Felony Attorney in Akron
Protect Your Rights with a Trial-Tested Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Akron
Facing a felony charge in Akron can upend your life and create stress for you and your loved ones. You don’t have to face these serious charges on your own. At The Law Office of Benjamin W. Zushin, our felony defense attorneys guide you at every stage, drawing from experience as both prosecutors and defenders to build the strongest defense for your situation. We prioritize practical solutions and make sure you understand your options, so you can protect your future with confidence.
Summit County courts handle felony cases on tight timelines, with quick arraignments and significant decisions made early in the process. Working with an Akron felony criminal lawyer who knows local court systems gives you a real advantage when preparing for hearings or addressing cash bail requirements. Our experience in local courts enables us to spot opportunities and set clear expectations from the very beginning, keeping you informed and involved at each stage.
Don't let a felony charge derail your life. Contact our firm online to schedule a time to discuss your case in a free consultation. Call (330) 886-4672 or fill out this online form. We are former prosecutors—24/7 availability.
Understanding Felonies and Their Degrees in Ohio Law
Ohio Revised Code Title 29 classifies felonies into five degrees, plus several unclassified offenses (like Aggravated Murder), with the penalty increasing as the degree number decreases (F-5 is the least serious; F-1 is the most serious). This hierarchical system determines the minimum and maximum prison sentences, fines, and the likelihood of post-release control (parole). Securing an experienced Akron felony defense lawyer who understands these complex sentencing guidelines is paramount.
Ohio Felony Classifications and Penalties (Simplified Range)
- First-Degree Felony (F-1): Includes serious crimes such as rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery. Punishable by 3 to 11 years in prison (with indefinite sentencing possible) and fines up to $20,000.
- Second-Degree Felony (F-2): Covers offenses like felonious assault and abduction. Carries 2 to 8 years in prison (with indefinite sentencing possible) and fines up to $15,000.
- Third-Degree Felony (F-3): Common examples include robbery, involuntary manslaughter, and perjury. Punishable by 9 months to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Fourth-Degree Felony (F-4): Includes aggravated assault and felony OVI. Sentences range from 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- Fifth-Degree Felony (F-5): Applies to offenses such as breaking and entering or theft over $1,000. Carries 6 to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.
For felonies of the First and Second Degree, Ohio employs Indefinite Sentencing, where a judge sets a minimum term and calculates a maximum term by adding 50% of the minimum. This sentencing structure underscores the need for a strategic felony attorney in Akron who can argue compelling mitigating factors at the sentencing phase to secure the lowest possible minimum sentence.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Ohio Felony Convictions
The consequences of an Ohio felony conviction are immediate and far-reaching, extending well beyond the prescribed prison term and fines.
Direct Judicial Consequences
- Mandatory Prison: For certain serious felonies, such as aggravated murder, repeat violent offenses, or major drug offenses, mandatory prison time is required, severely limiting a judge's discretion.
- Post-Release Control (PRC): This is Ohio’s version of parole, imposed after release from prison. For F-1 and F-2 felonies, PRC is typically five years. Any violation of PRC conditions can result in a return to prison for the remainder of the sentence.
- Mandatory License Suspension: For felonies like Felony OVI, a mandatory driver's license suspension is imposed in addition to the prison sentence.
Collateral Sanctions: The Lifetime Sentence
A conviction for any felony in Ohio triggers a series of collateral sanctions that act as a permanent life sentence, often impacting employment and housing in the Akron community.
- Loss of Rights: A convicted felon loses the right to own or possess firearms.
- Employment Disqualification: Over 800 Ohio laws and rules restrict employment opportunities for people with felonies, especially in licensed fields like healthcare, finance, security, and teaching.
- Housing Barriers: Landlords, especially those involved in public or subsidized housing, routinely deny tenancy to individuals with felony records.
- Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, even a low-level felony conviction can lead to deportation proceedings.
Our role as your Akron felony defense lawyer goes beyond the courtroom. We are also strategic advocates who fight to mitigate these long-term consequences, aiming for outcomes like Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) or record sealing eligibility whenever possible.
The OH Criminal Defense Process for Felony Charges
In Summit County, felony cases are handled by the Court of Common Pleas after originating in the Akron Municipal Court. The process is swift and requires an immediate, focused defense. Our firm guides you through the critical stages:
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: This is your first appearance. We argue aggressively for a personal recognizance bond or a low cash bond, drawing on our knowledge of local judicial practice to secure your pre-trial release.
- Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury: For any felony, the State must establish probable cause. The prosecution typically presents evidence to the Summit County Grand Jury, a closed process where the defense cannot participate. However, we proactively prepare by presenting evidence to the prosecutor before the Grand Jury, arguing for a "no bill" (dismissal) or a remand to municipal court as a misdemeanor.
- Arraignment and Assignment: If indicted, you are arraigned in the Common Pleas Court, and your case is assigned to a specific judge.
- Discovery and Motion Practice: This is the investigative phase where we scrutinize every piece of the State’s evidence. As a former prosecutor, your felony attorney in Akron knows precisely what evidence should exist and what procedural flaws to look for. We routinely file motions to suppress evidence based on illegal searches or rights violations.
- Plea Bargaining and Pre-Trial: Our firm leverages our prosecutorial experience to negotiate from a position of strength, aiming for charge reductions, plea deals to lesser offenses, or non-prison sanctions where possible.
- Trial and Sentencing: If a trial is necessary, we are ready. If the outcome is a conviction, we pivot to the sentencing phase, presenting comprehensive mitigation evidence to argue for the lowest possible term and community control (probation) instead of prison.
Why Choose Our Felony Criminal Defense Lawyers in Akron
Unlike other law firms, our personalized approach keeps your goals at the center of the process. As felony defense lawyers in Akron, we manage every case ourselves—never passing you off to staff—and give clear, honest feedback based on both sides of the criminal justice system.
- Dual-sided experience: Our lead attorney has worked as both a prosecutor and a public defender, lending rare insight into how local cases are handled from all angles.
- In-depth Ohio knowledge: We know how criminal courts in Akron and Summit County operate, which helps us anticipate challenges and prepare a thorough response.
- Trial-ready mindset: We approach every defense with courtroom preparation, which helps ensure your rights are vigorously protected.
- Clear client communication: We answer your questions plainly, so you know what to expect—starting from our free initial consultation.
- Fair and accessible rates: We believe everyone deserves access to strong legal counsel and focus on minimizing costs wherever we can.
Whether this is your first arrest or you have prior convictions, we adapt our strategies to match your needs. Our team builds trusting relationships through ongoing support, quick answers, and direct communication about your felony criminal case in Akron.
Our Felony Criminal Defense Process for Akron, OH Residents
- Free consultation: We start by listening to your story and evaluating how we can help, with no obligation and no upfront cost.
- Personalized strategy: We explain realistic outcomes based on Ohio law and develop a clear, custom plan for your defense.
- Guidance at every stage: We prepare you for initial hearings, bond procedures, and the steps specific to felony cases in Summit County.
- Open communication: You will have ongoing access to our team, and we keep you informed as your case progresses.
- Focused representation: We balance assertive advocacy with ongoing discussions about opportunities for resolution or mitigation as they arise.
Take the Next Step for Felony Criminal Defense in Akron
Every felony case deserves thorough and responsive representation from a defense attorney who knows Akron’s legal landscape. When you contact The Law Office of Benjamin W. Zushin, you receive a free, confidential consultation, straightforward answers, and practical strategies tailored to your needs.
Call (330) 886-4672 or fill out this online form today to speak with a felony criminal defense attorney in Akron and take the first step toward protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future.
FAQs
What are the possible penalties for a felony conviction in Ohio?
Felony sentences in Ohio can include prison, heavy fines, probation, or a combination. The degree of felony and details of the case impact sentencing. Collateral effects can include a lifelong criminal record, lost employment, and limited rights.
How do felony charges differ from misdemeanors?
Felony charges involve more severe crimes that carry stronger penalties and often include at least a year in prison, while misdemeanors lead to shorter sentences and fewer long-term effects.
What should I do if I am contacted by police about a felony investigation?
Wait to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions or making statements. Remaining silent until you get advice helps protect your rights.
How will a local Akron felony defense lawyer help my case?
A local felony defense lawyer in Akron understands area court procedures and the way prosecutors handle felony cases, helping you prepare and respond effectively to charges and court requirements.
Is it possible to reduce felony charges or avoid conviction altogether?
Ohio law allows some felony charges to be reduced or resolved favorably depending on unique facts and your background. A felony criminal defense attorney in Akron can review options that fit your situation.
