A violent felony conviction in Ohio can bring prison time and end your right to own a gun. McNamee Defense works to keep a charge from reaching that point. From our office on East North Broadway, our violent crime lawyer in Columbus defends everything from misdemeanor assault to first-degree felony charges.
Why Hire Our Columbus Violent Crime Defense Attorney?
Discretion, honesty, and teamwork with you guide every defense that Colin McNamee builds. A trial is not our first choice, but our attorney prepares every case for court and fights hard there when needed.
Violent Crime Charges and Penalties Under the Ohio Revised Code
The Ohio Revised Code ranks violent charges by degree, and the degree sets the penalty. For first- and second-degree felonies, the judge picks a minimum term from the range, and the maximum can run 50% longer:
- Felonious assault: A second-degree felony for causing serious physical harm or using a deadly weapon, with a minimum term of 2 to 8 years.
- Domestic violence: Usually a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail. A prior conviction can make it a felony.
- Robbery: A second- or third-degree felony for theft involving force or a threat. A third-degree felony usually carries a sentence of 9 to 36 months.
- Manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony with a minimum term of 3 to 11 years.
- Kidnapping: A first-degree felony with a minimum term of 3 to 11 years, or a second-degree felony with 2 to 8 years if the person is released unharmed in a safe place.
Murder carries 15 years to life in prison. Aggravated murder can bring a life sentence or the death penalty.
What Happens at a Columbus Municipal Court Arraignment?
Most violent felony arrests in Columbus begin at the Franklin County Municipal Court. At the arraignment, the judge reads the charge and sets bond. You do not enter a plea to a felony there. Misdemeanor assault and domestic violence cases stay in Municipal Court, where you do enter a plea at arraignment.
In violent cases, judges often add a no-contact order as a bond condition. Breaking that order can get your bond revoked.
Ohio Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine
Under Ohio Revised Code 2901.09, you do not have to retreat before using force in self-defense anywhere you have a legal right to be. The castle doctrine may also create a presumption of self-defense when someone unlawfully and forcibly enters your home or occupied vehicle.
When evidence supports a self-defense claim, prosecutors must disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorney looks for proof such as:
- 911 recordings
- Body camera video
- Photos of your injuries
- Messages sent before the incident
- Witness statements
In a 2022 Franklin County case, our client shot two people in what our attorney argued was self-defense. The attempted murder charge was dismissed, and the client was convicted on a separate firearms charge.
In another Franklin County case, a felonious assault charge was reduced to misdemeanor assault with probation and no jail. What happened in one case does not tell you what will happen in yours.
Call McNamee Defense About a Violent Crime Charge in Columbus
A police report gives one version of what happened, and it is usually not yours. Our violent crime lawyer in Columbus wants to hear the rest. The first consultation is always free. Call McNamee Defense at (614) 782-8889, or you can reach our firm online.