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What penalties can I face if I get convicted on a criminal charge?
Your sentence will depend on many factors, beginning with how Ohio or federal law classifies the offense you were accused of committing, the alleged harm done, and whether you have prior convictions. Some laws specify mandatory sentences for certain offense, but negotiating a plea is often possible with the help of a caring and knowledgeable defense attorney.
To give you a general sense of what may happen, here is a bare-bones chart of criminal penalties for misdemeanors and felonies in Ohio:
| Classification | Possible Penalties |
|---|---|
| 1st Class Misdemeanor (highest) | 180 days in jail, up to $1,000 in fines |
| 2nd Class Misdemeanor | 90 days in jail, up to $750 in fines |
| 3rd Class Misdemeanor | 60 days in jail, up to $500 in fines |
| 4th Class Misdemeanor | 30 days in jail, up to $250 in fines |
| 5th Class Misdemeanor (lowest) | Up to $100 fine |
| Classification | Possible Penalties |
| 1st Class Felony (highest) | 3-11 years in prison, up to $20,000 in fines, 5 years mandatory parole or release restrictions |
| 2nd Class Felony | 2-8 years in prison, up to $15,000 in fines, 5 years mandatory parole or release restrictions for sex crime convictions, optional 3 years parole or release restrictions for other convictions |
| 3rd Class Felony | 6 months to 5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, 5 years mandatory parole or release restrictions for sex crime convictions, optional 3 years parole or release restrictions for other convictions |
| 4th Class Felony | 6-18 months in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, 5 years mandatory parole or release restrictions for sex crime convictions, optional 3 years parole or release restrictions for other convictions |
| 5th Class Felony (lowest) | 6-12 months in prison, up to $2,500 in fines, 5 years mandatory parole or release restrictions for sex crime convictions, optional 3 years parole or release restrictions for other convictions |
Many offenses, especially crimes involving minors as victims or perpetrators and operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) by alcohol or drugs, have their own penalty charts. Also, jail terms and parole periods can sometimes be served under house arrest or in group homes rather than in cells. Such alternatives to incarceration often come with requirements to wear an electronic monitoring device that both tracks your location and detects whether you have been drinking alcohol.
Speaking with a Columbus, Ohio, criminal defense attorney can help you understand just what you may be facing.
What can a defense attorney do for me?
In addition to explaining your charges and potential penalties, a defense attorney will act as your advocate and champion throughout the criminal investigation and hearing processes. She will give you advice about how to avoid incriminating yourself, explain mitigating circumstances to the judge and prosecutor, negotiate for reduced penalties or reduced charges, collect and analyze evidence independently from the prosecution, find people to testify in your defense, consult with you on any plea deal the prosecutor may offer, and protest any abuses you suffer during arrest or detention.
In short, your lawyer will stand up for your rights to fair treatment and justice.
Why should I hire my own defense lawyer? Doesn't the government have to give me an attorney as one of my rights?
Public defenders do great work, but they are often too overwhelmed to give each of their clients the time and attention necessary to provide the best defense possible. Working with a Columbus-based criminal felony and misdemeanor defense lawyer from Campbell Law will ensure you become a priority rather than an obligation.
What will hiring a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Ohio, cost me?
Campbell Law provides no-cost case consultations, and we offer flat-fee representation at reasonable rates. If we take your case, what we charge will depend in part on how many hours we spend investigating, doing paperwork, and representing you during hearings.
We will be clear with you on how much your legal representation will cost.
What types of criminal defenses does Campbell Law provide?
Campbell Law has experience defending people arrested and charged for
- OVIs
- Drug offenses
- Weapons crimes
- Assault offenses
- Theft and fraud offenses
- White-collar offenses
- Other felony offenses such as arson and vandalism
Click on your type of case to learn more about what you can expect and how Campbell Law may be able to defend you.
Can a defense attorney help me if I have already been convicted?
Absolutely. A skilled criminal appeals lawyer can help you challenge a wrongful conviction, an unfair driver's license suspension, and an improper incarceration. Campbell Law can also petition to have criminal records sealed and to receive clemency.
April Campbell was an appellate attorney before opening Campbell Law. She knows how to effectively represent you in your appeal.
Will hiring you guarantee I win my case?
No honest attorney will ever promise you victory.
What Campbell Law will do is aggressively defend each client with a great record of success. We know the law, and we make sure our clients are not being treated unfairly or disrespectfully. Let us know how we can assist you with your criminal case.