Unwavering Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in Ohio
Violent crimes are typically criminal acts committed against people. They involve threatening, attempting, or carrying out acts of violence against others, often putting them at risk of experiencing serious harm or even death. It is the nature of violent crimes that makes them harshly prosecuted and severely punished. For the most serious violent crime—murder—a person could face life in prison.
At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we believe in every American’s constitutional right to defense counsel. Our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing the most serious allegations, including those involving violent crimes. We know that years or even decades of your life may be on the line. That is why we deliver unwavering representation based on carefully thought-out strategies that grant our clients the best opportunity at reaching a positive result—one that does not deprive them of their freedom.
You must act fast if you’ve been arrested for or even accused of a crime. Contact a violent crime lawyer at our Cleveland office today by calling(440) 471-7784.
Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle
In Ohio, violent crimes may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The classification of the offense and the penalties that may be enforced will depend on the nature of the alleged crime as well as any prior offenses and whether the alleged victim is a child, elderly or disabled person, or peace officer. Most violent crimes, however, are felonies.
The following may be considered “Offenses of Violence” in Ohio:
- Murder
- Arson
- Manslaughter
- Assault
- Child abuse
- Kidnapping
- Extortion
- Human trafficking
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Terrorism
- Robbery
- Aggravated burglary
- Riot
- Domestic violence
- Intimidation
Conspiring or attempting to commit any of these offenses can also be considered a violent crime.
With decades of collective experience and former prosecutors on our team, our Cleveland violent crime lawyers can competently handle any of these cases. We have taken more than 200 cases to trial. This type of courtroom experience makes all the difference when dealing with violent crime charges, and we do everything in our power to help each client avoid the serious repercussions of a conviction.
Penalties for Felony Violent Crimes in Cleveland, OH
The penalties for violent crimes in Ohio depend on whether the offense is considered a felony of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth degree. A first-degree felony, for example, may be punishable by a minimum of 3 to 11 years in prison. A second-degree felony may be punishable by a minimum of 2 to 8 years in prison. A third-degree felony may be punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison at maximum.
First- and second-degree felonies committed after March 22, 2019, that are not punishable by life in prison are subject to “indefinite” sentencing. The judge will have the discretion to select a minimum sentence for the crime based on a specified range of penalties and then add 50% to that number to find the maximum term.
Then there are unclassified felonies. These are the most serious felony offenses, punishable by 15 years to life in prison. Murder and aggravated murder are both violent crimes that are considered unclassified felonies.
Contact Patituce & Associates, LLC Today
Whether you have been accused of a first domestic violence offense or are facing manslaughter charges, your choice of legal counsel will directly impact your future. Your attorney is the only person standing between you and a prison cell, so you need to be certain that you choose the right firm to handle your violent crime case. At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we welcome you to find out for yourself what has earned us a reputation as a leading Cleveland defense firm. Contact our Cleveland violent crime defense attorneys online or at (440) 471-7784 today to discuss your case, your rights, and the ways Patituce & Associates, LLC can protect you.