Both attorneys at AJLJ Law carry Super Lawyers recognition, a peer-reviewed designation that reflects assessments of legal ability and professional standing, and together they bring more than 12 years of criminal defense experience to clients in northeast Ohio. The firm operates offices in Cleveland and Akron, handling criminal defense matters from DUI and drug charges through federal court proceedings.

AJLJ Law serves the greater Cleveland and Akron region from two office locations: 1220 W. 6th Street, Suite 303, in Cleveland, and 789 West Market Street in Akron.

Practice Areas

The firm concentrates on criminal defense and related civil protective order proceedings, serving clients in both Ohio state and federal courts.

DUI/OVI: Ohio’s operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) statute carries administrative and criminal consequences, including license suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and potential incarceration. The firm handles these cases from initial arrest through resolution, including administrative license hearings.

Drug Charges: Ohio drug offenses range from misdemeanor possession to felony trafficking, with consequences that extend beyond sentencing to housing, employment, and professional licensing. The firm defends these charges at all levels of severity.

Weapons Offenses: Illegal possession, carrying concealed without a license, and related weapons charges carry serious penalties under Ohio law and can intersect with federal statutes. The firm handles these matters.

Assault and Battery: Physical altercation charges in Ohio can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity and circumstances. The firm provides defense for these charges regardless of the classification.

Juvenile Defense: When minors face criminal allegations, the proceedings take place in a separate system with distinct rules, rehabilitation emphasis, and confidentiality protections. The firm represents juvenile clients in these proceedings.

Domestic Abuse: Domestic violence charges often come with mandatory no-contact orders and sentencing enhancements. The firm handles these cases with awareness of the collateral consequences that follow, including effects on custody proceedings and housing.

Expungement: Ohio law allows certain prior convictions to be sealed from public view, reducing the long-term employment and housing consequences of a criminal record. The firm assists eligible clients in pursuing expungement.

Civil Stalking Protection Orders: These civil proceedings can be initiated without criminal charges and, if granted, carry consequences similar to a criminal protective order. The firm represents clients responding to stalking protection petitions.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders: Similar to stalking protection orders, these civil proceedings can significantly affect housing, custody, and firearms rights. The firm provides representation in these matters.

Firearm Restoration: A felony conviction strips an individual’s right to possess firearms under both Ohio and federal law. In some circumstances, rights can be restored through a legal process. The firm handles firearm restoration cases.

Attorney Profiles

Ashley L. Jones has practiced criminal defense for more than 12 years and holds Super Lawyers recognition. Her experience spans the full range of criminal matters the firm handles, with a practice built on sustained courtroom and negotiation work in Ohio’s state and federal courts.

Leslie S. Johns is also Super Lawyers recognized. Together, the two attorneys form a practice that provides consistent, peer-evaluated representation to criminal defense clients across northeast Ohio.

Location & Service Area

AJLJ Law maintains offices at two locations to serve clients across northeast Ohio:

Cleveland Office: 1220 W. 6th Street, Suite 303, Cleveland, OH 44113
Akron Office: 789 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44303

The firm serves the greater Cleveland and Akron region and northeast Ohio broadly, in both Ohio state courts and federal court.

Phone: 216-736-8551
Website: ajljlaw.com

Client Focus

The firm maintains an open-door policy and prioritizes dignified, respectful treatment for every client. This philosophy reflects an understanding that criminal matters, even relatively minor ones, carry consequences that extend beyond the immediate legal outcome, including effects on employment, housing, professional licensing, and personal relationships.

The firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offers free consultations, and can accommodate same-day discussions of legal needs when the situation requires it. Clear communication throughout the legal process is a stated commitment, recognizing that clients often experience significant anxiety when facing criminal proceedings.

FAQ

What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Ohio?
In Ohio, the terms are often used interchangeably in common practice, though the legal mechanism involves sealing records from public access. Sealed records are not visible to most employers or the general public, though certain government agencies and licensing boards may still have access. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the number of prior convictions, and how much time has passed since the conviction.

What is an OVI in Ohio?
OVI stands for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence, which is Ohio’s statutory term for what is commonly called DUI. The charge can apply to alcohol, controlled substances, or both.

Can AJLJ Law handle cases in federal court?
Yes. The firm represents clients in both Ohio state courts and federal court.

What is firearm restoration and who qualifies?
Ohio law provides a process through which certain individuals with felony convictions can petition to have their firearm rights restored. Eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction, the amount of time elapsed, and compliance with other statutory requirements. The firm evaluates individual cases to assess whether restoration is available.

Does the firm handle matters in both Cleveland and Akron courts?
Yes. With offices in both cities, the firm regularly handles matters in courts across the greater Cleveland and Akron region and northeast Ohio.

Closing

AJLJ Law brings two Super Lawyers-recognized attorneys and deep familiarity with Ohio’s criminal courts to clients across northeast Ohio. Whether the matter is a first-time DUI or a federal criminal proceeding, the firm’s 24/7 availability and clear communication policy mean clients can reach experienced counsel when it matters. Contact the firm at 216-736-8551.