Criminal Defense

What Happens After You’re Charged With a Felony in Ohio?

If you’re facing felony charges in Ohio, it’s important to understand the legal process that follows. Being charged with a felony is a serious matter, and the consequences can be long-lasting. This guide will explain the steps that occur after a felony charge, from your first court appearance to the potential outcomes, and how having skilled legal representation can impact your case. At Sabol Mallory LLC, we understand how overwhelming the legal process can be, and we are here to help you navigate through it.

Dan Sabol

Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.‍

Chase Mallory

Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Meet the lawyers who make up the legal team at Sabol Mallory LLC. Read their individual bios and get to know more about their education, experience and accolades.

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What Happens After You’re Charged with a Felony in Ohio? What Happens After You’re Charged With a Felony in Ohio?

Being charged with a felony in Ohio is the beginning of a complex legal journey. Felonies are serious criminal offenses that can result in harsh penalties, including significant prison sentences and lasting consequences. It’s crucial to understand the process, your rights, and how a criminal defense attorney can help protect your future. Here is a breakdown of the steps you can expect after being charged with a felony.

Arrest and Initial Detention

After an arrest for a felony in Ohio, the process begins with your initial detention. Law enforcement officers will inform you of the charges against you. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, you may be released on bail or held in custody until your first court appearance. In cases where bail is granted, it will depend on factors such as the severity of the crime and your criminal history. If you’re unable to post bail, you will remain in custody until the arraignment. During this time, it’s critical to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can immediately begin investigating the case and advise you on your next steps. At Sabol Mallory LLC, we know how to approach your case from the outset to protect your rights and ensure that you’re treated fairly by law enforcement.

Arraignment: Your First Court Appearance

The next step after detention is the arraignment. This is where you’ll appear before a judge to hear the charges against you and enter your plea. If you’ve been charged with a felony, the arraignment is usually held within 48 hours of your arrest. During the arraignment, the judge will read the charges aloud and inform you of your rights. You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In Ohio, a “not guilty” plea is standard, and it allows your attorney to gather more information and prepare a defense strategy. At this stage, your defense attorney will also discuss bond and the conditions for your release, if applicable. It’s important to understand that this hearing is not the time for a detailed defense. It’s essentially the start of the legal process. However, it’s critical to have a lawyer like those at Sabol Mallory LLC on your side to ensure your plea is entered correctly, and that any bond conditions are fair.

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Chase Mallory is incredible. He is wonderful to work with and knows exactly what to do to help his clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. I highly recommend hiring Chase to help fight your battles. Bless you!

  • Erin R.

Dan Sabol is probably the best attorney I've ever worked with. Very professional and worked hard to get the best results possible. He will be the first person I call if I need a lawyer again. If you find yourself in a sticky situation make sure you give him a ring.

  • Christopher R.

I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Chase and I am very grateful!! They did amazing work to help me on my case. They are very helpful and get back with you in a timely manner whenever I had questions for them, which was very nice and reassuring.

  • Jessica H.

Pre-Trial Hearings and Investigations

After the arraignment, your case will proceed to pre-trial hearings. These hearings allow both the defense and the prosecution to prepare for trial. During this period, your attorney will work to investigate the evidence against you, review police reports, witness statements, and other materials that the prosecution plans to use. Pre-trial motions are also filed during this stage. These motions may challenge evidence that was obtained illegally or request that certain charges be dropped. In Ohio, pre-trial hearings play an important role in shaping the direction of the case, and they may even lead to a dismissal of charges or a reduction in the severity of the charges.

Plea Bargaining: A Potential Alternative to Trial

In many felony cases, plea bargaining is a key element of the process. This is when the prosecution and defense negotiate to reach a settlement before trial. Plea bargaining typically involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions. In Ohio, plea bargains are common, especially in cases where the evidence is overwhelming, or where the defendant has a limited criminal history. However, it’s essential to approach plea bargaining with caution. Your attorney at Sabol Mallory LLC will assess whether a plea bargain is truly in your best interest, or if it’s better to proceed with trial. Your legal counsel will negotiate with the prosecution to ensure you’re treated fairly and that your rights are preserved.

The Trial: If a Plea Agreement Is Not Reached

If you and the prosecution do not reach a plea agreement, your case will proceed to trial. Felony trials in Ohio are serious matters and can involve complex legal issues. The trial will be conducted in front of a judge or a jury, depending on the circumstances. In a jury trial, a group of citizens from the community will be selected to hear the case and render a verdict. During the trial, both the prosecution and the defense will present evidence, call witnesses, and make their respective arguments. Your attorney will cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and may present defense witnesses or evidence to support your case. The defense may also file motions during the trial, such as a motion for acquittal, if the evidence presented does not meet the burden of proof. In Ohio, felony trials can last several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. Your attorney will guide you through each phase, ensuring you understand your options and have the best chance at a favorable outcome. The attorneys at Sabol Mallory LLC have extensive trial experience and will provide strong defense counsel to fight for your rights.

Sentencing: What Happens If You’re Convicted

If you are convicted of a felony in Ohio, the next step is sentencing. Ohio has specific sentencing guidelines that judges follow, depending on the type of felony you were convicted of. Felonies are categorized into five degrees, with the most serious (first-degree felonies) carrying the harshest penalties. Sentencing in Ohio can result in prison time, fines, and other consequences such as probation. In some cases, the court may also impose additional penalties, such as restitution or community service. For serious felony convictions, prison sentences can range from a few years to life in prison. However, Ohio law also provides for the possibility of parole or early release under certain conditions. Your attorney can work to ensure that you receive the most favorable sentencing possible, and may argue for reduced sentences or alternative sentencing options such as rehabilitation programs or community control.

Post-Conviction: Appeals and Record Sealing

If you are convicted of a felony, there is still hope for appealing the conviction. In Ohio, you have the right to appeal a felony conviction if you believe there was a legal error during the trial. An appeal typically involves reviewing the trial record and raising issues such as improper jury instructions, evidence errors, or violations of your constitutional rights. The appeal process can be lengthy, but it may result in a reduction of the conviction, a new trial, or the reversal of the conviction. Even if you don’t win your appeal, it can have a significant impact on the sentencing phase or lead to a lesser sentence. In some cases, Ohio law also allows for the sealing or expungement of certain felony convictions. If you are eligible, your attorney may assist you in pursuing this option, which can help you move forward with a clean record.

Why You Need a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

The process that follows a felony charge in Ohio is complicated, and the consequences can be life-altering. Having a skilled attorney by your side is essential to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial. At Sabol Mallory LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients charged with felonies in Ohio. We understand the complexities of Ohio’s criminal justice system, and we are committed to providing the best defense possible. Whether you are at the early stages of your case, negotiating a plea, or preparing for trial, our team of attorneys will guide you every step of the way. We are here to help you understand the process, fight for your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with a felony in Ohio, it’s important to act quickly. Contact Sabol Mallory LLC for a free consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are ready to assist you and help protect your future. Visit https://sabolmallory.com to learn more about how we can help.

To learn more about this subject click here: Understanding Gun Charges in Columbus: When a Simple Possession Case Becomes a Felony

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