If you or a loved one is facing felony charges in Greene County Ohio, understanding the legal process is essential to protecting your rights and navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. Whether you’re in Greene County or elsewhere in Ohio, the steps in a felony criminal case can be overwhelming. That’s where an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can make a crucial difference. At Ferguson Legal Group, we specialize in providing skilled legal representation for clients facing felony charges in Greene County and surrounding areas. In this blog, we’ll break down the basic steps of a felony criminal case in Ohio and highlight how our team at Ferguson Legal Group can guide you through each phase.
1. Investigation and Arrest
The first step in any criminal case is the investigation. In Ohio, law enforcement may conduct investigations involving a variety of activities such as surveillance, questioning witnesses, or gathering physical evidence. If the authorities have probable cause, they will arrest the individual suspected of committing a felony.
After an arrest, the suspect is typically booked at the local jail and then either released on bond or held pending further hearings. If you’re arrested in Greene County, it’s critical to consult with an attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected. The team at Ferguson Legal Group has extensive experience working with local law enforcement and can provide immediate advice during this crucial phase.
2. Initial Appearance / Arraignment
After the arrest, the defendant is brought before a judge for an arraignment, usually within 48 hours. During this hearing, the judge formally reads the charges against the defendant. The defendant also has the opportunity to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
At this stage, bail or bond is often discussed, and the court may set conditions for release. For clients facing felony charges, it’s important to have an attorney from Ferguson Legal Group present at the arraignment to provide counsel and advocate for a reasonable bail amount.
3. Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury
Ohio felony cases may proceed in two different ways after the arraignment: through a preliminary hearing or a grand jury indictment.
- Preliminary Hearing: If the case proceeds to a preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to convince the judge that there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. The defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence presented.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For most serious felonies, the case is presented to a grand jury, which will decide whether there is enough evidence to formally charge the defendant with a felony. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the case will move forward.
At Ferguson Legal Group, our attorneys are adept at challenging evidence and advocating for our clients, ensuring that even the early stages of the case are handled with precision and skill.
4. Pre-Trial and Discovery
After an indictment or a finding of probable cause, the case enters the pre-trial phase. During this phase, both the defense and prosecution exchange evidence and information in what’s called discovery. The prosecution must provide the defense with evidence they intend to use in court, including police reports, witness statements, and any forensic evidence. Similarly, the defense may present evidence that could support the client’s case.
In many felony cases, pre-trial motions are filed to suppress evidence, challenge the legality of the arrest, or request a change of venue. At Ferguson Legal Group, we work diligently during the pre-trial phase to investigate every aspect of the case, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
5. Plea Bargaining
Before a case goes to trial, plea bargaining may take place. This is a negotiation between the defense attorney and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for waiving their right to trial.
The decision to accept a plea deal can be complex. It requires a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. The team at Ferguson Legal Group has extensive experience negotiating favorable plea agreements for our clients. We take the time to explain the pros and cons of a plea deal and work hard to secure the best possible outcome for each individual client.
6. Trial
If a plea agreement cannot be reached, the case moves to trial. A felony trial in Ohio takes place in a common pleas court, and the defendant has the right to a trial by jury or by judge alone. During the trial, both the defense and the prosecution present their evidence and arguments. The defense has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
A felony trial requires skilled legal representation. At Ferguson Legal Group, we provide aggressive and effective defense strategies, ensuring that every detail of the case is thoroughly examined and that your rights are fully protected throughout the trial process.
7. Verdict and Sentencing
After the trial, the jury or judge will render a verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will schedule a sentencing hearing. Ohio has strict sentencing guidelines for felony convictions, but the judge will consider factors such as the defendant’s criminal history, the nature of the offense, and any mitigating circumstances.
In some cases, the defense may present evidence at sentencing to argue for a lighter sentence, such as probation or a reduction in prison time. At Ferguson Legal Group, we work tirelessly to explore all avenues for reducing the sentence, including presenting mitigating factors and negotiating with the prosecution.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights
Facing felony charges in Ohio is a serious matter, and the legal process can be daunting. Whether you’re in Greene County or any other part of Ohio, you need an experienced and dedicated attorney to guide you through each step of the process. At Ferguson Legal Group, we pride ourselves on our commitment to clients, our knowledge of local courts, and our ability to provide personalized defense strategies. If you are facing felony charges, contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward a favorable outcome.
Are you facing a felony criminal case in Greene County Ohio?
Call Ferguson Legal Group today – 937-502-1040.
Protecting YOU is what we do.
