High-Stakes Felony Representation

Aggressive Felony Charge Defense in Southwest Ohio

Aggressive Trial Defense for All Felony Degrees in Ohio

At the Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA, we deliver formidable legal defense for individuals indicted on felony charges across Warren, Montgomery, Butler, and Hamilton County Common Pleas Courts. A felony charge is the most serious criminal classification in Ohio, carrying potential state prison sentences, heavy fines, post-release control supervision, and permanent loss of voting and firearm rights.

Our felony criminal defense practice handles every felony classification, including:

First & Second Degree Felonies (F1/F2): Defending high-severity allegations involving violent crimes, major drug trafficking, and severe property offenses.
Third Degree Felonies (F3): Managing serious felony charges carrying mandatory state prison specifications.
Fourth & Fifth Degree Felonies (F4/F5): Fighting initial felony charges to achieve reductions, dismissals, or diversion entry.
Grand Jury Indictment Defense: Intervening prior to grand jury proceedings to present exculpatory evidence.

What Do I Do If Facing Felony Charges?

Felony charges in Common Pleas Court move through preliminary hearings and grand jury indictments. Protect your freedom with these steps:

1. State Identity & Demand Legal Representation

Provide name and ID: Hand over physical identification upon arrest or court appearance.
Refuse police interrogations: Decline all detective questioning and police station interviews.

2. Prepare for Bond Hearings in Municipal or Common Pleas Court

Argue for reasonable bond: Work with defense counsel to present community ties, employment history, and lack of flight risk.
Avoid jail phone disclosures: Never discuss facts of your felony charge over jail communications.

3. Audit Grand Jury Indictments & Prosecution Evidence

Inspect grand jury language: Verify that indictments satisfy statutory specifications.
File motions to suppress: Challenge unconstitutionally obtained evidence, searches, or statements.

4. Partner with Established Common Pleas Litigators

Decades of trial experience: Hire defense litigators familiar with Common Pleas judges in Warren (Lebanon) and Montgomery (Dayton) counties.
Former bench & prosecutorial authority: The Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA utilizes over 50 years of courtroom experience for your acquittal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Charges Defense in Ohio

What are the felony degrees and prison sentences in Ohio?

Ohio felonies are classified into five degrees: Fifth Degree (F5: 6-12 months), Fourth Degree (F4: 6-18 months), Third Degree (F3: 9-36 months or 2-5 years), Second Degree (F2: 2-8 years), and First Degree (F1: 3-11+ years). Major felonies can also carry indefinite sentencing under the Reagan Tokes Law.

What is a Preliminary Hearing versus a Grand Jury Indictment in Ohio?

A preliminary hearing occurs in Municipal Court to determine if probable cause exists to bind your case over to Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors often bypass this by presenting evidence secretly to a County Grand Jury, which issues a formal indictment.

Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Ohio?

Yes. Skilled criminal defense attorneys negotiate with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors through plea bargaining, demonstrating evidentiary weaknesses, or securing entry into diversion programs like Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC).

What happens at a felony arraignment in Common Pleas Court?

At a Common Pleas arraignment, the judge officially reads the grand jury indictment, accepts your plea (typically Not Guilty), and sets bond conditions (cash, surety, or own recognizance) governing your release pending trial.