Felony Attorney in Willoughby, OH

While the mere accusation of a serious crime can ruin your reputation, a conviction for such charges will affect the rest of your life. You could not only lose your dignity, you could also lose your job, your family and your rights. If you are facing a felony charge in Ohio, hire an experienced Willoughby felony lawyer immediately.

Contact Lallo & Feldman in Lake County and Cleveland at (440) 953-0362 to discuss your case during a free consultation. Our lawyers will review your charges and let you know your options.

An Experienced Attorney Makes A Difference

A criminal defense attorney who has significant experience representing clients charged with serious crimes can mean the difference between prison and freedom.

With the possibility of a mandatory life sentence, you want a lawyer who knows which defenses can work and which ones typically fail.

At the law office of Lallo & Feldman we can represent you if you are charged with any felony, including:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Homicide/Murder
• Felonious assault
• Rape
• Arson
• Sex crimes

An experienced criminal defense attorney is necessary when you face felony charges. In order to avoid prison and protect your rights and your freedom, you need a criminal defense attorney who can assist you through the court system and explain your options to you every step of the way.

Understanding Serious Felony Offenses in Willoughby

Serious felony charges carry lasting consequences for individuals and communities in Downtown Willoughby, Lost Nation, and Chagrin River Road. In Willoughby, the violent crime rate is about 1.789 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. In 2022, Ohio reported 28,566 violent crimes, including 16,657 aggravated assaults, 6,146 robberies, 5,115 rapes, and 648 homicides.

A high-profile case unfolded in September 2025, when 20-year-old Damonte Perry of Euclid was fatally shot on Fox Run Drive in Willoughby. After being treated at Lake West Hospital and flown to University Hospitals, Perry died from his injuries. Days later, three adults and two juveniles faced charges tied to the shooting, ranging from aggravated robbery to weapons offenses. 

Common Felonies in Willoughby

Ohio’s criminal laws carry harsh penalties for felonies. Aggravated assault is one of the most common charges that can lead to a felony conviction. When someone uses a weapon in the commission of an attack, the consequences for the assailant can be especially harsh. Certain drug-related offenses, such as trafficking or distribution, can also lead to felony charges when there are large quantities of drugs involved. 

Property crimes like burglary can leave defendants facing felony charges, especially when the stolen items are of high value. Weapons violations are another serious concern. The use of firearms in connection with a crime carries the potential for harsh penalties. 

Homicide and rape are two of the most serious offenses that can lead to serious criminal penalties. Unlike misdemeanor charges, felony offenses carry the potential for mandatory minimum sentences and lengthy felony charges. 

Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction can lead to immediate and life-altering consequences. Confinement in prison is the most consequential punishment tied to felony charges. Many felony charges carry minimum sentences that are carried out at the Ohio State Penitentiary, Marion Correctional Institution, and Chillicothe Correctional Institution. Confinement in prison begins immediately after a conviction. 

Beyond prison time, someone facing a felony conviction would have to contend with the consequences of a serious criminal record. Being designated a “felon” in Ohio carries serious consequences that can lead to lost job opportunities and challenges securing housing. Employers and landlords often screen applicants for criminal records, and a felony conviction would be a serious red flag.  

Why You Should Hire a Felony Lawyer

If you are facing a felony offense, your top priority should be to hire a felony lawyer who has handled felony cases. A Willoughby felony attorney understands state felony laws and how to shield clients from the consequences of a serious conviction. Their years of experience inform them on the right legal defense strategy that can beat your charges. 

Having an attorney provides you with the resources you need to understand your charges and the potential outcomes of any direction your defense takes. Whether your case resolves through negotiations with prosecutors, filing motions to suppress evidence, or going to trial, an attorney provides invaluable legal support and services focused on protecting your freedom and safeguarding your future. 

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Felony Case?

A: The cost of an attorney for a felony case depends on their years of experience, reputation, and how much time and resources they put into your case. Felony cases are complex and require a considerable investment of time by attorneys. Some criminal attorneys charge a flat rate, while others bill by the hour. While legal fees are never insignificant, they are often seen as a worthwhile investment when it comes to safeguarding a defendant’s rights and freedom. 

Q: Can a Felony Be Dropped in Ohio?

A: A felony charge can be dropped by prosecutors when there is insufficient evidence to move forward with a case. Defense lawyers play an active role in chipping away at the prosecution’s case. They can weaken the state’s case by finding weaknesses and inconsistencies in the state’s narrative of events. Whether a witness is found not to be credible or an unlawful arrest leads to suppressed evidence, an attorney can play a critical role in protecting the rights of a client. 

Q: What Defense Can Beat a Felony Charge?

A: One way an attorney can help a defendant beat a felony charge is by finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Any evidence that proves that no crime occurred or that the defendant cannot be tied to the criminal act can lead to reduced or dropped charges. Another defense strategy could focus on questioning the criminal intent behind the incident. Self-defense, for example, is a viable strategy that could weaken the state’s case significantly. 

Q: What Are My Rights as a Defendant?

A: As a defendant, you have many rights. You have the right to hire an attorney and have protection from unlawful searches. This means that law enforcement cannot search your home or property without a valid warrant. That right also applies to being pulled over. If police did not have a valid reason to pull you over, any evidence they collect could be suppressed. You also have the right to remain silent and avoid questions that could incriminate you.

Q: Can Felony Charges Be Reduced?

A: Yes, criminal charges can be reduced to a lesser charge. Your attorney can scrutinize the evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged to your advantage. If the prosecution no longer has evidence to support a felony charge but still believes a crime was committed, they may choose to reduce the charge. Plea bargaining can also lead to reduced charges that can protect you from the harsh consequences of a felony conviction. 

Facing Criminal Charges? Call Us Today

Felony charges carry consequences that can threaten your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. A conviction may lead to a permanent criminal record, prison time, and steep fines. At Lallo & Feldman Co., we are committed to protecting your rights and building a strong defense against serious accusations.

With guidance from a Willoughby felony lawyer, you gain the support of an advocate who understands Ohio’s complex criminal laws and the strategies needed to challenge the prosecution’s case. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take action to safeguard your future.