Pre-Sentence Investigation and Report

 The court's probation department prepares a report for the judge summarizing the crime, and the defendant's personal and criminal backgrounds.  The probation officer concludes the report with a recommended sentence.  The victim in a felony case is given the opportunity to file a Victim Impact Statement that informs the Court about his experience as a victim and how he feels about a sentence.

Sentence

 The sentence imposed on a defendant is up to the discretion of the judge.  In some cases a mandatory sentence is required by law (for example, DUI's and certain drug offenses).  At the time of sentencing, the judge will consider the information contained in the pre-sentence investigation and the victim impact statement.  the Court may consider alternatives to a jail or prison sentence such as original probation, fine, community service, and drug, alcohol or mental health counseling.

 The potential sentences for a felony in the State of Ohio are:

Felony 1     3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 years $20,000,00 maximum fine

Felony 2     2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 years  $15,000.00 maximum fine

Felony 3     1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years  $10,000.00 maximum fine

Felony 4     6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
                 16, 17 or 18 months  $ 5,000.00 maximum fine

Felony 5     6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 months $ 2,500.00 maximum fine

 In addition to the potential prison terms listed above, a defendant may receive an additional sentence from one to six years if a firearm was used in the commission of a crime.

 The potential sentence for a misdemeanor in the State of Ohio are:
 

Misdemeanor 1              6 months $1,000.00 maximum fine

Misdemeanor 2              90 days $  750.00 maximum fine

Misdemeanor 3              60 days $  500.00 maximum fine

Misdemeanor 4              30 days $  250.00 maximum fine

Minor Misdemeanor       No jail $  100.00 maximum fine