensions and steeper fines. Mizak & Pacetti reviews the stop and the evidence to help Parma clients understand what penalties may apply to their case.
Q: I just got charged in Parma and I am scared about my record. What is the first thing I should do?
A: Feeling scared after a charge is normal, and a lot of Parma folks call Mizak & Pacetti in that exact spot. The first step is usually to avoid talking about your case with anyone but a lawyer, since early statements can come back to hurt you. A criminal defense attorney at Mizak & Pacetti can look at the charge and explain what you are facing in Parma Municipal Court or Cuyahoga County Common Pleas. Acting early gives you more room to work with, depending on the facts.
Q: Do I really need a lawyer for a traffic ticket, or should I just pay it?
A: It depends on the ticket, and Parma drivers ask this all the time. Just paying a ticket counts as a guilty plea, which may add points to your Ohio license and push up your insurance. For speeding, reckless operation, or anything that risks a suspension, a quick call to Mizak & Pacetti may be worth it. The firm can look at whether the ticket may be reduced or handled in a way that protects your record.
Q: I got an OVI in Cuyahoga County. Is it even worth fighting?
A: An OVI is stressful, and many Parma residents wonder the same thing. Whether a charge can be challenged depends on the stop, the field sobriety testing, the breath or blood test, and your prior history. Mizak & Pacetti Attorney Vincent Pacetti is a former Cuyahoga County prosecutor who handles OVI defense and can walk you through what options may apply. Ohio OVI law carries mandatory minimums, so talking to a local attorney before your court date matters.
Q: What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A: Parma clients ask this a lot once a charge lands, and the gap between the two is large. A misdemeanor is a less serious offense, like shoplifting or disorderly conduct, and usually carries fines or shorter jail time. A felony, like assault or drug trafficking, can mean prison time and a permanent record. Mizak & Pacetti handles both kinds of cases in Parma and the surrounding areas and can explain where your charge falls and what it may mean.
Q: Do I have to go to a big downtown Cleveland firm for a criminal case, or can a Parma lawyer handle it?
A: You do not need to drive downtown and hunt for parking for this. Mizak & Pacetti is right here on Broadview Road in Parma and handles criminal and traffic defense with real courtroom experience plus the local access bigger firms rarely give. The attorneys live in the community and appear in Parma Municipal Court and Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on real cases. Unless your matter is unusually complex, a local Parma firm can handle it without the downtown overhead.
Q: Will I actually talk to a real attorney, or get passed around to staff?
A: At Mizak & Pacetti, Parma clients work with experienced legal professionals at the firm, with no handoffs to intake teams. When you have a question about your charge, you reach the attorneys handling your case. That direct access is one of the main reasons people across Parma and the South Suburbs choose this firm over higher-volume operations. It is a family-owned Parma firm, not a case mill.
Q: My license got suspended. Can I still drive to work?
A: Losing your license hits hard when you have a job and a family in the Parma area. In many cases, Ohio courts may allow limited driving privileges for work, school, or medical needs, depending on the charge and your record. Mizak & Pacetti can explain what the court may permit and help you request privileges the right way. Getting this handled quickly may reduce the disruption to your daily life.
A family-owned law firm serving Parma and the surrounding communities. Experienced attorneys personally handling cases for individuals, families, and businesses throughout Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio.
5241 Broadview Road, Suite 400 · Parma, OH 44134
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