The Defense Representation You Need When Facing Misdemeanor Or Felony Charges

When you’ve been charged with a crime, your rights, freedom and financial security may all be on the line. You can’t afford to face these charges alone or to work with a novice attorney. You need an experienced and aggressive legal team like ours at McManus & McManus Attorneys at Law. Whether you’ve been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, we offer zealous and trial-tested defense strategies designed to help you achieve the most favorable resolution available in your case.

Misdemeanor Vs. Felony: What’s The Difference?

In nearly every state, the two broad classifications of criminal offenses include misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are considered less serious (but should not be treated lightly), with a maximum sentence (in Ohio) of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

By contrast, felonies are associated with sentences of more than six months in jail and fines exceeding $1,000. There is a huge sentencing range for felonies, from the minimum described above to life in prison and fines totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

Crimes are further broken down into degrees. In Ohio, for instance, felonies fall into six categories. In increasing order of seriousness, they include fifth-degree through first-degree felonies. There is also a category of unclassified felonies. Each of these categories comes with different sentencing guidelines for prison time and fines.

Misdemeanors follow a similar classification structure. The lowest level is a minor misdemeanor, followed by fourth, third, second and first-degree misdemeanors.

Prosecutorial Discretion, Repeat Offenses And The Need For A Good Defense Attorney

Some offenses are always charged a certain way, while others can be charged in a variety of ways depending on the facts of the case, a defendant’s previous convictions and, importantly, the discretion of prosecutors.

Drunk driving is a good example of a crime that often starts as a misdemeanor but can be charged as a felony based on repeat offenses and aggravating factors, such as causing an accident resulting in bodily injury or death.

An experienced defense attorney like those at our firm can play a critical role in your case even before charges are filed. Based on our knowledge and decades of experience, we may be able to petition or negotiate for reduced charges or outright dismissal of the charges. Once the charges have been established, we can then set to work crafting the strongest possible defense strategy or discuss alternative ways to resolve them.

You Can’t Afford To Wait – Reach Out Today

McManus & McManus Attorneys at Law serves clients throughout Ohio and Michigan. During your initial consultation, we will assess your charges, examine the facts of your case and discuss your various legal options. To get started, call our office in Toledo at 419-922-8172 or send us a message online.