Ohio Sentencing Laws
Sentencing is the penalty imposed by a court on an offender who has been found guilty of a crime. Ohio recently reformed the sentencing laws, which has led to a sharp decline in the state prison population.
Nowadays, those that have been convicted of a crime are more often asked to serve time at the local community correction facilities, something which is to the benefit of both the state as well as the offenders. 1
How does Sentencing work?
If you have been accused of a crime, you will be tried in court. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty, the court will conduct a pre-sentencing investigation, which will reveal to the court information about your criminal record (if any), your financial condition, your character, and any other information that could help decide the nature of the sentencing you should receive.
By nature, it is meant whether you should receive a harsher sentence for repeating a crime or a lighter sentence because of some extenuating circumstances that were present in your case. It is often possible for a lawyer to sway the sentence in your favor at this point in the trial. 2
Sentencing
The penalties that may be imposed on you by the court include fines, restitution, probation, incarceration and, in rare cases, the death penalty.
These penalties will be imposed on the basis of the type of crime you were guilty of committing. Ohio and the rest of the country classifies crimes into two broad categories: Misdemeanors and Felonies.
Misdemeanor crimes are the less severe crimes and include things like speeding, some types of assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, and the like. The sentencing given for these crimes is usually light and the incarceration period has to be spent in the local jail.
Felony crimes are more severe and include crimes like murder and aggravated assault. The sentencing given is usually harsh and the incarceration period is at the state prison.
In cases where a federal crime has been committed, you will be sentenced by a federal court. 3
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