Felony Defense Attorney Serving Toledo and Lucas County
A felony charge is one of the most serious moments a person can face — but a charge is not a conviction. The outcome of your case depends heavily on what happens next, starting with who is in your corner and how quickly they begin building your defense.
What Ohio Felony Charges Actually Mean for You
Ohio law classifies felonies on a five-degree scale, and the degree of the charge determines the range of potential prison time, fines, and long-term consequences you're facing. Understanding where your charge falls is the first step to understanding what's at stake.
- Fifth-Degree Felony (F5): The least severe felony classification. Carries 6 to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500. Common examples include low-level drug possession and certain theft offenses.
- Fourth-Degree Felony (F4): Punishable by 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000. Includes offenses such as aggravated assault and certain drug trafficking charges.
- Third-Degree Felony (F3): Carries 9 to 36 months in prison and fines up to $10,000. Robbery, certain domestic violence escalations, and some drug offenses fall here.
- Second-Degree Felony (F2): Punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Includes aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and major drug trafficking.
- First-Degree Felony (F1): The most serious classification short of aggravated murder. Carries 3 to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. Rape, kidnapping, and large-scale drug offenses are common examples.
Each degree also carries mandatory post-release control — supervised release after prison — and the possibility of additional sentencing enhancements based on prior record or the specific facts of the offense.
Beyond Prison: The Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
The sentence imposed by a judge is only part of what a felony conviction costs. Ohio felony convictions carry a set of lasting consequences that follow a person long after any prison term ends — consequences that affect housing, employment, civil rights, and more.
- Voting rights: A felony conviction in Ohio suspends your right to vote while incarcerated. Restoration occurs upon release, but navigating the process requires awareness of your status.
- Professional licensing: Many Ohio licensing boards — for healthcare, education, law, real estate, and other regulated fields — can deny, suspend, or revoke a license based on a felony record. Some disqualifications are automatic.
- Housing eligibility: Federal housing assistance programs restrict or prohibit participation for individuals with certain felony convictions. Private landlords routinely screen for felony records as well.
- Federal firearms restrictions: A felony conviction under federal law permanently prohibits possession of a firearm. This applies regardless of the specific offense category.
- Employment: Ohio law permits employers to consider criminal history in hiring decisions. A felony record can close doors in fields ranging from finance to childcare to government contracting.
We advise clients on the full picture — not just what the judge may impose, but what a conviction would mean for their life going forward. That context shapes how we approach every case.
How a Felony Case Moves Through Lucas County Courts
Felony cases in Lucas County are prosecuted in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. The process follows a defined sequence, and understanding each stage helps you make informed decisions at every turn.
Felony Case Process
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Following an arrest, you will appear before a judge for an initial appearance, where bond is set and you are formally notified of the charges. This is one of the earliest opportunities for your attorney to argue for reasonable bond conditions — and one of the reasons having counsel in place immediately matters.
Arraignment at Lucas County Common Pleas
The arraignment is your formal entry of a plea at the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. In most felony cases, we enter a not guilty plea at this stage to preserve your options while the defense investigates the facts and evaluates the prosecution's evidence.
Preliminary Hearing and Grand Jury Indictment
Depending on how the case proceeds, there may be a preliminary hearing where the prosecution must show probable cause, or the case may go to a grand jury. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the case moves forward to pre-trial proceedings. We use this stage to examine the strength of the evidence and identify any procedural or constitutional issues.
Pre-Trial Motions
Pre-trial motions are among the most consequential phases of a felony case. Motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully, motions to dismiss for insufficient evidence, and other challenges can significantly alter the trajectory of the case — sometimes resulting in reduced charges or outright dismissal before trial.
Trial or Negotiated Resolution
Most felony cases resolve through plea negotiation rather than trial. A negotiated resolution can mean reduced charges, a lighter sentence, or both — but only when the defense has done the work to create meaningful leverage. When a case does go to trial at Lucas County Common Pleas, we are prepared to present a full defense before a judge or jury.
Why Private Representation Changes the Outcome
Public defenders in Ohio are dedicated professionals, but they carry caseloads that make individualized attention difficult. When you are facing a felony charge — with years of your life and your future on the line — the resources and attention behind your defense matter.
At Mahaffey & Associates, we take felony cases with dedicated attorney attention from the first appearance through final resolution. That means consistent communication, thorough investigation, and a defense strategy built around the specific facts of your case. Ty Mahaffey has practiced in northwest Ohio courts since 2002, and our team brings that depth of regional experience to every client we represent.
A free consultation costs you nothing and gives you a clearer picture of where you stand. Call us at 419-829-2255, use our online contact form, or stop by our office in Sylvania. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Charges in Ohio
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Ohio?
In Ohio, misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to 180 days in jail and handled in municipal court. Felonies are more serious charges prosecuted in the Court of Common Pleas, carrying potential prison sentences ranging from 6 months to over a decade depending on the degree. Felony convictions also carry lasting collateral consequences that misdemeanor convictions generally do not.Can a felony charge in Ohio be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Many felony cases are resolved through plea negotiations that result in reduced charges, and some are dismissed entirely based on pre-trial motions or insufficient evidence. The likelihood of these outcomes depends on the facts of the case, the quality of the defense, and how early an attorney becomes involved. A charge is not a conviction, and the work done before trial often determines the result.How does the grand jury process work in Lucas County felony cases?
In Lucas County, the prosecution may present felony cases to a grand jury rather than holding a preliminary hearing. The grand jury reviews the evidence in private and decides whether there is probable cause to indict. If an indictment is returned, the case proceeds to arraignment at the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. Your attorney cannot appear before the grand jury, but thorough preparation at this stage still shapes the defense strategy that follows.Will a felony conviction affect my ability to own a firearm?
Under federal law, a felony conviction permanently prohibits a person from possessing, purchasing, or transporting firearms. This restriction applies regardless of the specific offense and regardless of whether the conviction occurred in Ohio or another state. It is one of the most significant collateral consequences we discuss with clients when evaluating how to approach a case.How soon should I contact a felony defense attorney after an arrest?
As soon as possible. The period immediately following an arrest — before arraignment, before bond is set, and before statements are made to investigators — is when the decisions you make have the most impact on your case. Early involvement by an attorney allows us to preserve evidence, advise you on what not to say, and begin building a defense before the prosecution has fully framed its case.
Felony Defense for Toledo, Sylvania, and the Surrounding Region
Our office is located in Sylvania and serves clients throughout Lucas County and the broader Toledo metro — including Oregon, Whitehouse, Holland, and Monclova Township. We also represent clients in Wood County and Fulton County facing felony charges in their respective courts.
If you are facing felony charges anywhere in northwest Ohio, we are available for a free initial consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available by arrangement.
Our practice areas.
We approach every legal matter with a broad perspective and a sharp focus, integrating insights across our practice areas to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
"Stephen is an asset to our company. He skillfully reviews and negotiates multimillion-dollar contracts, he artfully drafts subcontracts and leases, and he has successfully represented us in court and before municipal boards. He is an accomplished lawyer that is always there when we need him. He is our confidant and friend."
Furino & Sons Inc. (Brothers Four)
"It is truly our pleasure to recommend Stephen to any individual or corporation looking for highly skilled legal counsel. He has represented us on a variety of corporate legal matters and he is a master with both contract and lease negotiations, always offering exceptional strategic advice. More recently, he represented us in front of the Township Planning Board and helped us achieve our desired results when it seemed impossible. We highly endorse Stephen both personally and professionally."
HEC Holding Co., LLC
"Stephen has successfully represented our company’s interests in several matters involving intricate fact patterns and novel legal theories. In one, a particularly aggressive plaintiff was convinced by Stephen to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit in which it sought significant monetary damages. These favorable outcomes have resulted from Stephen’s thorough and careful review of all facts and circumstances and his dedication to the best interests of his client. In every matter in which we have retained Stephen he has sought to obtain the best possible result in the shortest possible time. We recommend Stephen without reservation."
RPM Development Group
What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.
