Defending Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County Criminal Lawyer

Any criminal conviction, even for a misdemeanor, is a matter of public record visible to potential landlords, employers, lenders, friends, and family. However, a Cuyahoga County criminal lawyer could fight criminal charges by working to uncover and preserve evidence that could make all the difference in your case.

A dedicated criminal defense attorney could make use of every available defense to fight on your behalf at each stage of the proceeding to bring about the best possible outcome. You should not fight these charges alone without an experienced attorney to help. Call today to schedule a consultation.

How Crimes are Classified in Cuyahoga County

Like most states, Ohio divides criminal offenses into two main categories. The less serious offenses are considered misdemeanors and most serious crimes are treated as felonies.

These broad categories are further divided into different classes. There are five degrees of felonies, referred to as first through fifth-degree felonies, with felonies of the first-degree being the most serious. Similarly, misdemeanors are divided into degrees, with misdemeanors of the first-degree being the most serious, and minor misdemeanors being the least serious. In many cases, the degree of a crime determines the severity of the penalties that apply.

Penalties for Felony Offenses

With so many types of felonies on the statute books, it is impossible to describe even a small percentage of these offenses. Ohio Revised Code Section 2929.14 describes different penalties that may be imposed depending on the circumstances of the case. At the very least, convictions may result in imprisonment for a minimum of sixth months for the lowest level felonies. A seasoned Cuyahoga County criminal lawyer could fight to build a defense to help someone facing a felony avoid a conviction.

Repercussions for Felonies 

The minimum penalties for felony offenses are set forth in §2929.14 of the Ohio Revised Code as follows:

• For certain first-degree felony, imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years.
• For a second-degree felony, imprisonment for a minimum of 2 years.
• For a third-degree felony (high-tier), imprisonment for a minimum of 1 year.
• For a third-degree felony (low-tier), imprisonment for a minimum of 9 months.
• For a fourth-degree felony, imprisonment for a minimum of 6 months.
• For a fifth-degree felony, imprisonment for a minimum of 6 months.

Repercussions for Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors, although less serious than felonies in the state of Ohio, still come with harsh consequences. The length of incarceration increases as the degree of misdemeanor increases.

The penalties for misdemeanor offenses are set forth in §2929.24 of the Ohio Revised Code as follows:

• For a first-degree misdemeanor, incarceration for up to 180 days.
• For a second-degree misdemeanor, incarceration for up to 90 days.
• For a third-degree misdemeanor, incarceration for up to 60 days.
• For a fourth-degree misdemeanor, incarceration for up to 30 days.

Benefit an Accomplished Cuyahoga County Criminal Attorney

Every person facing criminal charges is innocent until the prosecution proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. In each case, there are certain elements that must be proven for an individual to be convicted. All throughout the criminal law procedures, there are opportunities for taking actions that can help or hinder your case. A capable Cuyahoga County criminal lawyer who knows how the local courts have treated cases like yours could provide advice and advocate on your behalf in the manner calculated to bring about the best possible result. Call now to learn the advantages a seasoned criminal attorney can bring to your case.