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Criminal Justice Overview
The basic goals of the criminal justice system are: maintaining and upholding justice within American society; punishing offenders; and preventing crime. Set forth below is Ohio’s schedule of penalties for the varying degrees of crimes.
ENHANCEMENTS
A. Additional penalties for use or possession of a firearm (2929.14(D)(1)(a)).
1. Possession of an automatic or muffled firearm—6 additional years.
2. Displaying, brandishing, or using firearm—3 additional years.
3. Firearm not factor in committing the crime—1 additional year.
4. Drive-by shooting—5 additional years plus penalty for use or possession of gun as above plus penalty for the underlying offense.
5. Discharging firearm at peace or corrections office—7 additional years (2929.14(D)(1)(f))3
6. The additional prison terms imposed under this section may not be reduced by §§ 2929.20, 2967.193, or any other provision of Chapters 2967. or 5120.
Set forth below is a flow chart that shows the various directions a criminal case can take. Click on the image for a larger view.
SPECIAL FELONIES (SpecF)
(2929.02—2929.04)
| Classification | Confinement | Maximum Fine | Organizational Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGGRAVATED MURDER (2903.01) —death specifications |
Death, life imprisonment without parole, life with parole after 20 years, life with parole after 25 years, or life with parole after 30 years |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
| AGGRAVATED MURDER (2903.01) —no death specification |
Life with parole after 20 years |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
| MURDER (2903.02) |
15 years to life, or 30 years to life if victim was under 13 and the defendant had a sexual motivation (see §2929.02) |
$15,000 |
$50,000 |
FELONIES (F)
(2929.14)
| Classification | Confinement | Maximum Fine | Organizational Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| FELONY 1 (F1) |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 years (Additional 1 to 10 years for certain offenses) |
$20,000 |
$25,000 |
| FELONY 2 (F2) |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 years (Additional 1 to 10 years for certain offenses) |
$15,000 |
$20,000 |
| FELONY 3 (F3) |
1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years |
$10,000 |
$15,000 |
| FELONY 4 (F4) |
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 months |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
| FELONY 5 (F5) |
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months |
$2,500 |
$7,500 |
ENHANCEMENTS
A. Additional penalties for use or possession of a firearm (2929.14(D)(1)(a)).
1. Possession of an automatic or muffled firearm—6 additional years.
2. Displaying, brandishing, or using firearm—3 additional years.
3. Firearm not factor in committing the crime—1 additional year.
4. Drive-by shooting—5 additional years plus penalty for use or possession of gun as above plus penalty for the underlying offense.
5. Discharging firearm at peace or corrections office—7 additional years (2929.14(D)(1)(f))3
6. The additional prison terms imposed under this section may not be reduced by §§ 2929.20, 2967.193, or any other provision of Chapters 2967. or 5120.
MISDEMEANORS (M)
(2929.24, 2929.28)
| Classification | Confinement | Maximum Fine | Organizational Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| MISDEMEANOR 1 (M1) |
Maximum - 180 Days Jail |
$1,000 |
$5,000 |
| MISDEMEANOR 2 (M2) |
Maximum - 90 Days Jail |
$750 |
$4,000 |
| MISDEMEANOR 3 (M3) |
Maximum - 60 Days Jail |
$500 | $3,000 |
| MISDEMEANOR 4 (M4) |
Maximum - 30 Days Jail |
$250 | $2,000 |
| MINOR MISDEMEANOR (MM) |
None |
$150 | $1,000 |
Set forth below is a flow chart that shows the various directions a criminal case can take. Click on the image for a larger view.