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  • Writer's pictureBrad Keating

Ohio Criminal Laws

Updated: Nov 3, 2020

Have you or someone close to you been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime in Ohio? You will want and need to know as much information as possible about the crime and its consequences in your state so you know how to handle your case. Important questions you will want to know include “what does the prosecutor have to prove in court in order for them to get a conviction,” “what exactly is the sentence/how does it work” and “what are the certain factors that could affect a judge's decision to inflict a higher or lower sentence?” The most important question, however, is whether or not there is any possible legal defense to the criminal action.


It should be noted that no legal article or blog should be used as a substitute for a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney when it comes to the defense of your criminal case and you should not represent yourself unless you are trained to do so. Learning what the Ohio criminal laws actually state and entail is just the beginning. You should work with a reputable criminal defense attorney to understand what evidence the prosecution has against you, which will affect how you move forward with your case. Moving forward, your options will range anywhere from attempting to get the case dismissed, to negotiating a plea or actually going to trial.


Ohio Criminal Laws

Ohio Criminal Penalties

Ohio's criminal statutes includes a variety of actions that are deemed illegal by the state, like theft, assault, or murder, which is punishable by either fines, a prison sentence, and other sanctions. Ohio’s criminal laws, statutes and sanctions are considered similar to those of other states in the U.S. However, Ohio is unique because of the tough penalties it holds for drug-related crimes and a complicated system for sentencing. If you have questions on how to create a defense for a criminal offense, how to move forward in your case, or how to hire an attorney for legal representation, talk to an experienced and certified Ohio criminal law attorney today.


Classification of Crimes


Ohio Misdemeanor Classes

Ohio classifies misdemeanor charges into five separate classes: first, second, third, and fourth degree. Minor misdemeanors are also included in the separate classes.


Ohio Felony Crimes by Classes

The State of Ohio organizes felony crimes into five categories: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degree felonies. First-degree felonies are the heaviest offenses, while fifth-degree felonies are the least serious. In addition, there are a variety of felony offenses that are not identified by degree in Ohio.


Learn About Ohio Criminal Laws

There are, indeed, very few places that contain as many myths and scary stories all focused on one area as Helltown does. As far as it being forbidden to visit, technically, the answer is no. Helltown and Boston Township are mostly within the confines of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northern Ohio. This means that they are free to visit.


Is Dumpster Diving Illegal in Ohio?

Right off the bat, we can say that dumpster diving is not illegal in Ohio. That doesn't mean, though, that each trash can someone sees in the state is fair game. Not all of the cities in Ohio operate under the same exact guidelines. If someone has to do some trespassing, then they are breaking the law!


Is it Illegal to Blow Grass into the Street in Ohio?

When cutting grass or trying to get rid of garbage, there are usually guidelines as to where a person can or can't blow grass. Also, the way that they manage waste in general usually comes with strict guidelines. It may seem like surprising news for some, but Ohio state law doesn't have an article that says a person can't blow grass onto the street.


Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Ohio?

It is still legal to smoke with a "child" in the car in Ohio. There was a recent senate bill proposed, which would have made it illegal for people to smoke with a child in the passenger seat younger than the age of 6. This proposed Ohio law did not pass, and smoking with kids in the car is allowed.


Is Collecting Rainwater Illegal in Ohio?

You can collect rainwater in Ohio legally, even if this rainwater harvesting is going to be used for drinking water. Rainwater collecting has been an odd source of debate for years. There are a couple of reasons that states typically give to limit the collection of rainwater. The fact that rainwater that gets collected can become a health risk is one of the reasons why it's prohibited.


If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, contact The Keating Firm LTD.

Interested in Ohio's vehicle and accident injury laws? The Keating Firm LTD. can help you get the information you are looking for.



Disclaimer: The details included in this blog is offered for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as lawful guidance in any way. No recipients of material from this blog, clients or otherwise, should or should not act on the basis of any material consisted in the blog without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional guidance on the particular facts and situations at issue from an attorney accredited in the recipient's state.

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