Felony Criminal Defense Attorney

Felony Criminal Defense Lawyers In Bellefontaine, OHOH

Facing felony criminal charges is a frightening prospect. Felony convictions may result in prison time, hefty fines, and the loss of certain civil rights. A felony conviction may also impact your educational path and career prospects for years afterward (potentially forever). Fortunately, help is available.

Having an experienced McNamee Defense attorney on your side can make all the difference for your case. If you’ve been charged with a felony in Columbus, Bellefontaine or Central Ohio, contact McNamee Defense as soon as possible.

Protect Your Rights with McNamee Defense

While everyone is entitled to legal representation, not all lawyers are equally skilled and devoted to their clients. With your freedom, your finances, your family, and your future on the line, you need the best representation possible. Working with McNamee Defense ensures that you have an aggressive, dedicated, and knowledgeable advocate on your side. From your initial consultation to the final resolution, we’ll work tirelessly to get you the best outcome possible.

Whether we get your charges dismissed, reduced, or take your case to trial, McNamee Defense will fight hard to protect your rights.

Understanding Felony Charges in Ohio

Felony offenses are serious crimes carrying a sentence of at least six months in prison. In contrast, misdemeanors are less serious. Misdemeanors include traffic violations and some criminal charges, and if convicted, the related sentences include less than a year of jail time.

Ohio classifies felonies in five different degrees:

•   First-Degree: First-degree felonies are the most serious type of felony crime in Ohio. They include murder, rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (RICO), drug trafficking, and human trafficking. These crimes often include mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction and fines of up to $20,000. Standard first-degree felony prison time ranges from 3 to 11 years in prison. However, judges will take into account the available sentencing range, as well as any mandatory time specification(s) that apply to a particular type of crime. Judges will typically give the defendant a sentence within the prescribed range. In some cases, a defendant may be sentenced to an indefinite term or life without parole.
• Second-Degree: Second-degree felonies include home invasion (burglary), sexual battery, drug offenses like drug trafficking and possession of drugs, aggravated theft, and felonious assault. These crimes typically carry prison terms from two to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. 
• Third-Degree: Third-degree felonies consist of crimes like involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, vehicular homicide, perjury, assault, drug offenses, burglary, and robbery. While prison time typically ranges from nine to 36 months, many third-degree felonies are subject to longer terms. Crimes like aggravated assault are punishable by 12 to 60 months in prison (one to five years). Third-degree felonies also carry fines of up to $10,000.
• Fourth-Degree: This category of felony includes crimes like elder abuse and neglect, vehicle theft (grand theft auto), theft of a firearm, and promoting prostitution. Prison terms range from six to 18 months, and fines of up to $5,000 may be levied.
• Fifth-Degree: Finally, fifth-degree felonies are the least serious felony charges. These are crimes like identity fraud, forgery, drug possession, and breaking and entering. They are punished with prison terms between six months and one year, and defendants may pay up to $2,500 in fines.

First, second, and third-degree felonies are also subject to three to five years of Post-Release Control (parole or post-prison probation).

It’s also important to remember that if convicted, you could lose your right to vote and the right to own or possess a firearm. Felony convictions also make it more difficult to find employment, buy or rent a home, or continue your education. Finally, depending on your career, you may lose your professional license.

How Are Penalties for Felony Convictions Determined?

Because each felony category has a range of possible sentences, defendants generally can’t predict what the final sentencing outcome may be. Courts will take certain factors into account before determining an appropriate punishment. These factors—often called “mitigating” and “aggravating” circumstances—may decrease or increase the punishment’s severity.

Aggravating factors might include:

• Intent, such as intent to kill or cause great bodily harm
• Serious physical harm
• Lack of remorse
• Lying under oath or submitting false evidence
• Use of weapons or threat of force

Mitigating factors may include:

• Lack of a criminal record
• Mental illness or emotional state during the crime
• Genuine remorse
• Rehabilitation and counseling
• Youth
• Past history of abuse

There are many aggravating and mitigating factors a judge may consider. That’s one reason it’s important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Even if convicted, your McNamee Defense attorney will fight for the lightest sentence possible.

What Kind of Defenses Are Available?

There are dozens of defenses that can be used to contest criminal charges, depending on the evidence available and the unique circumstances of your case.

For example:

• Mistaken identity/identification alibi
• Lack of evidence
• Self-defense
• Constitutional violations, including Miranda violations and illegal search and seizure
• Entrapment

Your attorney will review the charges and the evidence. They will also investigate—sometimes with the help of a private investigator. Your McNamee Defense attorney will consider all their experience with the Courts to determine the most appropriate defenses in your case.

Why Early Legal Representation by McNamee Defense is Key

When you’re being investigated for or charged with a felony, the best path forward is hiring a great criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early representation doesn’t just protect your rights—it helps hold the prosecution and law enforcement accountable. In some cases, hiring McNamee Defense right away may help you avoid charges entirely.

Before Charges Are Filed

If you know that you’re being investigated for a felony, our firm can help you avoid self-incrimination—in other words, doing or saying something to law enforcement that could harm your case. A lawyer can also ensure your rights aren’t violated during searches or interviews. Your attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors and law enforcement to minimize charges or prevent them from being filed altogether.

After Arrest or Charges Are Filed

Your felony defense attorney is crucial after you’ve been charged with a crime. A savvy attorney will protect your rights during interactions with law enforcement and the prosecution. They’ll also challenge illegal or unlawful actions, such as coerced confessions or illegal searches and seizures. By filing motions early on in the process, they may be able to suppress key pieces of evidence. This can significantly affect the prosecution’s ability to prove their case.

Your criminal defense lawyer will investigate on your behalf—and the earlier they can do so, the better. Exonerating evidence can be tampered with or disappear. Memories can fade or change over time. The earlier your lawyer is involved; the more evidence can be preserved and presented on your behalf.

Finally, your attorney will be a source of support in a challenging time. Your lawyer will file key motions and handle legal procedures like preliminary hearings and motions to suppress evidence. A good criminal defense attorney will also answer your questions, explain what to expect, guide you through the process, and zealously advocate for you until the final resolution. Their knowledge and presence can help alleviate your anxiety throughout the process.

Contact McNamee Defense for a Free Consultation

You don’t have to face felony charges alone. With over a decade of criminal defense experience, Colin E. McNamee and the McNamee Defense team are standing by to fight for you. Our compassionate, strategic, and client-centered approach means you’ll have a tough legal advocate on your side on the road ahead.

Don’t delay getting the legal assistance you deserve. Contact us at 614-782-8889 or through our online contact form today.