Criminal Defense Attorneys in Southwest Ohio

Penalties for Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Ohio

The penalties for criminal convictions in Ohio depend on the type and severity of the crime committed. The law breaks down both misdemeanors (less severe) and felonies (more severe) into various degrees, each with its own maximum fines and jail sentences.

Misdemeanors

• 1st Degree Misdemeanors—punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both. Examples include petty theft and carrying a weapon without a permit.
• 2nd Degree Misdemeanors—punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a maximum fine of  $750, or both. Examples include drug manufacturing and property crimes.
• 3rd Degree Misdemeanors—punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a maximum fine of  $500, or both. Examples include negligent assault and loitering for the purpose of prostitution.
• 4th Degree Misdemeanors—punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a maximum fine of  $250, or both. Examples include criminal trespassing and public indecency.
• Minor Misdemeanors—punishable by a fine of up to $150 with no possibility of jail time. Examples include reckless driving and disorderly conduct.

Felonies

• 1st Degree Felonies—punishable by a prison sentence of three to 11 years plus five years of post-release control (PRC), a maximum fine of $20,000, or both. Examples include aggravated robbery and involuntary manslaughter.
• 2nd Degree Felonies—punishable by a prison sentence of two to eight years plus five years of PRC, a maximum fine of $15,000, or both. Examples include kidnapping and sexual assault.
• 3rd Degree Felonies—punishable by a prison sentence of nine months to three years plus a potential three years of PRC, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both. Examples include perjury and bribery.
• 4th Degree Felonies—punishable by a prison sentence of six to 18 months plus up to five years of community control, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both. Examples include motor vehicle theft and vehicular assault.
• 5th Degree Felonies—punishable by a prison sentence of six to 12 months plus up to five years of community control, a maximum fine of $2,500, or both. Examples include breaking and entering and forgery.
• Unclassified Felonies—Ohio law does not categorize some of its most serious crimes, like murder and aggravated murder, by degree. Rather, these crimes receive penalties ranging from death to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as well as a maximum fine of $25,000.

The consequences of a criminal conviction can ruin your chance at the life you deserve. That’s why you need an experienced and knowledgeable legal team in your corner. Let our attorneys at Holcomb & Hyde LLC be the ones to fight fiercely for the justice you deserve. 

A Former Felony Prosecutor Working for You

Attorney Richard Hyde worked as a felony prosecutor from 1989 to 2000, where he personally prosecuted numerous murder cases and other very serious cases involving rape, robbery, burglary, arson, and kidnapping. In fact, in 1994, he handled the very first case in Butler County in which DNA evidence was used.

Now working as a criminal defense attorney, our co-founder is able to use his experiences on the other side of the courtroom to your advantage. He understands how the opposing counsel operates and can anticipate potential tactics it may use. With this information, he can better build strategies to combat them as he seeks a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Dedicated Defense in Southwestern Ohio

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us at Holcomb & Hyde LLC for the skilled representation you need after a criminal charge in Hamilton, Ohio. We are proud to serve those accused of crimes in Middletown, Fairfield, Cincinnati, and Butler County. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.