What is a violent crime?
Violent crimes are criminal acts that involve the use or threat of violence. In most cases, violence is used as a means to an end, especially during crimes such as rape and robbery. During the commission of a violent crime, the offender may or may not use a weapon. If the offender uses a weapon while committing a violent crime, the offense will usually be classified as a serious felony. If a firearm is used in the commission of an offense, Ohio law requires that the offender serve a mandatary prison sentence upon conviction.

Frequently Committed Violent Crimes
In Ohio, commonly committed violent crimes include: Aggravated Murder, Murder, Manslaughter, Felonious Assault, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, and Kindnapping.

Ohio Violent Crime Legal Penalties
Once a person is convicted a violent crime, he/she may be punished with:

Imprisonment
Large fines
Community service
Probation
Parole
Court ordered anger management classes

As stated earlier, anytime a firearm is possessed during the commission of a violent offense, the crime is typically charged with a “gun specification.” This requires the offender to serve a mandatory year in prison prior to any time served on the substantive charge. If the gun is either used in the commission of the offense, or brandished or displayed during the commission of the offense, Ohio law requires an offender to serve a mandatory three year sentence prior to any time served on the substantive charge. The mandatory term is elevated to five years, if a firearm is discharged from a vehicle.

Most of the violent crimes enumerated above are classified as First or Second Degree Felonies. This means that there is a strong presumption for a prison sentence in the Ohio Sentencing Guidelines. Due to the exposure to lengthy prison terms, and to the other abundant life‑altering legal consequences that are involved, it is always in a person’s best interest to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney who has the legal background and knowledge it takes to successfully fight violent crime charges.

As a former Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor in the Felony Trial Division, Scott A. Rubenstein has experience handling hundreds of violent crime cases. He has the experience and knowledge to evaluate these cases from both sides. This combined with his appellate experience makes him a powerful advocate in violent crime cases. When Mr. Rubenstein works with his clients, he does everything possible to make sure that they receive the attention, resources, and dedicated legal counsel that they deserve.

If you have been accused of committing a violent crime, do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Attorney Scott A. Rubenstein at (513) 241-7460.