Felony Arrest
A crime that is classified as a felony carries much more severe penalties for an alleged offender. In addition to possible imprisonment in state prison instead of a local jail and fines of several thousands of dollars, people with felony convictions can also forever be haunted by their criminal records.
The criminal justice process is much more complicated in a felony case than it is for a misdemeanor. While very few cases are ever taken to trial, prosecutors still aggressively seek convictions for most felony charges.
Lawyer for Felony Offenses in Dayton, OH
Were you arrested or do you believe that you may be the target of an ongoing investigation for a felony criminal offense in Ohio? The Joslyn Law Firm represents clients facing these charges all over Montgomery County, including Dayton, Huber Heights, Kettering, and many other nearby communities.
Dayton felony defense attorney Brian Joslyn also defends alleged offenders throughout Miami County, Clark County, and Greene County. Call (937) 356-3969 today to have our lawyer review your case during a free initial consultation.
Overview of Montgomery County Felony Arrests
- How do felony cases usually unfold in Ohio?
- What are the differences between the degrees of felonies in Ohio?
- Where can I find more information about Dayton felony offenses?
How Felony Charges Are Handled 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 be held usually within three days.
At the arraignment, the alleged offender will be asked to enter an initial plea and the court could also decide set the bail amount. Bail is typically based on the severity of the alleged crime as well as the alleged offender’s prior criminal record, ties to the community, and “flight risk” (likelihood to flee the jurisdiction before the conclusion of the case).
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. Defense attorneys and prosecutors will typically negotiate some kind of plea agreement to avoid the significant cost and workload involved in going to trial.
Prosecutors will typically be reluctant to modify the original charges, but certain weaknesses in their cases may be revealed through 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 Dayton
Ohio has five levels of felony offenses. The respective sentencing ranges for each classification of felony is established in Ohio Revised Code § 2929.14, and financial sanctions are established under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.18.
The maximum possible prison sentences and fine and some examples of each felony level are as follows:
- Fifth-Degree Felony — Fine of up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in prison. Fifth-degree felony crimes can include certain receiving stolen property, obstructing justice, and misuse of credit cards offenses.
- Fourth-Degree Felony — Fine of up to $5,000 and up to 18 months in prison. Fourth-degree felony crimes can include grand theft of a motor vehicle, vehicular assault, and certain unlawful sexual conduct with a minor offenses.
- Third-Degree Felony — Fine of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison. Third-degree felony crimes can include certain sexual battery, arson, and robbery offenses.
- Second-Degree Felony — Fine of up to $15,000 and up to eight years in prison. Second-degree felony crimes can include certain aggravated theft, identity fraud, and felonious assault offenses.
- First-Degree Felony — Fine of up to $20,000 and up to 11 years in prison. First-degree felony crimes can include rape, aggravated burglary, voluntary manslaughter, and certain kidnapping offenses.
Murder and aggravated murder are considered unclassified felony offenses in Ohio.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.02, 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 a pay a fine of up to $25,000 and could be sentenced to death.
Ohio Resources for Felony Cases
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court — The Common Pleas Court in Montgomery County consists of four divisions: The Domestic Relations Division, the Probate Division, the Juvenile Division, and the General Division—which is 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.
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court41 North Perry Street
Dayton, OH 45422
(937) 225-6000
Felony Sentencing Quick Reference Guide (PDF) — Judges in Ohio do not simply sentence convicted offenders to the maximum possible terms of imprisonment. The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission was created by the General Assembly 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 that are considered in every case, and other considerations in this April 2015 guide issued by the Commission in collaboration with the Ohio Judicial Conference.
Find a Felony Arrest Lawyer in Dayton, OH
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. The Joslyn Law Firm defends clients in Kettering, Dayton, Huber Heights, and the greater Montgomery County area as well as surrounding communities such as Fairborn, Piqua, Beavercreek, Springfield, and Troy.
Brian Joslyn is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Dayton, Ohio, can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options as soon as you call (937) 356-3969 or submit an online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
