At Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those that have been accused of or charged with a crime. We know that this can be a very difficult and frustrating time of your life, so we will work closely with you and strive to meet your needs and reach a positive result.
If you live in Central Ohio contact us today to schedule a free consultation immediately, so we can begin working on your case. As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we work with a wide range of different criminal charges, including both felonies and misdemeanors.
Misdemeanor charges can involve many different crimes, however, you must remember that certain acts can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their severity.
There are several offenses that are classified as misdemeanors, but here is a list of the most common misdemeanor charges with which you will need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney:
In the event that you are convicted, you could be facing jail time, fines, or both. Within misdemeanors, there are different levels of punishment that will determine your jail sentence or fine amount.
If you’re charged and convicted of a misdemeanor crime in Ohio, you will be given one of five degrees of punishment and their corresponding maximum penalties:
In addition to these legal consequences, you can be affected in your personal, professional, and academic life. When applying for college, jobs, or even housing, your conviction could prevent you from getting into your school of choice, company, or home that you were striving for.
Though misdemeanors can have serious, long-lasting consequences, they often do not compare to those of felonies.
Certain crimes could be determined to be a misdemeanor or felony. For example, if you’re charged with assault, it would likely be a misdemeanor if you were only threatening to hurt someone. If you went through with the threat and physically hurt that individual, on the other hand, it could be classified as a felony depending on the means used or the damage inflicted.
Felony charges can result in lengthy court proceedings. As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, we are not afraid to go to court as long as it’s in your best interest. We have represented clients with the following criminal charges, among others:
Regardless of your charge, we will be there to fight for your rights and your freedom from serving harsh prison sentences or large fines.
Much like misdemeanors, felonies have several different “levels” or “classes” to determine your punishment, ranging from first to fifth degree felonies as well as unclassified felonies. Here are examples of felony levels and their respective maximum punishments:
Felony punishments are much more severe than misdemeanor punishments. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 7 in 10 convicted felons either serve time in prison or jail, and those sentences averaged almost five years.
To increase your chances of avoiding a criminal conviction and harsh penalties, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately.
Schedule a free consultation with us today by filling out the brief submission form below or simply giving us a call.
Our firm — Heckert & Moreland Co., LPA — has determined attorneys with decades of crucial experience representing the criminally charged. Whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor, we can work with you to address your legal needs. Our Columbus, Ohio office serves all of Central Ohio and will travel throughout the state. Schedule a free consultation today
