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Columbus, Ohio Traffic Criminal Defense Lawyer
Most traffic violations, also called moving violations, result in fines and points. Your fine generally increases according to the severity of the traffic offense. Points have a longer-lasting effect; they are marked against your driving record, which the state tracks by your driver’s license number. Like fines, the number of points you get for each driving offense depends on its seriousness. If you accumulate 12 points within a 24 month period you can lose your driver’s license.
If you face penalties due to a traffic violation in Ohio, contact Jay Perez Law for immediate assistance.
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 Traffic Criminal Defense 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.