Fact-Checked: Why Trust Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima When you’re charged with a crime, it’s classified as either a misdemeanor offense or a felony. What does that mean?
Compared to a felony, a misdemeanor is a (relatively) minor offense that can lead to jail time, fines, community service and other penalties. A felony, on the other hand, can result in long periods in prison (in addition to other consequences) along with a loss of certain civil rights. It is important to understand why you would face felony charges and how they could affect your life. Here are the five categorizations of felony charges in Ohio.
Unclassified felonies
An unclassified felony is the highest form of criminal charge that you can face in Ohio, and conviction includes the most severe penalties. Aggravated murder, murder, and certain rape offenses are examples of the types of crimes that constitute this offense. Penalties can include a sentence of 15 years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence, a life without parole sentence, or the death penalty.
First-degree felonies
A first-degree felony is the second highest form of criminal charge that you could face in Ohio, and conviction includes the most severe penalties. There are a number of crimes that could fall under a first-degree felony, such as violent crimes that include human trafficking, aggravated robbery, voluntary manslaughter, certain rapes, or kidnapping. A first-degree felony can lead to upwards of 11 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Second-degree felonies
Criminal gang participation and felonious assault are both crimes that can lead to a second-degree felony. Second-degree felonies are not nearly as harsh as first-degree felonies. However, charges for a second-degree felony can lead to up to 8 years behind bars and $15,000 in fines.
Third-degree felonies
A third-degree felony often carries between 9 to 36 months behind bars and $10,000 in fines. However, certain third degree felonies carry up to 5 years in prison. Offenses that can lead to a third-degree felony can include sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor with a minor, robbery, and involuntary manslaughter.
Fourth-degree felonies
Ohio’s fourth-degree felony is punishable with up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines for disrupting public services and aggravated assault are examples of fourth degree felonies.
Fifth-degree felonies
While the least severe of all of the felony charges, fifth-degree felonies can still lead to serious penalties. A fifth-degree felony conviction can include between 6 and 12 months and $2,500 in fines. These charges are often for identity theft, forgery, gambling or breaking and entering.
It is also important to be aware that most felony criminal conduct can be charged at different levels of felony offense based on the facts. Examples of this are theft (depending on the amount stolen), drug offenses (depending on the quantity of drugs), forgery (depending on the monetary damages), and domestic violence (depending on the number of prior convictions).
A felony charge can impact your life beyond incarceration and fines. You may face difficulties finding employment and housing. And, your education, loan and child custody opportunities may be severely impeded by a felony conviction. You may need to learn about your legal options and begin building a defense against charges.