Felony Arrests In Cincinnati Ohio
Crimes classified as a felony carry the most severe penalties for alleged offenders. For example, the penalty for a misdemeanor is up to 180 days in state jail and seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00). However, a felony conviction can result in imprisonment in state prison and fines of several thousand dollars. People with felony convictions can also forever be haunted by their criminal records.
Lawyer For Felony Offenses In Cincinnati, Ohio
Were you arrested, or do you believe that you may be the target of an ongoing investigation for a felony criminal offense in Ohio? Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm represents clients facing these charges throughout Hamilton County, including Cincinnati, Fairfield, Norwood, Forest Park, Sharonville, Loveland, and many other nearby communities.
Cincinnati felony defense attorney Brian Joslyn also defends alleged offenders throughout Hamilton County. Call (513) 399-6289 today to have our lawyer review your case during a free initial consultation.
Overview Of Hamilton County Felony Arrests
- How Do Felony Cases Usually Unfold In Ohio?
- What Are The Differences Between The Degrees Of Felony In Ohio?
- Where Can I Find More Information About Cincinnati Felony Offenses?
- Find A Felony Arrest Lawyer In Cincinnati, Ohio
How Does A Felony Case Usually Unfold In Ohio?
While preliminary hearings for many felony cases are handled in municipal and county courts, the Court of Common Pleas has original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases. After an alleged offender has been arrested, an arraignment will usually be held within three days.
At the arraignment, the alleged offender will be asked to enter an initial plea, and the court will decide on a bail amount. Bail is typically based on the severity of the alleged crime and the alleged offender’s prior criminal record, ties to the community, and their likelihood to flee the jurisdiction before the conclusion of the case (i.e., whether they are a “flight risk”).
After the State has filed formal charges against an alleged offender, there can be a variety of hearings before the case ever goes to trial. According to the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, most legal experts agree that 90 percent of all criminal convictions result in negotiated pleas. Defense attorneys and prosecutors will typically negotiate a plea agreement to avoid the significant cost and workload involved in going to trial. Additionally, negotiated pleas also help relieve some of the strains on overcrowded court dockets and, as a result, save taxpayer dollars.
Prosecutors will typically be reluctant to modify the original charges, but certain weaknesses in their cases may be revealed through the discovery of various kinds of evidence. Brian Joslyn knows the most efficient ways to get felony charges significantly reduced or completely dismissed.
Classification Of Felony Crimes In Cincinnati
Ohio has five levels of felony offenses; each classification has respective sentencing ranges established in Ohio Revised Code § 2929.14, and financial sanctions are established under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.18.
Prison terms may be added together and served consecutively in certain situations. The maximum prison and financial sanctions for each felony level are as follows:
- First-Degree Felony: For a first-degree felony, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $20,000, and the maximum sentence is 11 years in prison. The minimum prison sentence that may be imposed when convicted for a first-degree felony is three years. A first-degree felony can include rape, aggravated burglary, voluntary manslaughter, and kidnapping offenses.
- Second-Degree Felony: For a second-degree felony, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $15,000 and a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. The minimum prison sentence that may be imposed when convicted for a second-degree felony is two years. A second-degree felony can include aggravated theft, identity fraud, and felonious assault offenses.
- Third-Degree Felony: For a third-degree felony, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $10,000 and a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The minimum prison sentence imposed when convicted for a third-degree felony is 12 months. A third-degree felony includes sexual battery, arson, and robbery offense.
- Fourth-Degree Felony: For a fourth-degree felony, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $5,000 and a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. The minimum prison sentence imposed when convicted for a fourth-degree felony is six months. A fourth-degree felony includes grand theft of a motor vehicle, vehicular assault, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Fifth-Degree Felony: For a fifth-degree felony, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $2,500 and a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison. The minimum prison sentence that may be imposed when convicted for a fifth-degree felony is six months. A fifth-degree felony includes receiving stolen property, obstructing justice, and misuse of credit cards offenses.
Murder and aggravated murder are considered unclassified felony offenses in Ohio.
Under Ohio law, an alleged offender convicted of murder can be sentenced to an indefinite term of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. A conviction for aggravated murder may be ordered to pay a fine of up to $25,000 and could be sentenced to death.
Where Can I Find More Information About Cincinnati Felony Offenses?
Ohio Resources For Felony Cases
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court: The Common Pleas Court in Hamilton County consists of four divisions – the Domestic Relations Division, the Probate Division, the Juvenile Division, and the General Division –responsible for criminal felony cases. On this website, you can learn more about the judges and rules of this court, as well as trial schedules and assignment dockets. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions.
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court
1000 Main Street
Suite 329
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Felony Sentencing Quick Reference Guide: Judges in Ohio do not simply sentence convicted offenders to the maximum possible terms of imprisonment. The General Assembly created the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission in 1990 to conduct reviews of Ohio’s sentencing statutes and sentencing patterns and then make recommendations regarding necessary statutory changes. You can review the purposes and principles of sentencing, factors considered in every case, and other considerations in this November 2021 guide issued by the Commission in collaboration with the Ohio Judicial Conference.
Find A Felony Arrest Lawyer In Cincinnati, Ohio
If you have been charged with any kind of a felony criminal offense in Ohio, it is in your best interest to retain legal representation as soon as possible. Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm defends clients in the Hamilton County area.
Brian Joslyn is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio, who can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options as soon as you call (513) 399-6289 or submit an online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
