Providing Aggressive Defense For A Wide Range Of Felony Charges In Cincinnati

Some crimes are more severe than others. If you have been charged with a felony, your future and your freedom are at stake. Even if you have been wrongfully accused, having a strong legal advocate on your side is crucial.

At DeBra Law, LLC, Ryan DeBra is a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney with extensive experience fighting felony charges in Cincinnati and across Ohio. Under his leadership, our firm provides a high standard of service to everyone who comes to us. We listen and advocate for you, no matter what the charge ahead. Put us on your side today.

Understanding Sentencing For Felonies In Ohio

A felony is the most severe kind of criminal charge in Ohio. Felony offenses are acts that the government considers especially harmful or dangerous. As such, these crimes receive some of the harshest punishments. The categories of felonies and their penalties are divided into five categories.

First-Degree Felonies (F1)

First-degree felonies represent the most severe category of standard felony offenses in Ohio. A conviction carries up to a $20,000 fine and a prison sentence ranging from three to 11 years. Under Ohio’s Reagan Tokes Law, qualifying violent offenses may also be subject to indefinite sentencing, which can extend the maximum prison term even further based on behavior while incarcerated.

Common examples of first-degree felonies in Ohio include rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, voluntary manslaughter, high-level drug trafficking or manufacturing and theft of property valued at $1.5 million or more.

Second-Degree Felonies (F2)

Second-degree felonies are highly serious offenses, often involving significant violence, major property damage or large-scale drug operations. Convictions carry up to a $15,000 fine and a prison sentence of two to eight years. Many second-degree felonies carry a presumption of prison time, making alternative sentencing like probation extremely difficult to secure without an aggressive defense strategy. This includes offenses like felonious assault, aggravated arson, burglary, abduction, participation in a criminal gang and theft of property valued between $750,000 and $1.5 million.

Third-Degree Felonies (F3)

Third-degree felonies occupy a middle tier of severity, but they still carry substantial long-term consequences. A conviction can result in up to a $10,000 fine and a prison sentence ranging from nine months to three years (though certain specific offenses, such as certain sexual or violent crimes, can carry a jail period up to five years). The charges that fall into this category include sexual battery, perjury or bribery of a public official, reckless homicide or involuntary manslaughter and grand theft of property valued between $150,000 and $750,000, as well as the theft of specific items.

Fourth-Degree Felonies (F4)

Fourth-degree felonies are lower-level felonies, but a conviction still leaves a permanent mark on your record and carries jail time. These charges are subject to up to a $5,000 fine and a prison term of six months to 18 months. For first-time, non-violent offenders, there may be a presumption of community control (probation) rather than prison, depending on the specifics of the case. In Ohio, this can include motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, safecracking, felony DUI/OVI, domestic violence and theft of property valued between $7,500 and $150,000.

Fifth-Degree Felonies (F5)

Fifth-degree felonies are the lowest tier of felony charges in Ohio, but they must still be taken seriously. A conviction carries up to a $2,500 fine and a prison sentence of six months to one year. While courts frequently favor diversion programs, drug rehabilitation courts or community control over active prison time for F5 charges, a felony record will still severely damage your future opportunities. If you face allegations of breaking and entering an unoccupied property, forgery, identity theft, credit card fraud, low-level drug possession or theft of property valued between $1,000 and $7,500, you could be facing a fifth-degree felony charge.

Your Future is at Risk Without An Effective Defense 

When you face felony charges, your future hangs in the balance, making it critical to avoid lawyers who are not willing to go to trial. While many assume every defense attorney is ready to fight in front of a judge and jury, a surprising number prefer to avoid the courtroom entirely because trial work is incredibly demanding, time-consuming and unpredictable. 

In contrast, a skilled litigator treats the courtroom as an opportunity rather than something to fear, pressuring prosecutors to offer better terms because they know a trial will be fiercely contested. Choosing an attorney who lacks this litigation experience means fighting with one hand tied behind your back, so when your freedom is on the line, do not settle for an attorney who wants the easy way out instead of exploring every possible avenue for your defense.

Why Choose DeBra Law, LLC?

When facing complex legal challenges, confidence in your attorney both in and out of the courtroom is vital. At DeBra Law, LLC, founder Ryan DeBra delivers the thorough, honest and attentive advocacy required to tackle the most demanding criminal defense and family law cases in Cincinnati and across Ohio. Here is what sets our firm apart:

• Over a decade of trial experience: 
• A trusted criminal and family law advocate
• A personalized definition of success based on your case
• Constant communication

Do not navigate the legal system alone. Reach out to our attentive, dedicated team that will speak candidly about your situation and build a strategic plan with you.

Begin Building Your Defense Today With A Free Consultation

The first step to protecting your rights and preserving your future is to contact us. Our experienced legal team can work with you to examine all the evidence in your case and mount an effective defense to minimize the penalties that you face.

Time is of the essence. The sooner we get involved in your case, the sooner we can start protecting your rights. For a free and confidential consultation, please call us in Cincinnati at 513-548-5920 or complete our contact form.