Columbus Felony Lawyer

Have you been arrested by law enforcement in Columbus, OH on suspicion of committing a felony offense? Only the most serious crimes are classified as felonies – so it is important for you to do everything you can to defend yourself. Letting the experienced Columbus felony lawyers from James D. Owen, LLC represent you is a great start.

We’ll work hard to negotiate reduced charges or sentencing, get your case tossed by a judge, or win a not-guilty verdict for you should your case go to trial. Call our law office in Columbus, Ohio to learn more about how we might be able to help. Your first consultation is free.

Why You Should Hire James D. Owen, LLC When Charged With a Felony in Columbus, OH

Enlisting the services of a skilled Columbus criminal defense lawyer is an excellent way to safeguard your freedom as well as your prospects for the future when facing felony charges in Ohio.

Our knowledgeable team will help you fight back against the state’s allegations by:

  • Protecting your constitutional rights
  • Consulting with relevant experts about your case
  • Providing you with answers to your legal questions
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the state’s allegations
  • Offering you sound legal advice throughout your case
  • Communicating with the prosecution on your behalf
  • Devising a smart legal strategy for your felony case
  • Looking for evidence that might sway the case in your favor
  • Negotiating a plea bargain deal with the prosecuting attorney
  • Arguing on your behalf in court, when necessary

Are you ready to have one of the preeminent defense firms in Columbus help you fight back against your felony criminal charge? If so, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone and contact James D. Owen, LLC, today. We have the legal experience and statutory knowledge required to handle your case with the care and attention it deserves.

Understanding the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors

The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) classifies just about every criminal offense that it contains as either a felony or a misdemeanor. But what is the difference between these two designations?

In Ohio and in jurisdictions throughout the United States, misdemeanors are criminal offenses that carry maximum jail terms of less than one year. Individuals who commit these types of crimes almost always serve their sentences in county jails.

Felonies are much more severe crimes. They come with prison sentences in excess of one year. Convicts usually serve their terms of imprisonment in state prisons – rather than county jails.

The attorneys at our criminal defense firm in Columbus, Ohio, have been helping clients battle back against their misdemeanor and felony charges for years – achieving many favorable results along the way. If you want to have us fight for you, all you need to do is give us a call or send us a brief message today. We are always ready, willing, and able to assist.

Types of Felony Offenses Our Columbus Law Firm Can Handle

The attorneys at James D. Owen, LLC, are well-versed in all areas of Ohio criminal law. As such, we are more than capable of handling a wide range of felony cases, including:

Drug Offenses

The state of Ohio closely regulates the sale, possession, and production of controlled substances within its borders. As a result, police officers in the City of Columbus regularly arrest people on suspicion of committing drug offenses such as:

Over the years, the experienced attorneys at James D. Owen, LLC, have helped a plethora of Franklin County residents beat drug charges of this nature.

Drunk Driving Offenses

The state of Ohio almost always classifies driving under the influence as a misdemeanor offense. However, when a driver receives their fourth DUI in ten years, courts in the Buckeye State must upgrade it to a felony.

At James D. Owen, LLC, we have been using our knowledge of Ohio law to help clients get criminal DUI charges dismissed and reduced for years.

Sex Offenses

Law enforcement officers in Columbus frequently arrest residents for sex crimes such as:

  • Rape
  • Sexual battery
  • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
  • Gross sexual imposition
  • Importuning

When arrests of this nature occur, the legal team at James D. Owen, LLC, is always available to help Ohioans battle to clear their names and avoid spending years on the sex offender registry.

Weapons Offenses

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution grants Ohioans the right to keep and bear arms. However, this right is not absolute.

The state regularly prosecutes Columbus residents in relation to firearms offenses like:

  • Carrying a weapon while under disability
  • Unlawful possession of a concealed weapon
  • Possession of a firearm in a school safety zone

Ohio residents who commit these types of offenses lose their right to buy, carry, or use firearms.

Theft Offenses

Theft is a significant problem in Columbus. As such, it is not at all unusual for police officers to arrest people on suspicion of committing crimes like:

  • Theft
  • Grand theft
  • Aggravated theft

When Columbus residents get arrested on suspicion of stealing another person’s property, they can always count on a criminal defense attorney from James D. Owen, LLC, to help them fight back against the state’s allegations.

Violent Offenses

Authorities in the City of Columbus regularly charge residents with crimes of violence, like:

Having spent years in the legal field, the lawyers at James D. Owen, LLC, know what it takes to help clients beat charges of this nature.

Do you need a seasoned criminal and DUI defense lawyer in Columbus to help you fight back against a felony charge? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team at James D. Owen, LLC. We have been handling criminal cases like yours for years, and we are ready to work tirelessly on your behalf.

Consequences of Felony Convictions in the State of Ohio

When Columbus residents commit felony offenses, judges almost always hand them hefty fines and sentence them to lengthy prison terms. When determining the exact nature of an individual’s punishment, courts in the state of Ohio refer to the following guidelines:

  • Felonies of the First Degree: Up to 11 years in state prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
  • Felonies of the Second Degree: Up to eight years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
  • Felonies of the Third Degree: Up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Felonies of the Fourth Degree: Up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Felonies of the Fifth Degree: Up to one year in state prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Courts in the state of Ohio have the power to extend the maximum terms of imprisonment for individuals who commit felonies of the first or second degree by 50 percent.

Ohioans should also note that there are two felony offenses that the state does not categorize by degree – murder and aggravated murder. When an individual commits one of these crimes, the court can give them the death penalty or life in prison.

Of course, when Ohio residents commit felonies, they don’t just get a fine and spend time behind bars. They also get a permanent criminal record.

People with records of this nature in the state of Ohio often experience a range of collateral consequences, such as:

  • Trouble Landing a Job: Businesses in the Columbus area regularly reject job applications from convicted criminals.
  • Professional Licensing Issues: People with criminal records can have quite a lot of trouble obtaining and renewing professional licenses.
  • Difficulty Finding Housing: Landlords in Columbus usually prefer to avoid denting homes to convicted felons.
  • Immigration Issues: Non-citizen felons can have trouble renewing their green cards. Many even get deported.
  • Loss of Gun Ownership Rights: The state of Ohio does not allow people with felony records to buy, carry, or use guns.

Do you need a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer to help you avoid the negative consequences of a felony conviction in the state of Ohio? If so, please call James D. Owen, LLC, today to set up a free consultation at our offices in Columbus. We know what it takes to win cases like yours.

Defenses Against Felony Charges in Ohio

When Ohio residents get arrested on felony charges, they can often get their cases dismissed by:

  • Arguing that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to convict them
  • Claiming that the prosecution violated their constitutional rights
  • Proving that they were in another location when the crime happened

When you obtain legal representation from James D. Owen, LLC, we will be happy to review your criminal case and recommend the right defense strategy for you. To get started, all you need to do is give us a call or send us a message online.

A Columbus Felony Lawyer You Can Count On

When you need an experienced Columbus felony lawyer to help you fight back against the accusations of the state of Ohio, there is only one place you need to turn – James D. Owen, LLC. Our team has the knowledge and experience required to handle your case – no matter how complex it might be. Give us a call today to set up a free initial consultation and learn more about the many ways we can assist you.

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