Oregon Felony Defense Lawyer

When you are facing felony charges of any type in Ohio, it is critical to have an aggressive Oregon felony defense lawyer on your side. In the event that you are convicted of the felony charges you are facing, you could end up with a significant criminal sentence that includes a lengthy term of imprisonment and substantial monetary fines. In addition, even once you have completely served your sentence, you will continue to face the consequences of having a felony conviction on your record. You may be ineligible for certain types of jobs, you may have difficulty being approved to rent or buy a home, you might not be eligible for student loans or other forms of credit, in addition to other consequences.

To be sure, a felony conviction can have long-lasting and, in some cases, life-long consequences. You need to do everything you can to beat the charges against you. One of the experienced Ohio criminal defense attorneys at our firm can assess your case today and begin working on a defense strategy that is tailored to the specific facts of your case.

CLASSIFICATION OF FELONY OFFENSES

Whether you are facing a fifth-degree felony or a first-degree felony, you should have a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Oregon on your side who can begin strategizing about defense options in your case. Even lesser felony offenses are treated very seriously in Ohio, and you could face a prison sentence of up to a year if you are convicted. The following are classifications of felony offenses under Ohio law:

• Fifth-degree felonies: These are the least serious type of felony offense. Fifth-degree felonies can be charged for a variety of criminal offenses, including crimes such as breaking and entering, forgery, or theft of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $7,500. If you are convicted of a fifth-degree felony, you can face a term of imprisonment of anywhere from 6 months to one year, and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Fourth-degree felonies: Fourth-degree felonies are more serious than fifth-degree felonies, but they are one of the lesser felony classifications in Ohio. Common fourth-degree felonies include grand theft (theft of property worth more than $7,500 but less than $150,000), assault by a caretaker against an impaired person, and vehicular assault. If you are convicted of a fourth-degree felony, you can face a term of imprisonment of anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, and a monetary fine of up to $5,000.
• Third-degree felonies: This is a more serious felony classification than fourth-degree or fifth-degree felony offenses, and it often includes certain drug crimes, theft of property valued at more than $150,000 but less than $750,000, theft of a firearm, aggravated vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. If you are convicted of a third-degree felony, you can face consequences that include a prison term of one to five years, and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felonies: Second-degree felony offenses are more serious than third-degree felonies, and they can include offenses such as abduction, felony assault, and aggravated arson. Second-degree felonies can be punished in Ohio by an “indeterminate sentence.” This type of sentencing is possible in Ohio for both second-degree felony offenses and first-degree felony offenses. The process of sentencing a person following a second-degree felony conviction is complex, and the offender can receive a sentence of anywhere from two to eight years in prison. Yet with a second-degree felony offense, the judge adds an additional 50 percent of the minimum sentence to the term of imprisonment. In addition to a prison sentence, anyone convicted of a second-degree felony can also be fined up to $15,000.
• First-degree felonies: For most offenses in Ohio, this is the most serious type of felony offense. Examples of first-degree felonies include theft of property valued at more than $1.5 million, kidnapping, and rape. Similar to second-degree felonies, the sentencing scheme is complicated. Anyone convicted of a first-degree felony can face a prison sentence of three to 11 years, followed by an addition of 50 percent of the minimum sentence. Beyond the term of imprisonment, a person convicted of a first-degree felony can also face a monetary fine of up to $20,000.
• Unclassified felony: While most extremely serious felonies are charged as first-degree felony offenses, there are some acts that are so severe that they are charged as unclassified felonies. Depending upon the particular circumstances and facts of the offense, murder and aggravated murder can be charged as unclassified felonies. If a person is convicted of murder, that person can face a prison sentence of 15 years to life in prison and a substantial monetary fine. If a person is convicted of aggravated murder, the penalty can include life in prison without parole, and in some cases the death penalty.

Some felony offenses include mandatory prison sentences, including for murder, certain sex crimes, and any felony offense committed while in possession of a firearm.

For a free legal consultation with a felony lawyer serving Oregon, call (419) 930-3030

DEFENSES AGAINST FELONY CHARGES IN OREGON, OH

Your defense should always be tailored to the specific facts of your case. Accordingly, felony defense strategies will vary depending upon the type of felony charges you are facing, and the particular circumstance surrounding your arrest. Generally speaking, however, the following are examples of criminal defense strategies that we may be able to apply to your case: 

• Self-defense;
• Insanity;
• Prosecution has not met its burden of proof;
• Evidence was obtained unlawfully;
• Your constitutional rights were violated;
• You have an alibi;
• Entrapment; or
• Consent (in certain sex crimes cases).

Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

CONTACT A FELONY DEFENSE ATTORNEY OREGON, OH

If you are facing felony charges, you need to begin working with one of our aggressive Oregon felony defense lawyers as soon as possible. Our firm can analyze the particular facts of your case and can develop a defense strategy that can give you the best chance of beating the charges you are facing. Even if an acquittal or dismissal of charges seems unlikely, we may be able to have your charges reduced so that you face a lesser penalty. Contact Groth & Associates for assistance with your felony defense.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form