Criminal Sentencing in Ohio
If a defendant is found guilty at trial, or pleads guilty prior to trial, the judge determines the appropriate sentence. Sentencing is the official punishment imposed by the court for the criminal offense. This happens at a sentencing hearing. At the hearing, the prosecutor is given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the State. The defense attorney then speaks on behalf of the defendant to mitigate the offense. After hearing from both sides, the judge makes the decision.
There are numerous options that a judge has in sentencing someone convicted of a criminal offense. These options include probation, counseling, community service, jail/prison time, and a host of other options.
The charts below outline the general punishments for felonies and misdemeanors under Ohio's general sentencing statutes.
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