October 3, 2025 | Criminal Law
Being charged with any crime is serious—but facing a felony charge raises the stakes significantly. The consequences can be life-altering for defendants. These offenses carry serious consequences that extend far beyond the sentence imposed by a judge. These effects can reach into your job, personal relationships, and even rights you may have taken for granted.
Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and make informed decisions moving forward.
Felony Criminal Penalties
One of the most obvious consequences of a felony charge is the possibility of facing serious prison time. Felonies in Ohio are categorized into five degrees, each carrying its own set of penalties. The most serious, a first-degree felony, carries a potential sentence of up to 11 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
On the opposite end is a fifth-degree felony. While still serious and considered a felony, a conviction at this level might involve 6 to 12 months in prison as well as up to $2,500 in fines.
Depending on the circumstances, the penalties could be even more than this. For example, if you used a firearm during the conviction or you meet the definition of a repeat violent offender, time can be added to your sentence.
Effects on Employment and Professional Licensing
A felony conviction can make it much harder to find a job. Many employers conduct background checks and may not hire someone with a criminal record, especially if the job involves trust or handling money.
Certain careers, such as nursing, education, law, and real estate, have state licensing boards. These boards may deny a license or take it away if the person has been convicted of a felony. This creates extra barriers for anyone trying to rebuild their career after serving time.
Trouble Securing Financial Aid
Having a felony record can prevent individuals from receiving financial aid for college or vocational training. Drug-related felonies, in particular, can make an individual ineligible for federal student loans and grants. Without access to these resources, paying for higher education or job training programs becomes more difficult or impossible. As a result, people with felony convictions find themselves limited in their efforts to improve or change their circumstances.
Immigration Consequences After a Felony Conviction
Non-citizens with a felony conviction face more than just jail time or probation. Immigration officials can use a felony conviction as a reason to deny entry, revoke a visa, or initiate removal proceedings.
Certain crimes are labeled aggravated felonies under immigration law, speeding up the possibility of deportation or loss of permanent residence. This leaves individuals at risk of losing their chance to remain with their families or live in the country legally.
Traveling With a Felony Record
Having a felony on your record can make traveling stressful both inside the country and abroad. The conviction may be revealed during a routine airport check or when applying for identification documents, such as an ID or a passport.
Some foreign countries have rules barring travelers with certain felonies from entering at all. This can limit opportunities for personal travel, business, or even visiting family members who live overseas.
Damage to Reputation
News of a felony conviction often spreads beyond courtrooms. Local news, background checks, and community gossip can all contribute to the loss of social standing. That reputation change can ruin relationships with neighbors, friends, or even family who discover the conviction. Over time, a person may have to work harder to earn trust, respect, or a sense of belonging within the community.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Dayton Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing felony charges, it’s clear that the penalties can go far beyond just jail and fines. Our Dayton criminal defense lawyers can protect your rights and advocate for you. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129,
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 531-0435
