FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CRIMINAL SENTENCES IN OHIO

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
CRIMINAL SENTENCES IN OHIO

The Law Library Staff prepares "Frequently Asked Questions" for the convenience of our users to provide access to a variety of sources addressing particular points of law. These are general legal information sources, and are not to be construed as a substitute for personal legal advice from an attorney. Please seek legal counsel to help you determine the applicability of any of the information in these resources to your specific situation. The Law Library makes no recommendation as to whether you should purchase any services offered by the websites contained in this FAQ.

I. Aggravated Murder

O.R.C. 2903.01

Prison Terms & Fines - Ohio Revised Code Sections 2929.02 and 2929.03

II. Murder

O.R.C. 2903.02

Prison Terms & Fines - Ohio Revised Code Sections 2929.02

III. Other Felonies

You should first look at the statute for the crime charged, for example, theft, arson, etc. To search for this statute, look at: Ohio Revised Code. This statute indicates the degree of the felony. (first, second, third, fourth or fifth degree felony). The possible penalties vary with the degree of offense.
Next, look at the sentencing ranges set out in O.R.C. 2929.14. O.R.C. 2929.18 sets out maximum fines for felonies.
Finally, you can examine several statutes which provide the judge with guidance on what sentence to select within the sentencing range. These statutes include:
- O.R.C. 2929.11, the court shall be guided by purposes of felony sentencing;
- O.R.C. 2929.12, the court shall consider seriousness and recidivism factors;
- O.R.C. 2929.13, guidance by degree of felony, includes factors to consider as to whether a prison term or community control should be imposed for various degrees of offenses.
- O.R.C. 2929.14 sets out factors to consider in imposing the minimum or maximum sentence
- See also O.R.C. 2929.31: Fines to be paid by an organization convicted of a crime

IV. Misdemeanors

O.R.C. 2929.21: Purposes of misdemeanor sentencing
O.R.C. 2929.22: Determining appropriate sentence for misdemeanors
O.R.C. 2929.24: Definite jail terms for misdemeanors
O.R.C. 2929.28: Financial sanctions - misdemeanor
O.R.C. 2929.31: Fines for organizations by degree of offense

See Also:

O.R.C. 2929.41: Consecutive or concurrent sentences for multiple offenses
O.R.C. Chapter 2971: Sentencing of Sexually Violent Predators

Suspension of Driving Privileges

For some criminal offenses, such as vehicular homicide, O.R.C. 2903.06, the offender's drivers license may be suspended or revoked.
For the rules concerning how long a license can be suspended for a particular offense, consult: (1) The statute for the crime charged, and (2) Chapter 4507 of the revised code, particularly O.R.C. 4507.16: Suspension by Judge.
O.R.C. Chapter 4510: Driver's License Suspension, Cancellation, Revocation
See also Penalty Charts by Judge Weiler below

OVI and Traffic Offenses

Penalty Charts by Judge Jennifer P. Weiler, Garfield Heights Municipal Court. Show the sentences for traffic offenses, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the length for administrative license suspensions.

Web Pages

Ohio State Bar Association: The Law and You: Criminal Law
Ohio State Bar Association: "SYO" Sentences Combine Juvenile and Adult Penalties for Serious Crimes

Books:

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Created on: May 21, 1999 -