Ohio Felony Law

    The Most Serious Crimes are Categorized as Felonies

    Prison TimeUnlike misdemeanor offenses , felony offenses carry the potential for prison time in the state penitentiary system as opposed to local jails. Ohio is one of the thirty-eight states that allow capital punishment for certain felonies.

    Felony charges carry the most severe penalties. The penalty range for a felony in Ohio can vary from probation to life in prison and, in severe cases, death for some forms of murder.

    Felony Cases are Handled in Common Pleas Courts

    The prosecution of felonies under Ohio law is handled in Common Pleas courts, as opposed to Municipal Courts, which hear misdemeanor cases. The only exception is a Preliminary Hearing, where felony charge is initially heard in a Municipal court.

    Felony Criminal Charges in Ohio

    Every felony in Ohio is set forth via statute in the Ohio Revised Code .There are many different types of felonies in Ohio, including the following crimes:
    • Robbery
    • Breaking and Entering
    • Burglary
    • Rape
    • Murder
    • Manslaughter
    • Tampering with Evidence
    • Criminal Tools
    • Forgery
    • Grand Theft
    • Receiving Stolen Property
    • Drug Crimes
    • Firearms
    • Weapons Violations

    Some Crimes Can Be Either a Misdemeanor or a Felony

    Some criminal activities are classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances involved. This is especially true of crimes involving theft , domestic violence , OVI (drunk driving) and other serious traffic offenses.

    Repeated criminal activities may be elevated to the level of a felony. Other criminal activities may become a felony because of the gravity of the harm inflicted or the nature of the victim.

    Drug crime , for example, becomes a felony depending on the quantity and type of drug in possession as well as other factors, such as trafficking , being in the vicinity of a school or a juvenile, etc.

    Felony Enhancement

    Additional penalties, often times mandatory, may be tacked on if the offense  involves   the  possession orRobberyuse of a firearm or other type of weapon. Crimes against law enforcement officers or corrections officers generally are felonies and involve more serious felony penalties.

    Crimes categorized as felonies automatically entitle the accused to a trial by jury in the Ohio criminal justice system. A felony jury consists of twelve trial jurors in all criminal offenses.

    Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Ohio

    A felony conviction may have a profound effect on a person's ability to obtain employment, as future employers may be very reluctant to hire anyone with a felony conviction. 

    People convicted of felonies may also face other consequences such as not being allowed to vote, not being allowed to possess firearms, being denied housing, disqualification for grants, forfeiture of property and loss of professional licenses. It is always wise to consult an attorney.

    You Need a Qualified and Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Early in your Case

    If you are charged with a felony, you definitely need the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the court system where your charges will be heard. You simply cannot put your future in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer or a lawyer not accustomed to handling criminal cases on a regular basis.

    Since the stakes are so high in felony cases, it is paramount that a criminal defense lawyer be consulted at the earliest opportunity, even if you are only considered a suspect. You should never answer any questions from police officers under any circumstances...ever!

    Speaking to Law Enforcement officers is one of the worst mistake you can make. This is especially true if you are truly innocent. Never speak to police officers. Consult an attorney immediately.

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