Being charged with a serious crime in Cleveland, Ohio, can change your life in an instant. Whether you’re facing an accusation of murder, aggravated robbery, drug trafficking, or any other felony offense, the consequences are severe—years or even decades in prison, permanent loss of civil rights, damage to your reputation, and the burden of living with a criminal record.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we understand the fear and uncertainty that come with facing felony charges. Our goal is to protect your rights, provide clarity through the legal process, and deliver a powerful defense at every stage. Whether you’ve just been arrested or have already been indicted, our experienced legal team is here to fight for your future.
We serve clients throughout Cleveland, Ohio, and maintain offices in Independence, Columbus, and Oxford, Ohio, allowing us to offer representation across the state. When your freedom is on the line, you deserve a legal team with the knowledge, integrity, and courtroom skill to handle even the most serious criminal cases.
Felony Charges Our Firm Handles
Felony charges in Ohio are divided into five degrees, with first-degree felonies carrying the most severe penalties, including up to 11 years in prison per count. Certain crimes, such as murder or aggravated murder, carry life sentences. Below are the
serious felony charges we routinely defend in Cleveland, Ohio, and surrounding areas.
Murder
Murder is the unlawful and intentional killing of another human being. In Ohio, this charge falls under ORC § 2903.02 and is classified as an unclassified felony, which carries:
- 15 years to life in prison
- Additional years for use of a firearm or if the victim was a law enforcement officer
- Lifetime parole and loss of civil rights
Murder charges in Cleveland, Ohio are prosecuted aggressively and require a meticulous, strategic defense from the very beginning.
Attempted Murder
Attempted murder involves taking substantial steps toward unlawfully killing someone but failing to complete the act. This offense is a first-degree felony under ORC § 2923.02, punishable by:
- 3 to 11 years in prison per count
- Up to $20,000 in fines
- Mandatory prison time for certain aggravating circumstances
Our attorneys in Cleveland, Independence, and Columbus, Ohio, have successfully defended clients against attempted murder charges by challenging intent, witness credibility, and physical evidence.
Manslaughter
Voluntary
manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person in the heat of passion or sudden provocation. Involuntary manslaughter involves unintentional killing during the commission of a misdemeanor or felony.
- Voluntary: First-degree felony, 3–11 years in prison
- Involuntary: Third-degree felony, 9–36 months in prison
These charges often arise from high-emotion incidents like domestic disputes or bar fights in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault in Ohio is classified under rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition laws, depending on the level of contact and consent.
- Rape (ORC § 2907.02): First-degree felony
- Sexual Battery: Second-degree felony
- Gross Sexual Imposition: Third- or fourth-degree felony
Penalties include years in prison, lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender, and severe social consequences. If you’re accused in Cleveland, Independence, or Oxford, Ohio, contact a defense lawyer immediately.
Attempted Rape and Other Sex Crimes
Attempted rape involves taking steps toward committing rape but not completing the act. Charges such as unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, child enticement, and voyeurism also fall under this category.
- Attempted rape: Second-degree felony
- Unlawful sexual conduct: Varies by age difference (3rd or 4th degree)
- Voyeurism: Misdemeanor or felony based on circumstances
Convictions lead to long-term or lifetime sex offender registration in Cleveland, Ohio, and can make employment and housing nearly impossible.
Sex Offender Registration Violations
Failing to register as a sex offender, update your address, or comply with reporting requirements is a felony offense under ORC § 2950.99. Penalties vary depending on your registration tier and history but can include:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Additional sex offender restrictions
- Reclassification to a higher tier
These cases are particularly common in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, where monitoring is strict.
Drug Crimes
Possession
- Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine: Fifth- to first-degree felonies
- Marijuana: Felony only for large-scale possession
- Penalties: 6 months to 11 years, depending on amount
Distribution & Trafficking
- Drug trafficking is a second- or first-degree felony under ORC § 2925.03
- Sentences increase if near schools, juveniles, or large quantities
Manufacturing
- Growing marijuana, producing meth, or synthesizing crack cocaine
- Often charged as first-degree felonies
- Can lead to federal charges, especially in Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio
Convictions may carry mandatory prison time, asset forfeiture, and a permanent felony record.
Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery involves committing a robbery with a weapon, causing harm, or implying possession of a weapon. This is a first-degree felony and includes:
- 3–11 years in prison
- Up to $20,000 in fines
- Restitution to victims
Aggravated robbery is a common charge in urban areas like Cleveland, Ohio, and must be defended with urgency and experience.
Carjacking
Carjacking is considered a form of aggravated robbery or felony theft involving a motor vehicle. It often carries:
- First-degree felony status
- Enhanced penalties for use of force or presence of passengers
- Vehicle forfeiture and long-term parole
Prosecutors in Oxford, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio, seek lengthy sentences in carjacking cases.
Burglary
Burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside.
- First-degree: Occupied structure at night (3–11 years)
- Second-degree: Occupied structure (2–8 years)
- Third-degree: Unoccupied structure (9–36 months)
In Cleveland, Ohio, enhanced penalties apply if a weapon was used or someone was present.
Felonious Assault
This offense involves knowingly causing serious harm or using a deadly weapon.
- Second-degree felony
- 2–8 years in prison
- Additional time if victim is law enforcement or medical personnel
Felonious assault charges often arise from bar fights, domestic violence incidents, or road rage in Cleveland, Independence, and Columbus, Ohio.
Domestic Assault and Battery
When violence or threats of violence occur within a household or intimate relationship, domestic violence may be charged. Felony charges apply if:
- There’s a prior conviction
- A weapon was used
- Serious harm was inflicted
Penalties in Ohio include:
- Up to 18 months in prison (for 4th-degree felony)
- Mandatory counseling and protection orders
- Loss of firearm rights
Arson
Arson involves knowingly setting fire to property or structures. In Ohio, aggravated arson (ORC § 2909.02) is a first-degree felony if:
- The structure was occupied
- A person was harmed
- The purpose was to defraud
Sentences in Cleveland, Ohio, can range from 3 to 11 years, with added restitution and insurance consequences.
Weapons Crimes
Common felony-level gun and weapon offenses in Ohio include:
- Possession by a convicted felon
- Carrying concealed weapons without a permit
- Trafficking in weapons
Penalties range from six months to 10 years, depending on the offense. In cities like Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, prosecutors often file weapons charges alongside drug or robbery charges.
White-Collar Crimes
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
Most white-collar crimes are fifth- to second-degree felonies with penalties including:
- 6 months to 8 years in prison
- Restitution and fines
- Loss of professional licenses
Our attorneys in Cleveland, Independence, and Oxford, Ohio, understand how to analyze financial records, challenge evidence, and negotiate reduced charges or civil settlements.
Death Penalty in Ohio
If you’ve been charged with a serious felony such as aggravated murder in Cleveland, Ohio, you may be facing the most severe punishment the law allows: the death penalty. Ohio is one of several states that still permits capital punishment, and while executions have become less frequent in recent years, death sentences are still being pursued and imposed in certain high-level cases.
Who Can Be Sentenced to Death in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.02, the death penalty can be sought in cases involving aggravated murder with one or more aggravating circumstances, such as:
- The killing of a police officer or child
- Multiple homicides
- Murder during the commission of another felony (e.g., rape, robbery, kidnapping)
- Murder for hire or contract killing
- Acts of terrorism or crimes involving significant premeditation
Prosecutors in Cleveland, Ohio, and across Independence, Columbus, and Oxford may aggressively pursue capital punishment in such cases, especially if there is public or political pressure to appear “tough on crime.”
Ohio Death Row Statistics
According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, there are currently over 200 individuals on death row awaiting execution. This includes offenders from across the state, some of whom have been incarcerated for decades due to legal appeals and delays in the administration of capital punishment.
While the state has faced moratoriums and legal scrutiny regarding its execution methods, the law remains in effect and prosecutors still file death-eligible charges.
Other Severe Felony Penalties in Cleveland, Ohio
Even if the death penalty is not on the table, many serious felony charges in Ohio carry lengthy mandatory minimums, enhanced penalties, or life imprisonment. Crimes such as:
- First-degree murder without aggravating circumstances
- Felony murder (a killing during the commission of another felony)
- Aggravated rape or child sexual assault
- Drug trafficking in large quantities or across state lines
- Repeat violent felonies
These offenses may result in:
- 15 years to life in prison
- Mandatory firearm or gang enhancements
- No possibility of parole for decades
- Permanent loss of civil rights and state registration requirements
In Cleveland, Ohio, judges and prosecutors are often bound by strict sentencing guidelines, especially for violent crimes, which leave little room for plea negotiation without strong legal intervention.
The Importance of an Experienced Felony Defense Attorney
Capital cases and other life-altering felonies require high-level defense strategies from the outset. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our attorneys have experience handling cases where the stakes include life imprisonment or death. We understand the intricacies of:
- Challenging the admissibility of evidence
- Cross-examining forensic experts and eyewitnesses
- Preparing mitigation arguments for sentencing hearings
- Negotiating plea agreements to avoid capital prosecution
Our legal team is well-versed in both state and federal criminal law, and we are familiar with the preferences, approaches, and tendencies of judges and prosecutors in Cleveland, Independence, Columbus, and Oxford, Ohio. This localized knowledge can make a critical difference when developing a defense strategy or seeking a favorable resolution.
Standing With You Through the Most Serious Charges
When you are facing the possibility of capital punishment or decades behind bars, you need more than just a defense attorney; you need a trusted legal advocate who is prepared to handle the most complex, emotionally charged, and high-profile cases.
Don’t wait. If you’re facing a capital or serious felony charge in Cleveland or anywhere in Ohio, contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options and your rights. Your future may depend on the decisions you make right now.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With Your Serious Crime Charge?
When you're charged with a felony in Cleveland, Ohio, your future is at stake. A skilled criminal defense attorney can:
Investigate the Case
- Analyze police reports and witness statements
- Uncover violations of your constitutional rights
- Identify weak evidence and alternate theories
Build a Strategic Defense
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge forensic evidence and expert witnesses
- Negotiate for charge reductions or diversion programs
Represent You in Court
- Cross-examine state witnesses
- Present compelling arguments and evidence
- Advocate for you at every stage, from bond hearings to trial
What to Look for in a Cleveland Felony Defense Lawyer:
- Deep knowledge of Ohio felony statutes
- Experience handling jury trials in serious criminal matters
- Familiarity with Cleveland, Independence, Columbus, and Oxford, Ohio court systems
- Willingness to fight aggressively while providing honest, clear guidance
We also offer legal assistance to those facing other criminal charges throughout the state of Ohio, such as:
Contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez Today for Help With Your Cleveland Felony Crime Charges
If you or a loved one has been accused of a serious felony in Cleveland, Ohio, you need legal help now. The stakes are simply too high to take chances. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we believe every client deserves a thorough, strategic defense and a second chance.
We proudly represent clients across Cleveland, as well as in Independence, Columbus, and Oxford, Ohio. From high-profile homicide cases to complex white-collar investigations, we have the courtroom experience and legal insight to take on the most challenging criminal cases in the state.
