Felonies Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio & Covington, Kentucky

Most people understand that there are two basic levels of crimes: misdemeanor and felony charges. However, they may fail to understand exactly why felonies are so much more serious than misdemeanors, and why it’s so important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’ve been arrested for crimes classified as felonies. 

At Ganote Law, LLC, we’re committed to truly listening to all our clients and understanding their stories so we can better advocate on their behalf. With locations in both Cincinnati, Ohio & Covington, Kentucky, we can serve clients in the greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky areas including Hamilton, Clermont County, and Butler, Ohio, as well as Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties in Kentucky. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and start taking control of your future. 

Crimes Classified as Felonies in Kentucky   

Like most states, Kentucky defines a felony as any crime that can come with a penalty of a year or more in prison. By contrast, a misdemeanor crime is reserved for charges that may bring with them under a year in jail. Importantly, there’s a distinction to be made between time served at a state prison and at a local jail. That said, there are a wide variety of crimes that are classified as felonies which could include: 
 

• Murder 

• Kidnapping 

• Rape 

• Arson 

• Assault with a deadly weapon 

• First-degree robbery 

• Theft by extortion 

• Second-degree manslaughter 

• Skipping out on bail for a felony charge 
  

Classes of Felonies in Kentucky   

Within the larger umbrella category of felonies, the state further divides these crimes into different felony classes, from Class A to Class D with capital offenses remaining in their own class. By definition, a capital offense is potentially punishable by death and includes only two of the most serious crimes: murder and kidnapping that results in the death of the kidnapping victim. 

From here, the classes increase in severity with Class D felonies carrying the least severe punishments and Class A carrying the most severe. Examples of a Class D felony would be stalking in violation of a restraining order or drug possession, a Class C felony would be first-degree strangulation or trafficking in controlled substances, a Class B felony first-degree robbery or sodomy, and a Class A felony would be first-degree rape or grand larceny. 

The Legal Process of a Felony Charge  

When you’re facing a case like this, it’s essential to know what to expect when charged with a felony.  

1. Arrest: Naturally, the first step in this process begins with the actual arrest where you will likely be brought to jail and held there until your arraignment.  

2. Determine charges: Next, typically the arresting officer will report the crime to the district attorney who will then review your case to see if there’s enough evidence to bring charges upon you. If there are, a written complaint will be issued. 

3. Bond Hearing: In some minor cases, a bond may be set soon after you’re arrested, but in most felony cases you’ll need to attend a formal bond hearing with a judge who will determine how much your bail will be or whether to allow bail at all. You will also be scheduled for a trial date. 

4. Negotiations: In most cases, before your trial date comes around, lawyers for the prosecution and the defense will enter into negotiations with one another in hopes of striking a plea bargain. However, this is largely contingent on what you’ve decided to plead yourself. This step can save time and can often result in a lesser sentence than you would have received if your case had gone to trial. However, you and your legal team may decide you have a better chance at a favorable outcome by going to trial.  

5. Trial: If you’re unable or unwilling to settle on a plea agreement, your case will go to trial where both sides will present evidence, call forward witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses before a judge or jury. 

6. Sentencing: After the judge or jury has had time to deliberate and come to a verdict, you will then be sentenced according to the predefined minimum and maximum prison sentence depending on the felony class your charges are in.  

Possible Penalties  

The actual penalty for felony offenses that you receive will be dependent on the circumstances of your case and whether or not you were able to strike a plea deal with the prosecution. However, some common consequences for a felony conviction in Kentucky can include a minimum of one year in prison to life in prison and fines from $1,000 to $10,000. Every single case, though, is unique.