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In the state of Ohio, crimes are categorized by the severity of the penalties that a conviction would bring. In general, misdemeanors carry lesser penalties, while felonies come with more serious consequences. If you’ve been charged, a criminal lawyer can evaluate the situation to explain exactly what's at stake. In the meantime, here is what you should know about the major differences between misdemeanors and felonies. 

What Is a Misdemeanor?

In general, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense for which a judge may impose a jail sentence of up to six months. This category also includes crimes that are not classified as either misdemeanors or felonies but carry up to one year in jail. There are five classes of misdemeanors in the state of Ohio.

First-degree offenses are the most serious and can result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Examples include petty theft, carrying a gun without a permit, and making false reports of child abuse.

Minor offenses, on the other hand, are the fifth class, and they are considered the least serious. A conviction for a minor misdemeanor does not come with a jail sentence but may result in up to $150 in fines. Examples include reckless driving, disorderly conduct, and failing to aid a law enforcement officer. 

What Is a Felony?

criminal lawyerCrimes that are specifically categorized as felonies come with a jail sentence of at least six months. Offenses that are not classified as either misdemeanors or felonies will also fall under this category if they carry a potential prison sentence of at least one year.

There are five classes of felonies, with first-degree offenses being the most serious, and fifth-degree offenses being the least. Rape, kidnapping, and voluntary manslaughter are examples of first-degree felonies and carry between 3 and 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Some examples of fifth-degree offenses, on the other hand—which come with a sentence of 6 to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500—include gambling and breaking and entering. 

 

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, turn to the criminal lawyers at Pater, Pater & Halverson. Since 1889, this firm has been helping clients throughout Butler County, OH, resolve all kinds of legal disputes. Today, the criminal lawyers on their team have more than 90 years of combined experience practicing law, and they are well-versed in a variety of areas, including personal injury law, estate planning, family law, and business law. To explore the various types of charges they can fight, visit their website. To request an initial consultation with a criminal lawyer, call (513) 867-1411.

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