Ohio Maximum Prison Terms And Jail Time
What are the Ohio maximum prison terms and jail time? While there are a number of offenses that carry life in prison, the death penalty, or are subject to enhanced penalties or reduced maximum penalties, this article will focus on the ten basic levels of offenses in Ohio.
The Ohio sentencing classifications from most severe to least severe are: first degree felony (3-10 years in prison); second degree felony (2-8 years in prison); third degree felony (1-5 years in prison); fourth degree felony (6-18 months in prison); fifth degree felony (6-12 months in prison); first degree misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail); second degree misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail); third degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail); fourth degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail); minor misdemeanor (up to a $150 fine but no jail time).
While Ohio has extensive and specific sentencing guidelines, this article is not going to focus on such guidelines. Instead, I am going to take a simpler approach, which is essentially how most sentencing hearings are conducted. There criminal defense attorney focuses on the positive things his client has done while showing the bright side of negative things. Positive things include: gainful employment; past history of volunteering and/or helping people; repaying the victim; steps take to address problems (drug treatment and alcohol treatment); and being a responsible parent to minor children. The bright side of negative things include showing that addressing a defendant’s drug addiction would benefit society more than incarcerating the individual. In this instance, the negative issue taking the form of a drug addiction is presented as a problem to be solved, shifting the focus away from the State of Ohio’s desire to lock up the offender. Many folks awaiting sentencing may choose to wait and see what the court would do before getting a full time job or entering treatment. This is a big mistake. Courts may give shorter sentences in order to allow a person to keep his or her job or continue drug treatment.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can his knowledge of sentencing issues to fight for his clients. Attorney Gigiano is an experienced Medina County violent crime attorney in Wadsworth. His positive work is reflected in the client reviews for Daniel Gigiano, reviews in websites, and reflections of his work. Call Attorney Gigiano at 330-336-3330 if you need the services of a Wooster violent crime attorney near Orrville or a Summit County violent crime attorney near Barberton, please call Attorney Daniel F. Gigiano at 330-336-3330.
To read more on Ohio criminal law, click on any of the following links to my other articles related to Ohio criminal law: The difference between misdemeanors and felonies in Ohio; Automatic lifetime registration for juvenile sex offenders is unconstitutional; What jail time credit will be applied; Ohio outlaws debtors’ prison; Can a juvenile court give an adult sentence; What factors affect an agreed sentence; Ohio legislature reduces felony sentences. My hard work has resulted in successful results for many of my clients, including the results shown in the case highlights section. This success is reflected in the following links to my reviews and work: Daniel Gigiano; Daniel Gigiano reviews; Daniel Gigiano ratings; Daniel Gigiano work; Working with Daniel Gigiano.
