Felony crimes are different than misdemeanors, because they are usually punishable with imprisonment that lasts longer than a year. In some states, including Ohio, certain penalties can be punished with death.
Felonies are the most serious crimes. They’re typically served in the state or federal prisons instead of in county jails, which is distinctly different from misdemeanors.
What are some common types of felonies?
Some common felonies include:
- Murder
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Arson
With most felonies, there is also a three-strike law, which means that the third subsequent offense leads to harsher penalties than the previous. For felons, this can mean life in prison or worse.
What should you do if you face a felony charge?
Since a felony charge is so serious, there’s no reason to risk your freedoms. You need to speak with your attorney immediately and begin to build a defense.
Your attorney will also work with you to make sure you know how to act and present yourself in court so that you appear respectable in court if you have to go to trial.
Your attorney will try to have your charges lowered. In some cases, felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors under the right circumstances, or they can be taken from a serious Class I or II felony to a lower class with fewer punishments.
It is in your best interests to work with your attorney from the moment you know you’re being investigated or arrested. Doing this helps you prevent unfair treatment and damage to your reputation so that you can continue living normally for as long as possible.