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Columbus, Ohio Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence is more complicated than other areas of criminal law. Accusations are often based on hearsay or various interpretations of the facts. Ohio law recognizes various types of domestic violence, such as recklessly or knowingly inflicting physical harm on a victim. However, Ohio law also recognizes the threat of violence as a form of domestic violence.
The charges may be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending mainly on your specific circumstances, your prior criminal history, and the injuries, if any. Penalties upon conviction depend largely on whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
Attorney Jay Perez has over 20 years of experience handling domestic and family law cases in court. A Columbus criminal defense lawyer with this breadth of knowledge gives you a critical inside edge when dealing with domestic violence defense cases.
Sentencing Guidelines
Federal
When it comes to criminal cases in Columbus, in federal court, The United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply to those convicted of felonies and Class A misdemeanors. The guidelines determine sentences based on two factors: the conduct associated with the offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
There are 43 offense levels and six criminal history categories. There are four sentencing zones that determine incarceration length. The offense level and the criminal history category will determine which zone your matter will fall in.
There can be modifications to this which are called adjustments, and further, during sentencing, there can be departures, meaning deviations upward or downward from the guidelines depending on a number of circumstances.
Federal law is multifaceted, and being found guilty under federal law typically involves strict punishments and long prison terms. If you’re facing federal charges, it’s critical that you hire a criminal defense lawyer with considerable experience in navigating the federal system.
Ohio
Ohio classifies Misdemeanors into 5 levels: M1, M2, M3, M4, and MM. M1 is the most serious and MM (Minor misdemeanor) is the least serious. Felony offenses call into 5 levels as well: F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. First-degree felonies are the most serious category, while fifth-degree felonies are the least serious. With both misdemeanors and felonies, there are numerous factors that can determine a sentence.
| Felony Level | Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|
F1 |
3-11 years |
$20,000 |
|
F2 |
2-8 years |
$15,000 |
|
F3 |
12-60 months** or 9-36 months |
$10,000 |
|
F4 |
6-18 months |
$5,000 |
|
F5 |
6-12 months |
$2,500 |
**Longer sentence range applies to aggravated vehicular homicide and assaults, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, sex with a minor, and robbery and burglary with two or more separate aggravated or non-aggravated robberies or burglaries as well as certain F-3 drug offenses
| Misdemeanor Level | Jail Time | Maximum Fine |
|
M1 |
Up to 180 days |
$1,000 |
|
M2 |
Up to 90 days |
$750 |
|
M3 |
Up to 60 days |
$500 |
|
M4 |
Up to 30 days |
$250 |
|
MM |
None |
$150 |
The sentencing guidelines in Ohio are complex and subject to many different factors. If you are facing any sentence in the Ohio legal system, a Columbus criminal defense attorney at Jay Perez Law has the requisite experience, passion, and insight to help you minimize your sentence to the greatest extent possible.
A Columbus Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You With Your Case
If you’ve been arrested, make sure your first call is to reach out to Jay Perez Law. It’s imperative that you gain quality representation and a strong legal advocate as early as possible. Acting without delay places you in the best position to reach a favorable outcome.
Attorney Jay Perez has years of experience handling criminal defense cases and the positive case results to prove his efficacy. Contact us 24/7 to schedule your consultation.