Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Find a Qualified Attorney Near You

Find a Qualified Attorney Near You

Search by legal issue and/or location

Enter information in one or both fields. (Required)

Ohio Criminal Laws

Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq. | Last reviewed
Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

Fact-Checked

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Ohio‘s criminal statutes identify a wide range of conduct that lawmakers consider illegal, such as theft or murder. These criminal offenses are punishable by prison time, fines, jail time, and other penalties.

The criminal laws in the state of Ohio are similar to those of other states. However, the Buckeye State is unique in several ways, including its stringent penalties for drug offenses and a complex sentencing structure.

This section provides an overview of Ohio criminal laws, along with links to helpful FindLaw resources. If you’re facing criminal charges, consider consulting an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney right away. They can help you understand what you’re facing under Ohio’s criminal code.

Learn About Ohio Criminal Laws

  • Ohio Assault and Battery Laws

    Ohio’s assault and battery laws cover everything from a threat of violence to the unwanted touching of another person. Most assault charges qualify as a minor misdemeanor. These charges increase to a felony if the defendant uses a deadly weapon or threatens the victim with the use of extreme force.

    Battery is also a misdemeanor in most cases, but it can escalate to a felony charge if the victim’s injuries are serious.

  • Ohio OVI Laws

    Most states refer to drunk driving offenses as DUI/DWI. Ohio lawmakers refer to these crimes as OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) and DUI (driving under the influence). This article explains the elements of these two criminal offenses, along with the penalties and defenses.

  • Ohio Marijuana Laws

    Ohio voters approved recreational marijuana use in 2023, but the laws are constantly updating and changing. Learn about legal possession amounts, cultivation, and much more at FindLaw’s article about Ohio’s marijuana laws.

  • Ohio Domestic Violence Laws

    Ohio has laws in place to protect domestic violence victims and punish abusers. Learn about restraining orders, enhanced penalties, and more at FindLaw.

  • Ohio Gun Control Laws

    Learn about the basics of gun control laws in Ohio. This includes code sections, a list of illegal firearms, conditions for gun ownership bans, and information on waiting periods.

  • Ohio Child Pornography Laws

    Ohio child pornography laws prohibit depicting sexual acts of children under the age of 18. This includes bans against the promotion, use, or exploitation and possession of child pornography.

  • Ohio Homicide Laws

    Like most other states, Ohio breaks down the crime of homicide into distinct offenses. For example, the Ohio Criminal Code recognizes first-degree murder and aggravated murder, as well as involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. Second-degree murder lacks planning or premeditation. The penalties for these crimes are severe, up to and including the death penalty.

  • Ohio Sexual Assault Laws

    Some states still recognize the crime of rape, while others refer to it as sexual assault. Ohio lawmakers classify several crimes that fall under the category of sexual assault. Ohio criminal laws recognize the following criminal offenses in these categories:

    • Rape
    • Sexual battery
    • Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
    • Gross sexual imposition
    • Sexual imposition

    As with other serious felony crimes, there is no statute of limitations for most sexual assault crimes. The penalties for sexual assault crimes range from one to 11 years in prison for rape.

    For statutory rape offenses, the age of consent in Ohio is 16 years of age.

  • Ohio Theft Laws

    Ohio law defines theft as knowingly taking or securing possession of someone else’s property without consent. Some of the more common property crimes in Ohio include larceny, shoplifting, embezzlement, and extortion.

    The penalties for theft crimes in Ohio depend on the value of the stolen property. These penalties range from 180 days in jail to up to 11 years in state prison. For example, someone who steals property valued at more than $1.5 million is guilty of a first-degree felony and faces up to 11 years in jail.

    Individuals guilty of theft must also pay fines of $1,000 to $20,000.

Ohio Criminal Law Articles

Was this helpful?

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
  • Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Ohio attorneys offer free consultations.

 

If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Popular Directory Searches

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
SPONSORED

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney.

Enter information. (Required)

Find Help for These Areas:

Copied to clipboard