Facing a felony charge in Northwest Ohio is a stressful experience. Understanding the journey ahead is the first step toward regaining control. If you’re facing charges for a felony offense, you might be wondering how felony cases move through the Lake County Court of Common Pleas in Painesville, Ohio. This guide covers exactly how criminal matters move through the court system and what to expect at every turn.
Ohio Felony Basics
In Ohio, a felony is the most serious category of criminal offense. It is different from a misdemeanor because of the potential severity of punishment if convicted. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.02, a felony conviction in Ohio is punishable by at least six months to multiple years of incarceration in a state prison facility and carries serious financial penalties.
In this country, there are already almost 2 million individuals behind bars across 1,566 state and 98 federal prisons. For this reason, consider working with a lawyer who can review your specific charges and build a strong defense so you can potentially avoid the most serious consequences for your felony case. Plus, a lawyer can explain how your felony case moves through the judicial system beyond what’s covered here.
How Felony Cases Move Through the Lake County Court of Common Pleas in Painesville, Ohio
All felony matters in Painesville travel through the Lake County Court of Common Pleas, located at 47 North Park Place. The Common Pleas Court features four judges who are randomly assigned to about a thousand new felony cases every year. Felony cases follow a structured sequence:
- Commencement & Preliminary Municipal Stage. Before cases ever reach a judge, they usually originate in a lower municipal court. If the underlying municipal judge finds probable cause, the case moves along to the Lake County Common Pleas Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment. The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office presents confidential evidence to a grand jury. If the grand jury finds sufficient probable cause, it prepares a formal written charge, called an indictment. A prosecutor may decide to bypass the preliminary hearing step and present directly to the grand jury, which is called a “direct indictment.”
- Arraignment at Common Pleas. Once indicted, the case formally enters the Lake County Court of Common Pleas in Painesville. There, the defendant appears before their randomly assigned Common Pleas judge. Most defendants enter a formal plea of “Not Guilty” at this stage, and their judge reviews, adjusts, or continues the bond conditions.
- Discovery. This is an extensive information exchange and often involves negotiations between the involved parties. The defense attorney typically files motions to compel the prosecution to hand over all evidence, including police reports, bodycam footage, and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Conference. This allows attorneys to meet with the judge to discuss legal concerns, scheduling, and potential plea negotiations. Also, the defense may file motions to suppress evidence, or your attorney may consider motions to dismiss charges if your constitutional rights were violated.
- Resolution. The parties may reach a plea agreement, or your case proceeds to trial. While the vast majority of felony cases resolve without having to go to trial, every person accused of a felony retains the right to a trial. Under Ohio law, defendants can opt for a bench trial where the judge decides the verdict without a jury. Or, you may have your case heard by a jury that must reach a unanimous decision.
- Sentencing. If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the process concludes with a sentencing hearing. Penalties range from probation to life in prison.
FAQs
How Can a Lawyer Help With a Felony Charge?
A lawyer can provide comprehensive help with a felony charge. In Ohio, the violent crime rate is about 294 incidents per 100,000 people. If you’re facing felony charges, understanding crime data is important. High crime rates mean that police and prosecutors may be under high pressure to get convictions. This raises the stakes if you’re accused of a felony.
A lawyer understands what’s at stake and can work to protect your rights and your freedom.
What Kind of Felony Cases Go to the Common Pleas Court?
Many different kinds of adult felony cases go to the Common Pleas Court in Ohio, including:
- Violent Crimes. Capital murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and aggravated robbery.
- Sex Offenses. Rape, sexual battery, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Drug Offenses. Major drug trafficking, illegal manufacturing, and felony possession of controlled substances.
- Theft and Fraud Crimes.
- White-Collar and Financial Crimes. Embezzlement, money laundering, and large-scale racketeering.
- Repeat OVI and DUI Offenses.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Felony Lawyer?
It is challenging to provide information about what it costs to hire a felony lawyer in Ohio because all lawyers may set their own rates for their work. Lawyers base their rates upon their experience level, the amount of time they expect to spend on your felony case, and other attorney-specific and case-specific factors. If you’re ready to hire a criminal defense lawyer, be sure to ask what’s included in their written fee agreement.
Can I Handle My Own Criminal Defense for My Felony Charge?
While you can handle your own criminal defense for your felony charge in Ohio, it’s not usually recommended that you do so. Many people representing themselves make mistakes that cost them time and money. On the other hand, when you work with a lawyer, it is the single most effective way to build a strong defense and protect your Constitutional rights.
Hire a Felony Lawyer Serving Painesville: Contact Lallo & Feldman Co.
To hire a felony lawyer, reach out to Lallo & Feldman Co., L.P.A.. Our Painesville felony attorneys have a strong understanding of state felony laws. From Heisley Park to Derby Drive, locals in Painesville trust us for their criminal defense work. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we are skilled professionals who provide zealous advocacy for people and families across the state of Ohio.
Contact us to schedule an initial strategy session and consultation with an experienced defense lawyer at Lallo & Feldman Co., L.P.A.
