Felony Attorney in Columbus

Are You Facing Felony Criminal Charges?

Most of us understand that felony charges involve serious crimes that can lead to grievous consequences; but just how much of an impact can a conviction have on your future? The truth is that prison sentences can be hard to avoid if you are convicted of a felony offense, as well as steep fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that will negatively impact your future.

Types of Felony Charges Against Which We Defend in Ohio

Although felonies can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the federal government defines them as crimes punishable by at least one year in prison, all the way up to the death penalty, depending on the offense.

If you have a previous misdemeanor criminal record, that can also lead to a repeat misdemeanor offense being charged as a felony. In addition to lengthy prison sentences, fines, and probation, you may also be subject to restrictions on your right to own a firearm, community service requirements, loss of your privilege to drive, restrictions on financial aid and educational opportunities, and future difficulty in finding employment opportunities in many lines of work.

Common examples of criminal activity considered to be felonies can include:

• Federal crimes
• Grand theft
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Rape

Ohio Felony Classifications & Penalties

In Ohio, felony offenses are classified based on the seriousness of the crime and the potential punishment. Ohio has five felony classifications, ranging from the least serious (fifth-degree felony) to the most serious (first-degree felony).

Here is a brief overview of the felony classifications in Ohio:

• First-Degree Felony: This is the most serious felony offense in Ohio. It includes crimes like murder, aggravated murder, and rape. The punishment for a first-degree felony in Ohio is imprisonment for a term of 3 to 11 years and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: This includes offenses such as voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The punishment for a second-degree felony in Ohio is imprisonment for a term of 2 to 8 years and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: This includes crimes like aggravated assault, robbery, and certain drug offenses. The punishment for a third-degree felony in Ohio is imprisonment for a term of 9 months to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Fourth-Degree Felony: This includes offenses such as theft of a motor vehicle, forgery, and certain drug offenses. The punishment for a fourth-degree felony in Ohio is imprisonment for a term of 6 to 18 months and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Fifth-Degree Felony: This is the least serious felony offense in Ohio. It includes crimes like breaking and entering, theft, and drug possession. The punishment for a fifth-degree felony in Ohio is imprisonment for a term of 6 to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Lastly, you could be sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, certain sex crimes involving minors younger than 13 years of age, kidnapping with sexual motivation, and other serious offenses.

Keep in mind, these are just general guidelines, and the actual punishment for a specific offense can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors.

Work One-on-One with a Premier Attorney

Without doubt, you will need the assistance of a criminal defense legal team that is not only well-versed in procedure and experienced in negotiation and litigation, but consists of Columbus felony attorneys who are truly concerned about protecting your rights and best interests. We at The Meranda Law Firm LTD have more 15 years of legal experience and will work closely with you, involving you in the decision-making process. We willl ensure that you are kept fully informed and are well-communicated with. You can trust our team to provide you with personalized attention and the skilled legal representation you need during this difficult time.