Ohio Criminal Laws: Felony and Misdemeanor Classes, Theft, Self-Defense and Bail

Ohio grades felonies by degree, first through fifth. Prison terms: Felony of the first degree committed on or after March 22, 2019: an indefinite prison term with a stated minimum term selected by the court of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven years (maximum term determined under section 2929.144). Felony of the second degree committed on or after March 22, 2019: an indefinite term with a stated minimum of two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight years (maximum under section 2929.144). (For first- and second-degree felonies committed before March 22, 2019, the same ranges apply as definite terms.) Felony of the third degree: a definite term of nine, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty, or thirty-six months, or, for certain listed offenses, twelve to sixty months. Felony of the fourth degree: six to eighteen months. Felony of the fifth degree: six to twelve months. Maximum fines: first degree, not more than twenty thousand dollars; second degree, not more than fifteen thousand dollars; third degree, not more than ten thousand dollars; fourth degree, not more than five thousand dollars; fifth degree, not more than two thousand five hundred dollars. Murder and aggravated murder carry separate penalties.

Misdemeanor of the first degree: not more than one hundred eighty days in jail and a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. Second degree: not more than ninety days; fine not more than seven hundred fifty dollars. Third degree: not more than sixty days; fine not more than five hundred dollars. Fourth degree: not more than thirty days; fine not more than two hundred fifty dollars. Minor misdemeanor: fine of not more than one hundred fifty dollars (no jail term is listed for a minor misdemeanor).

Theft becomes a felony at $1,000. Tiers: less than $1,000: misdemeanor theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree; one thousand dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars: felony of the fifth degree; seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars: grand theft, felony of the fourth degree; one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars: aggravated theft, felony of the third degree; seven hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than one million five hundred thousand dollars: felony of the second degree; one million five hundred thousand dollars or more: felony of the first degree. Some property is a felony regardless of value, including property listed in section 2913.71, firearms or dangerous ordnance (third degree), motor vehicles (fourth degree), dangerous drugs, and catalytic converters (fifth degree). Prior felony theft convictions within three years can raise the degree.

Stand your ground, effective April 6, 2021. For purposes of any section of the Revised Code that sets forth a criminal offense, a person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence if that person is in a place in which the person lawfully has a right to be, and a trier of fact may not consider the possibility of retreat in determining whether the person reasonably believed the force was necessary. The same no-duty-to-retreat rule applies in civil tort actions.

A person is allowed to act in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence; if evidence tends to support this, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did not. A person is presumed to have acted in self-defense or defense of another when using defensive force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm if the person against whom force is used is in the process of unlawfully and without privilege entering, or has unlawfully and without privilege entered, the residence or vehicle occupied by the person using the force. The presumption does not apply if the person against whom force is used has a right to be in, or is a lawful resident of, the residence or vehicle, or if the person using force is unlawfully, and without privilege to be, in that residence or vehicle. The presumption is rebuttable by a preponderance of the evidence.

No time limit for aggravated murder or murder (and conspiracy, attempt, or complicity to commit them). Otherwise: felony, six years; misdemeanor other than a minor misdemeanor, two years; minor misdemeanor, six months. Rape and sexual battery (and conspiracy, attempt, or complicity): twenty-five years; a DNA match allows prosecution within five years after the match in the circumstances the statute describes. Other listed serious offenses (including certain assault, kidnapping-related and sex offenses): twenty years. Fraud or breach of fiduciary duty: an additional one year after discovery once the normal period has expired. The period does not run while the corpus delicti remains undiscovered or while the accused purposely avoids prosecution (leaving the state or concealing identity or whereabouts is prima facie evidence of that purpose). For certain child abuse or neglect offenses, the period does not begin until the child reaches the age of majority or a qualifying agency or officer is notified.

All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except a person charged with a capital offense where the proof is evident or the presumption great, and a person charged with a felony where the proof is evident or the presumption great and the person poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or to the community. Excessive bail shall not be required. When setting the amount of bail, the court shall consider public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, and a person's criminal record, the likelihood a person will return to court, and any other factor the General Assembly may prescribe. By statute, a judge may deny bail to a person charged with aggravated murder (non-capital), murder, a first- or second-degree felony, and certain other listed offenses only after a hearing at which the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that the proof is evident or the presumption great, that the accused poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or the community, and that no release conditions will reasonably assure safety; continuances are limited to three court days for the state and five court days for the accused unless waived.

Under Ohio Public Defender rules, an applicant whose gross income is at or below 187.5% of the federal poverty level is presumed indigent; an applicant above that may still qualify if net income after basic living expenses is at or below 125% of the poverty level or if the applicant cannot afford qualified counsel. Applicants are presumed indigent if they receive poverty-based public assistance (such as SSI, Medicaid, or SNAP), are committed to a public mental health facility, are incarcerated in a state penitentiary, or are a child. Liquid-asset limits depend on the most serious charge (for example $2,000 for a misdemeanor and $8,000 for a first- or second-degree felony), but exceeding the limits does not automatically bar appointment, and posting bail does not disqualify an applicant. A person applying for court-appointed counsel or public defender services must pay a non-refundable application fee of twenty-five dollars to the clerk of court (at filing of the financial disclosure form or within seven days); the court may waive or reduce it if the person lacks sufficient financial resources or payment would cause undue hardship.

16. No person who is eighteen years of age or older shall engage in sexual conduct with another when the offender knows the other person is thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age, or the offender is reckless in that regard (unlawful sexual conduct with a minor). It is generally a felony of the fourth degree; if the offender is less than four years older than the other person, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree; if the offender is ten or more years older, it is a felony of the third degree; certain prior sex-offense convictions make it a felony of the second degree.

Legal for adult-use consumers 21 and older (Marijuana Control Law, chapter 3796, as revised by S.B. 56, effective March 20, 2026). No person shall knowingly possess more than two and one-half ounces of plant material (excluding seeds, live plants, or clones being cultivated under home grow) or fifteen grams of extract, counting homegrown and adult-use marijuana together. Home grow at the primary residence: not more than six homegrown marijuana plants per adult-use consumer and not more than twelve at a single residence, secured from persons under 21 and not visible from public spaces. Smoking, combustion, or vaporization is limited to privately owned real property used primarily for residential or agricultural purposes. No person under twenty-one may purchase, use, or possess adult-use or homegrown marijuana. Possessing over the limit is possession of marijuana under R.C. 2925.11, which is graded by weight: less than 100 grams, minor misdemeanor; 100 to under 200 grams, misdemeanor of the fourth degree; 200 to under 1,000 grams, felony of the fifth degree; higher amounts are third- or second-degree felonies.

Assault is knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another (or to another's unborn), or recklessly causing serious physical harm. It is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), but becomes a felony when the victim is in a protected group, for example a fourth-degree felony when the victim is a peace officer, firefighter or EMS worker performing official duties, and a fifth-degree felony for certain school, corrections or child-services workers. Felonious assault, a felony of the second degree (a stated minimum prison term of 2 to 8 years), is knowingly causing serious physical harm, or causing or attempting to cause physical harm with a deadly weapon; it is a first-degree felony if the victim is a peace officer. The same acts done under sudden passion or a fit of rage brought on by serious provocation from the victim are aggravated assault, a felony of the fourth degree (6 to 18 months).

Ohio has no separate battery offense; causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person is charged as assault (a misdemeanor of the first degree), and more serious injuries or use of a deadly weapon are charged as felonious or aggravated assault.

Ohio has a separate domestic violence offense: knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member, recklessly causing serious physical harm, or using threats of force to make a family or household member believe imminent physical harm will occur. Causing or attempting physical harm is a misdemeanor of the first degree for a first offense (threats are a fourth-degree misdemeanor). With one prior domestic violence conviction it becomes a fourth-degree felony, and with two or more priors a third-degree felony with a presumption of prison; if the offender knew the victim was pregnant, it is at least a fifth-degree felony with a mandatory prison term. Strangulation or suffocation is a separate felony: a fifth-degree felony at the lowest level, raised to a fourth-degree felony when the victim is a family or household member or dating partner, and a second-degree felony when it causes serious physical harm.

Ohio has no separate shoplifting crime; shoplifting is charged as theft. Theft of property worth less than $1,000 is misdemeanor theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days and $1,000). A prior conviction can raise the grade: theft is grand theft, a fourth-degree felony, if the offender has a felony theft conviction within the previous three years, and aggravated theft, a third-degree felony, with two or more felony theft convictions within three years. A merchant or other property owner may also sue the thief and choose either the property's value plus liquidated damages of $50, $100 or $150 (depending on value), or liquidated damages of the greater of $200 or three times the property's value.

Burglary is entering an occupied structure by force, stealth or deception with intent to commit a crime inside. It is a second-degree felony (2 to 8 years) when another person is present or (for a home) likely to be present, and a third-degree felony otherwise; trespassing in a home by force, stealth or deception when someone is present or likely to be present, without intent to commit a crime, is a fourth-degree felony. Aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony (3 to 11 years), is burglary where someone is present and the offender inflicts or threatens physical harm or has a deadly weapon. Robbery is committing a theft while having a deadly weapon, inflicting or threatening physical harm (both second-degree felonies), or using or threatening force (a third-degree felony). Aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, is a theft in which the offender displays or uses a deadly weapon, has dangerous ordnance, or causes or tries to cause serious physical harm.

Ohio grades property damage under several offenses. Knowingly causing physical harm to someone else's property without consent is criminal damaging or endangering, a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 90 days), or a first-degree misdemeanor if it creates a risk of physical harm to a person. Defacing or damaging another's property to lower its value or enjoyment is criminal mischief, generally a misdemeanor of the third degree. Vandalism, a felony, covers knowingly causing serious physical harm to an occupied structure, government property or cemetery property, or damaging business property worth $1,000 or more: it is a fifth-degree felony (fine up to $2,500), a fourth-degree felony if the value or harm is $7,500 or more but less than $150,000, and a third-degree felony at $150,000 or more. Ohio's criminal mischief statute has no separate graffiti offense.

Criminal trespass is knowingly entering or remaining on someone else's land or premises without permission, recklessly entering after notice (direct notice, posting or a fence), or refusing to leave when told; it is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and $250). Entering or remaining on someone's property intending to commit a misdemeanor involving physical harm or the threat of it is aggravated trespass, a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days and $1,000); entering a critical infrastructure facility intending to destroy or tamper with it is a third-degree felony. Trespassing into a home when someone is present or likely to be present by force, stealth or deception is charged as burglary (a fourth-degree felony).

Possessing a small amount (less than the bulk amount) of a Schedule I or II drug is aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the fifth degree (6 to 12 months); possessing less than five grams of cocaine, less than five grams of heroin, or less than one gram of a fentanyl-related compound is likewise a fifth-degree felony. Possessing less than the bulk amount of a Schedule III, IV or V drug is a misdemeanor of the first degree, or a fifth-degree felony with a prior drug abuse conviction. Using or possessing drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and $250). A person whose offense was linked to drug or alcohol use may ask for intervention in lieu of conviction: if eligible, the person pleads guilty, follows a one-to-five-year treatment plan, and on successful completion the court dismisses the case without a conviction.

A driver in a crash on a public road must stop and stay to give name, address and vehicle registration information to anyone injured, the other driver or owner, and police, or leave a note on an unattended vehicle. Failing to stop is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days). If the crash causes serious physical harm, it is a fifth-degree felony, or a fourth-degree felony if the driver knew of the harm; if it causes a death, it is a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the driver knew of the death. The court must impose a class five license suspension, and the first six months cannot be suspended.

Ohio's reckless driving offense is called reckless operation: driving a vehicle on a street or highway in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property. It is a minor misdemeanor (fine up to $150, no jail), a misdemeanor of the fourth degree with one prior predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense conviction within one year, and a misdemeanor of the third degree with two or more within one year.

Menacing by stalking is knowingly engaging in a pattern of conduct (two or more related acts) that makes someone believe the offender will cause them physical harm or causes them mental distress, including by electronic posts or messages; it is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days). It becomes a fourth-degree felony (6 to 18 months) when, for example, the offender has a prior stalking conviction, threatened physical harm, trespassed at the victim's home, work or school, the victim is a minor, the offender had a deadly weapon, or the offender was under a protection order. Telecommunications harassment (calls, texts or internet posts made to abuse, threaten or harass) is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a fifth-degree felony for each later offense.

Recklessly or by force resisting or interfering with a lawful arrest of oneself or another is resisting arrest, a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 90 days); it is a misdemeanor of the first degree if a law enforcement officer is physically harmed, and a fourth-degree felony if the person recklessly causes physical harm to an officer with a deadly weapon or displays a deadly weapon. Obstructing official business is generally a second-degree misdemeanor, rising to a felony if it creates a risk of physical harm to someone. Willfully fleeing or eluding a police officer in a vehicle after a signal to stop is a fourth-degree felony (failing to obey an officer's traffic order is a first-degree misdemeanor); it is a third-degree felony if the driver was fleeing right after a felony or the driving caused, or created a substantial risk of, serious physical harm to persons or property, and it brings a license suspension.

A person released on their own recognizance who fails to appear as required is guilty of failure to appear. If the release was on a felony charge (or pending appeal of a felony conviction) it is a felony of the fourth degree (six to eighteen months, fine up to $5,000); if the release was on a misdemeanor charge or to appear as a witness it is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine). The offense does not apply to most traffic and motor-vehicle misdemeanors, except OVI (drunk driving) and certain leaving-the-scene offenses.

Ohio calls felony probation 'community control.' If a person violates its conditions, violates a law, or leaves the state without permission, the sentencing court may impose a longer time under the same sanction (within the five-year limit), a more restrictive sanction (such as a community-based correctional facility, halfway house, or jail), or a prison term. For a purely technical violation, a prison term may not exceed ninety days on a fifth-degree felony or one hundred eighty days on a non-violent, non-sex fourth-degree felony (or the remaining community-control or reserved-prison period, if shorter).

Obstructing official business — without privilege, and with purpose to prevent, obstruct or delay a public official's authorized act, doing any act that hampers or impedes the official — is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 90 days and a $750 fine). It is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine) when the victim is an emergency service responder who first gave a warning; a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500) if it creates a risk of physical harm to someone else; and a felony of the fourth degree (six to eighteen months, fine up to $5,000) if it creates a risk of physical harm to an emergency service responder. Knowingly attempting to intimidate or hinder a crime victim or witness is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine); doing so by force or by unlawful threat of harm is a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000).

Perjury — knowingly making a material false statement under oath or affirmation in an official proceeding — is a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000). A falsification is material if it can affect the course or outcome of the proceeding, and a person cannot be convicted where proof of falsity rests solely on one other person's contradicting testimony. Lesser false statements (for example, made with purpose to mislead a public official or sworn before a notary) are 'falsification,' generally a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine).

Being drunk in public is not itself an offense, but Ohio's disorderly conduct statute covers conduct while voluntarily intoxicated: in a public place or in front of two or more people, engaging in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or creating a risk of physical harm to oneself, another, or another's property. It is a minor misdemeanor (a fine of up to $150, no jail), or a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and a $250 fine) if the person persists after a warning or has three or more prior convictions for intoxicated disorderly conduct. Appearing intoxicated to an ordinary observer is probable cause that the person is voluntarily intoxicated.

Disorderly conduct is recklessly causing inconvenience, annoyance or alarm by fighting, threatening harm, or violent or turbulent behavior; unreasonable noise or offensively coarse or grossly abusive language; insulting or taunting likely to provoke violence; blocking movement of people; or creating a physically offensive or dangerous condition with no lawful purpose. It is a minor misdemeanor (a fine of up to $150, no jail). It becomes a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and a $250 fine) if the person persists after a reasonable warning, acts near a school or in a school safety zone, or acts in the presence of police, firefighters or emergency workers at an emergency scene or emergency facility staff.

Indecent exposure is called public indecency in Ohio. Recklessly exposing one's private parts where it is likely to be seen by and affront others nearby (not household members) is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and a $250 fine) for a first offense, rising with prior convictions up to a misdemeanor of the first degree, or a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500) after three or more priors if a minor was likely to see it. Knowingly exposing one's private parts to a minor nearby for sexual gratification or to lure the minor is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), and a fifth-degree felony with any prior public-indecency conviction; sexual conduct or masturbation in front of a minor starts as a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Prostitution is illegal throughout Ohio. Engaging in sexual activity for hire is prostitution, a misdemeanor of the third degree (up to 60 days and a $500 fine), and knowingly soliciting someone to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for receiving something of value ('soliciting') is also a third-degree misdemeanor. Buying sex — recklessly inducing, enticing or procuring another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for giving something of value — is 'engaging in prostitution,' a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine) with a fine of up to $1,500 and a required education or treatment program; it is a felony of the third degree if the other person has a developmental disability. Engaging in prostitution or soliciting after a positive HIV test is a felony of the third degree.

Ohio's Constitution prohibits lotteries except as it allows: a state-run lottery, charitable bingo, and casino gaming at four casino facilities (one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo and one in Franklin County). By statute the Ohio Casino Control Commission licenses and regulates sports gaming, including through mobile management services providers. Illegal gambling — bookmaking, running a game or scheme of chance for profit, providing betting information for bookmaking, or betting as a substantial source of income — is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), and a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500) if the person has a prior gambling-offense conviction.

Ohio has no separate embezzlement statute; it is charged as theft, which includes knowingly exerting control over property 'beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner' with purpose to deprive the owner. Theft under $1,000 is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine); $1,000 to under $7,500 is a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500); $7,500 to under $150,000 is grand theft, a felony of the fourth degree (six to eighteen months, fine up to $5,000); $150,000 to under $750,000 is aggravated theft, a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000); $750,000 to under $1.5 million is a felony of the second degree; and $1.5 million or more is a felony of the first degree. Prior felony theft convictions within three years can raise the grade.

Identity theft is called identity fraud in Ohio: using, obtaining or possessing another person's personal identifying information without consent to hold oneself out as that person or represent the information as one's own. It is a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500) in general; a felony of the fourth degree (six to eighteen months, fine up to $5,000) if $1,000 to under $7,500 is involved; a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000) for $7,500 to under $150,000; and a felony of the second degree for $150,000 or more. Higher grades apply when the victim is elderly, a disabled adult, an active-duty service member, or the spouse of one.

Forgery — with purpose to defraud, forging another's writing without authority, making a spurious writing, or uttering a writing known to be forged — is a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500). If property or services or a victim loss of $7,500 to under $150,000 is involved it is a felony of the fourth degree (six to eighteen months, fine up to $5,000), and $150,000 or more a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000), with lower thresholds when the victim is elderly or a disabled adult. Passing a bad check (issuing a check with purpose to defraud, knowing it will be dishonored) is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine); a fifth-degree felony from $1,000 (single payee) or $1,500 (multiple payees) to under $7,500; a fourth-degree felony from $7,500 to under $150,000; and a third-degree felony at $150,000 or more.

Blackmail is charged as extortion: with purpose to obtain anything of value or to induce an unlawful act, threatening to commit a felony or an offense of violence, uttering or threatening calumny (slander), or threatening to expose matters that would subject someone to hatred, contempt or ridicule or damage their reputation or credit. Extortion is a felony of the third degree (a definite term of nine to thirty-six months, fine up to $10,000). Threatening to release someone's private (sexual or similar) images to compel them, obtain more images, or obtain anything of value is 'sexual extortion,' also a third-degree felony for a first offense, with higher grades for repeat offenses. Using similar threats to coerce someone to act or not act, without seeking something of value, is coercion, a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 90 days and a $750 fine).

Ohio uses 'aggravated murder' and 'murder' instead of first and second degree. Aggravated murder is purposely killing with prior calculation and design, purposely killing during a listed felony (such as kidnapping, rape, arson, robbery, burglary or terrorism), purposely killing a child under 13, killing while in detention for a felony, or purposely killing an on-duty law enforcement officer or a first responder or military member because of that status; it is punished by death or life imprisonment, plus a fine up to $25,000, with no death sentence or life without parole for anyone under 18. Murder is purposely killing another, or causing a death as the proximate result of a first- or second-degree violent felony; it carries 15 years to life, 30 years to life when the victim was under 13 and there is a sexual-motivation finding, and life without parole with an added sexually-violent-predator finding.

Voluntary manslaughter (knowingly killing under sudden passion or rage brought on by serious provocation from the victim) is a felony of the first degree (a stated minimum of three to 11 years). Involuntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony when the death results from committing a felony, and a third-degree felony (nine to 36 months) when it results from a misdemeanor. Aggravated vehicular homicide is a second-degree felony with mandatory prison when caused by drunk or drugged driving (first degree with aggravating priors or a suspended license), and a third-degree felony when caused recklessly; vehicular homicide (negligent) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days) and vehicular manslaughter (from a minor traffic violation) a second-degree misdemeanor, both raised when the driver was suspended or has prior traffic-homicide convictions.

Endangering children: a parent or custodian who creates a substantial risk to a child's health or safety by violating a duty of care, or anyone who abuses a child, commits a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days), a fourth-degree felony with a prior child-abuse or neglect conviction, and a third-degree (neglect) or second-degree (abuse) felony if the child suffers serious physical harm. Torturing or cruelly abusing a child, excessive physical punishment or restraint creating a substantial risk of serious harm, or repeated unwarranted discipline is a third-degree felony, or second-degree with serious harm or a prior; using a child in sexual material is a second-degree felony. Drunk driving with a child in the vehicle is a first-degree misdemeanor, rising to a felony with serious harm or priors. Contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a child (including contributing to habitual truancy) is a first-degree misdemeanor, each day a separate offense.

Aggravated arson (knowingly, by fire or explosion, creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm to another person, or harming an occupied structure for hire) is a first-degree felony; knowingly causing physical harm to any occupied structure by fire or explosion is a second-degree felony. Arson (knowingly causing or risking harm by fire to another's property without consent, or to an unoccupied structure) is a first-degree misdemeanor, or a fourth-degree felony if the property value or harm is $1,000 or more; arson to defraud, of a public building, or of forest or park land is a fourth-degree felony, and arson for hire is a third-degree felony.

For companion animals (any animal kept in a home, and any dog or cat): knowingly torturing, tormenting, needlessly mutilating or killing, cruelly beating, poisoning or committing an act of cruelty is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a fifth-degree felony (six to 12 months) after that; knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal is a fifth-degree felony. A caretaker who negligently tortures, deprives an animal of food, water or shelter is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor, a first-degree misdemeanor on repeat. General cruelty to other animals is a second-degree misdemeanor. After a companion-animal conviction the court may order animals forfeited and may prohibit or limit the person's ability to own or care for companion animals for a specified or indefinite period, and may order counseling.

Yes. Knowingly disseminating an image of an identifiable adult who is nude or engaged in a sexual act, without consent and with intent to harm, is nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images, a fifth-degree felony (six to 12 months), or fourth-degree with a prior conviction or sex-offense record. Disseminating a fabricated ('deepfake') sexual image of a person without consent, or creating one to harass, extort or harm, is a fourth-degree felony (third-degree for repeat offenders). Victims may sue for an injunction, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney's fees within four years of discovering the image, with harm presumed.

Telecommunications harassment covers knowingly sending electronic messages, or posting text, audio or images online, with purpose to abuse, threaten or harass another person; it is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days) for a first offense and a fifth-degree felony after that. School boards must adopt harassment, intimidation and bullying policies that cover electronic acts, but that law creates no criminal penalty.

Money laundering (knowingly conducting a transaction with proceeds of unlawful activity to further corrupt activity or to hide their source or avoid reporting requirements, conducting transactions in known corrupt-activity proceeds over $10,000 including structuring, or dealing in property represented by police as criminal proceeds) is a third-degree felony regardless of amount (a definite term of nine to 36 months). The court may add a fine of $7,500 or twice the value of the property, whichever is greater, and an additional fine of three times the value of the property involved.

Trafficking in persons (knowingly recruiting, luring, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining or maintaining a person knowing they will be subjected to involuntary servitude or compelled into sex for hire or sexual performances, or doing so with a minor under 18 or a person with a developmental disability) is a first-degree felony. For offenses on or after March 22, 2019, the court must impose an indefinite prison term with a minimum of 10 to 15 years. Compulsion can be shown by force, fear, fraud, or supplying or exploiting drugs or addiction.

Pedestrians may start across on a steady 'Walk' signal but may not start on a flashing 'Don't Walk' or enter the roadway on a steady upraised hand. A pedestrian crossing outside a crosswalk must yield to vehicles; between adjacent intersections with operating signals, pedestrians may cross only in a marked crosswalk, may not cross diagonally unless signals allow, and may not suddenly step into the path of a close vehicle. Violating the crossing rules is a minor misdemeanor (fine up to $150), a fourth-degree misdemeanor with one traffic conviction in the past year, and a third-degree misdemeanor with two or more.

No one may have an opened container of beer or liquor while driving or riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle, or while in or on a stationary vehicle, on a street, highway or other place open to the public for driving or parking. Exceptions include paying passengers (not in the front seat) of a registered limousine, passengers of commercial quadricycles within limits, and an opened wine bottle resealed by a restaurant and kept in the trunk or behind the last upright seat. A violation is a minor misdemeanor (fine up to $150).

A person under 21 may not knowingly order, pay for, try to buy, possess or consume beer or liquor anywhere, or be under its influence in public, unless supervised by a parent, adult spouse or legal guardian (or for medical or religious use). This is a third-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days, fine up to $500); if the offender was under 18 and in a motor vehicle, the court must suspend the probationary license or permit for six months to one year, and diversion may be available. Buying beer or liquor while underage carries a fine of $25 to $100, and misrepresenting age to get alcohol is a first-degree misdemeanor; using a fake or altered ID or license to do so brings a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Selling or furnishing alcohol to an underage person is a misdemeanor with a $500-$1,000 fine and up to six months.

Driving under suspension (or in violation of a license restriction) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), and the court may add a class seven license suspension. If the vehicle is registered to the offender, one prior within three years allows 30 days of vehicle immobilization and plate impoundment, two priors 60 days, and three or more allow criminal forfeiture of the vehicle. The section requires no mandatory jail.

Driving without ever holding a valid license is an unclassified misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and no jail, or a first-degree misdemeanor with a prior conviction. Driving on a license that had expired is a minor misdemeanor, or a first-degree misdemeanor with two or more violations in three years. A driver must show their license on demand of a peace officer or a person injured in a collision; refusing is an unclassified misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000, no jail), or first-degree with two or more priors in three years.

Ohio's concealed-weapons law covers deadly weapons other than handguns, but it states that 'deadly weapon' does not include any knife, razor or cutting instrument that was not used as a weapon. Carrying a concealed deadly weapon other than a handgun in violation of the law is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days), with higher penalties for priors. The statute sets no blade-length limit and does not ban particular knife types.

Consumer-grade (1.4G) fireworks bought from a licensed seller may be set off on private property with the owner's permission on these days: January 1, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, Juneteenth, July 3-5 and the weekends before and after July 4, Labor Day weekend, Diwali, and December 31. Counties, townships and cities may restrict the dates and times or ban discharge. No fireworks may be sold to anyone under 18. Possessing or discharging fireworks outside these rules, or possessing 1.3G display fireworks, is a first-degree misdemeanor; setting them off while intoxicated is a first-degree misdemeanor, and on another person's property without permission is a minor misdemeanor.

Kidnapping (by force, threat or deception, or by any means for a victim under 13 or mentally incompetent, removing or restraining someone to hold them for ransom or as a shield or hostage, to commit a felony, to terrorize or seriously harm them, for sexual activity, to obstruct government, or to hold them in involuntary servitude, or doing so under circumstances creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm) is a first-degree felony; it is a second-degree felony if the offender releases the victim in a safe place unharmed. If the victim is under 13 and a sexual motivation specification is proven, the sentence is 15 years to life (10 years to life if released unharmed). Abduction (removing or restraining someone by force or threat in circumstances risking harm or causing fear) is a third-degree felony, or second degree when holding someone in involuntary servitude. Unlawful restraint (knowingly restraining someone without privilege) is a third-degree misdemeanor.

Aggravated menacing (knowingly causing someone to believe you will cause serious physical harm to them, their unborn child, their property or an immediate family member) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days), raised to a felony when the victim is a children-services worker acting in that role. Menacing (causing someone to believe you will cause physical harm) is a fourth-degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days), raised to a first-degree misdemeanor or fourth-degree felony when aimed at an emergency service responder or children-services worker. Making a terroristic threat (threatening a specified offense to intimidate a civilian population or influence or affect a government, causing reasonable fear it will happen) is a third-degree felony.

Stealing a motor vehicle is grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony (6-18 months) regardless of value under the theft statute. Unauthorized use of a vehicle ('joyriding': knowingly using or operating someone's car, motorcycle, motorboat, aircraft or other motor vehicle without consent) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days), or a fifth-degree felony if the vehicle is taken out of Ohio or kept more than 48 hours; higher grades apply if an elderly or disabled victim suffers a loss. Receiving a stolen motor vehicle is a fourth-degree felony.

Receiving stolen property (receiving, keeping or disposing of property knowing or having reason to believe it was obtained through a theft offense) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days) if worth under $1,000; a fifth-degree felony at $1,000 to under $7,500 or for certain listed property; a fourth-degree felony at $7,500 to under $150,000, or if the property is a motor vehicle, a dangerous drug, a firearm or dangerous ordnance; and a third-degree felony at $150,000 or more.

Yes. Organized theft of retail property (since April 9, 2025) covers stealing retail property worth $7,500 or more from stores, manufacturers, distributors or cargo units to pass to a 'retail property fence' or to sell, exchange or return for value; receiving or holding such property as part of an enterprise; stealing it as an agent of an enterprise under an organized plan; and recruiting, directing or financing such an enterprise. Values from all retail establishments within any 12-month period are added together. It is a third-degree felony under $750,000, a second-degree felony from $750,000 to under $1.5 million, and a first-degree felony at $1.5 million or more; for a third-degree offense, a prior organized retail theft or recent felony theft conviction creates a presumption of prison, and two or more priors require a mandatory prison term.

Selling, offering to sell, or preparing, shipping or distributing a controlled substance for sale is trafficking, graded by drug and amount, with higher grades near schools or juveniles. Cocaine: a fifth-degree felony at small amounts; 5-10 grams fourth degree; 10-20 grams third degree (presumption of prison); 20-27 grams second degree with mandatory prison; 27-100 grams first degree with mandatory prison; 100 grams or more first degree with the maximum first-degree term as a mandatory 'major drug offender' sentence. Fentanyl-related compounds: 10-20 grams second degree with mandatory prison; 20-50 grams first degree with mandatory prison; 50-100 grams first degree with the maximum term mandatory; 100 grams (or 1,000 unit doses) or more makes the offender a major drug offender with the maximum first-degree term. Heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs have their own tiers keyed to grams or the statutory 'bulk amount.'

Deception to obtain a dangerous drug (using deception to get a prescription, the dispensing of, or the administration of a dangerous drug, or possessing a blank prescription form) is a fifth-degree felony (fourth degree with a prior drug conviction). For Schedule I or II drugs (other than marijuana) it is a fourth-degree felony, rising to third degree at the bulk amount, second degree at five times bulk, and first degree at fifty times bulk, with a presumption of prison at the higher levels; Schedule III-V drugs start at a fifth-degree felony. Knowingly making a false statement in a prescription or required drug record is illegal processing of drug documents.

Aggravated vehicular assault (causing serious physical harm to someone as the proximate result of drunk or drugged driving, boating or similar operation) is a third-degree felony with a mandatory prison term, raised to second degree for factors such as driving under suspension, a prior vehicular assault or homicide conviction, or three or more prior OVI convictions in 10 years; a license suspension is also required. Vehicular assault (recklessly causing serious physical harm, or doing so through reckless driving in a construction zone) is a fourth-degree felony, or third degree with a suspension or prior conviction. Causing serious harm by speeding in a construction zone is a first-degree misdemeanor with at least 7 days in jail.

Knowingly taking part in street racing, stunt driving (burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, wheelies, or letting a passenger ride outside the vehicle) or a street takeover on public roads or private property open to the public, or helping with such activity, is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days and $1,000). The court must also suspend the offender's driver's license for 30 days to 3 years, and the first 30 days cannot be suspended.

Operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a concentration of 0.08% or more in whole blood (0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath), is a first-degree misdemeanor. A first offense requires 3 consecutive days in jail (which may be replaced by a 3-day drivers' intervention program) and a fine of $150 to $1,000. With one prior offense within 10 years, the mandatory jail term is 10 consecutive days; with two or more, it is 30 consecutive days and up to one year, each with a $150 to $1,000 fine.

Insurance fraud (with purpose to defraud, presenting or helping prepare a statement to an insurer in an application or claim knowing it is false or deceptive) is a first-degree misdemeanor; a fifth-degree felony if the claim is $1,000 to under $7,500; a fourth-degree felony at $7,500 to under $150,000; and a third-degree felony at $150,000 or more.

Illegally using, buying, selling or trafficking SNAP or WIC benefits is a fifth-degree felony, a fourth-degree felony at $1,000 to under $7,500, a third-degree felony at $7,500 to under $150,000, and a second-degree felony at $150,000 or more (amounts within 12 months may be added together). Making a false statement to secure unemployment compensation, Ohio Works First, disability assistance or other publicly paid benefits is falsification, a first-degree misdemeanor; benefits obtained by deception can also be charged as theft graded by value. Medicaid fraud runs from a fifth-degree felony to a first-degree felony at $750,000 or more, with fines up to $150,000. For unemployment fraud, the claim is canceled, the claimant loses two weekly claims for each fraudulent one, must repay the money, and pays a mandatory 25% penalty.

Bribery (promising, offering or giving anything of value to corrupt or improperly influence a public servant or party official, or knowingly asking for or accepting such a thing; also covers influencing witnesses) is a third-degree felony (up to 36 months and $10,000, or longer for listed offenses). A public servant or party official convicted of bribery is permanently barred from holding any public office, employment or position of trust in Ohio. Soliciting or giving improper compensation to a public servant is a separate first-degree misdemeanor.

Knowingly failing to file a required Ohio income tax return, filing a return that is incomplete, false or fraudulent, or helping someone else file a false or fraudulent return is a fifth-degree felony (6-12 months and up to $2,500). An employer that fails to remit income tax withheld from employees faces a fine of $100 to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both, and a fifth-degree felony for a repeat offense. Other violations of the income tax chapter carry fines of $100 to $5,000.

Rape (sexual conduct compelled by force or threat of force, after secretly drugging the victim, or with a victim whose ability to resist or consent is substantially impaired by a mental or physical condition or advanced age) is a felony of the first degree; if the offender drugged the victim with a controlled substance, at least a 5-year mandatory minimum applies. Marriage or living together is not a defense to forcible rape. Sexual battery (sexual conduct obtained by coercion, with someone known to be impaired or unaware, or by a person in authority such as a parent, guardian, jailer, teacher, coach, cleric or medical or mental health professional) is a third-degree felony, and second degree with mandatory prison if the victim is 13 to 17. Gross sexual imposition (forced or drug-facilitated sexual contact, or contact with an impaired person) is a fourth-degree felony. For sex with minors under the age of consent, see the age-of-consent page.

Sexual conduct with a child under 13 is rape, a first-degree felony, whether or not the offender knew the child's age; adult offenders are generally sentenced to an indefinite prison term or life imprisonment under the sexually violent predator sentencing law, and the court may impose life without parole if the child was under 10, was seriously harmed, or the offender had a prior child-rape conviction (not for offenders under 18). Gross sexual imposition with a child under 13 (sexual contact, or touching the bare genitals of a child under 12 for sexual purposes) is a third-degree felony with a presumption of prison, and mandatory prison after a prior sex offense against a child under 13. Sexual battery by a parent, stepparent, guardian or similar person in authority is a felony of the second degree with mandatory prison when the victim is 13 to 17.

Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor: creating, recording, publishing, selling, distributing, advertising or presenting material or performances showing a minor in sexual activity, bringing such material into Ohio, or bringing a minor into or across the state to produce it is a felony of the second degree. Knowingly soliciting, receiving, buying, exchanging, possessing or controlling such material is a fourth-degree felony, or third degree for someone with a prior conviction for this or a related offense. Pandering obscenity involving a minor follows the same grades, and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material is a separate offense. Mistake of age is not a defense.

Yes. Importuning includes an adult using a phone, computer or other telecommunications device to solicit sexual activity from a child under 13 (or a police officer posing as one): a third-degree felony with a presumption of prison, mandatory prison if the offender arranged to meet the child, and a second-degree felony with mandatory prison after a prior sex offense. Soliciting by device a child 13 to 15 (or an officer posing as one) by an adult at least four years older is a fifth-degree felony with a presumption of prison, mandatory prison if the offender is 10 or more years older and arranged a meeting, and a fourth-degree felony with at least 12 months of mandatory prison after a prior sex offense.

People convicted of sexually oriented or child-victim oriented offenses are classified into three tiers by offense and must register and verify their addresses with the county sheriff. Tier I offenders register for 15 years, Tier II for 25 years, and Tier III for life; the lifetime duty of an adult Tier III offender cannot be ended. Juveniles may be classified in the tiers with shorter periods and court review. Failing to register, give notice of a move, or verify an address is a felony of the same degree as the offense that required registration (first degree if that offense was murder), or a fourth-degree felony if that offense was a fifth-degree felony or misdemeanor, with higher penalties for repeat violators.

Ohio's 'having weapons while under disability' law does not cover every felony. It bars anyone under indictment for, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for a felony offense of violence or a felony drug offense, as well as fugitives, people with drug dependency or chronic alcoholism, and people found mentally incompetent or committed, from acquiring, having, carrying or using any firearm or dangerous ordnance. Violating it is a third-degree felony (9-36 months, up to $10,000). The ban applies unless the person has been relieved from the disability by law or legal process, and simply finishing a sentence does not count as relief.

Unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunication property (knowingly gaining or trying to gain access to any computer, system or network without the owner's consent or beyond it, including by hacking) is a fifth-degree felony (6-12 months). If done to defraud, to obtain money, property or services by false pretenses, or to commit another crime, it is a fourth-degree felony for losses of $7,500 to under $150,000 and a third-degree felony at $150,000 or more; higher grades apply when the victim is elderly or disabled. Unauthorized access to the state law enforcement data systems is also covered.

One-party consent. Purposely intercepting a wire (phone), oral or electronic communication, or using the contents knowing they were illegally intercepted, is a fourth-degree felony (6-18 months). The ban does not apply to a person (not a police officer) who is a party to the communication or has one party's prior consent, as long as the recording is not made to commit a crime, a tort or another injurious act.

Making false alarms includes reporting to police an offense or incident you know did not happen, and spreading a false warning of a fire, explosion, crime or other catastrophe likely to cause public alarm. It is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days), rising to a fifth-, fourth- or third-degree felony as economic harm reaches $1,000, $7,500 or $150,000, and a third-degree felony if it involves a claimed weapon of mass destruction. Swatting (knowingly making a false or misleading report by phone or electronic device that is reasonably likely to cause, and does cause, an emergency response, with reckless disregard for whether someone may be hurt) is a separate fourth-degree felony, or second degree if anyone is seriously harmed, and the offender may be ordered to repay response costs.

Yes, in limited form. Ethnic intimidation is committing aggravated menacing, menacing, criminal damaging, criminal mischief, or certain telecommunications harassment because of another person's race, color, religion or national origin. It is graded one degree higher than the underlying offense. The section read does not list sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or disability, and does not apply to other crimes such as assault.

The Adult Parole Authority supervises people on parole and on post-release control (supervision after a prison term). A field officer with reasonable cause to believe a condition was violated may arrest the person without a warrant. Before parole is revoked or a new prison term is imposed as a post-release control sanction, the person gets a hearing under department rules, unless the revocation is based on a conviction for a new offense. For post-release control violations the parole board may impose a prison term of up to nine months per violation, with all violation terms together capped at one-half of the original stated prison term (or of the minimum term for indefinite sentences); it should consider prison when the violation involves a weapon, physical harm or sexual misconduct.

Recklessly violating a protection order or consent agreement (a domestic violence civil or criminal order, a stalking or sexually oriented offense order, a juvenile order, or another state's order) is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days, $1,000). It is a fifth-degree felony (6-12 months) after a prior conviction for violating a protection order, or two prior menacing, stalking or related convictions involving the same person, and a third-degree felony (9-36 months) if the person violates the order while committing a felony. The court may also order up to five years of electronic monitoring for some violations.

Ohio uses transfer from juvenile court ('bindover'). Transfer is mandatory, after a hearing and a probable cause finding, for a child 16 or 17 charged with aggravated murder, murder or an attempt (category one offenses); for a 14- or 15-year-old charged with one of those who was previously committed to the Department of Youth Services for a category one or two offense; and for a 16- or 17-year-old charged with another listed serious felony (category two) who has such a prior commitment or used or displayed a firearm. Any child 14 or older charged with a felony may be transferred at the court's discretion if the court finds the child is not amenable to care or rehabilitation in the juvenile system and community safety may require adult sanctions, after weighing statutory factors. A child previously convicted as an adult in a transferred case must be transferred again.

Ohio has the death penalty for aggravated murder when at least one listed aggravating circumstance is charged in the indictment and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, such as murder for hire, killing a law enforcement officer, killing a witness, killing a child under 13, killing two or more people, or murder during a kidnapping, rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated arson or terrorism. It is not available for an offender under 18 at the time of the offense or one found to have had a serious mental illness at the time. The statute sets the method as lethal injection of a drug or combination of drugs; if lethal injection is held unconstitutional, another method later prescribed by law is used. The Ohio Attorney General's 2025 Capital Crimes Annual Report states that execution dates have been repeatedly postponed by the Governor's reprieves, mainly because of difficulty obtaining lethal-injection drugs (for example, three execution dates were moved to 2029 in January 2026).

A person convicted of a felony cannot vote while incarcerated for it. The person becomes eligible to vote again on release, including while on parole, judicial release, community control, post-release control, or a conditional pardon, and remains eligible after final discharge. No waiting period or application is required (the person must be registered). A person with a felony conviction may not circulate or witness candidate, voter-registration, initiative, referendum or recall petitions.

Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. A felony conviction otherwise makes a person incompetent to serve as a juror or to hold an office of honor, trust or profit, and the statute restores those rights only through a full pardon from the Governor (which also restores voting). Firearm rights: a person under a firearm disability may apply to the court of common pleas in the county of residence for relief; the court may grant it if the person has been fully discharged from prison, community control, post-release control and parole, has led a law-abiding life since, and is not otherwise barred by law. Relief is not available to someone convicted under 2923.132 or convicted twice of a felony with certain firearm specifications.

Ohio uses a 'repeat violent offender' specification rather than a classic three-strikes law. When the indictment charges the specification and the court finds the offender is a repeat violent offender, and the current offense is murder, aggravated murder or terrorism (without a death or life-without-parole sentence), a first-degree violent felony, or a second-degree violent felony involving serious physical harm or an attempt or threat of it, the court may add 1 to 10 years on top of the longest prison term for the offense if the usual term is inadequate. The court must impose the longest term plus an additional 1 to 10 years if the offender has been convicted of three or more qualifying violent offenses (counting the current case) within the preceding twenty years. These added terms may not be reduced under the judicial-release statute (R.C. 2929.20) or certain other listed provisions.

Banned outside licensed dispensaries. Under Senate Bill 56 (effective March 20, 2026), hemp means cannabis with no more than 0.3 percent total THC (including THCa, delta-8, delta-10 and other psychoactive isomers) on a dry weight basis, and it excludes any final hemp-derived cannabinoid product containing more than 0.4 milligrams total THC (and similar cannabinoids) per container, or containing cannabinoids that are synthetic or were synthesized outside the plant. Products outside the hemp definition are treated as marijuana, which may be sold only by dispensaries licensed by the Division of Cannabis Control to adults 21 and older; knowingly transferring adult-use marijuana to a person under 21 is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a fifth-degree felony after that. The Governor vetoed a proposed temporary system for selling hemp-derived THC drinks at bars and stores.

Psilocybin and psilocyn are Schedule I hallucinogens in Ohio. Possessing a Schedule I drug of this kind is aggravated possession of drugs: a felony of the fifth degree (6-12 months) for less than the bulk amount, a third-degree felony (with a presumption of prison) from the bulk amount up to five times bulk, a second-degree felony with a mandatory prison term from five to fifty times bulk, and a first-degree felony with mandatory prison at fifty times bulk and above. A person who seeks medical help for an overdose and then gets a treatment referral is protected from prosecution for minor drug possession. Ohio has no legal psilocybin program in the sections read.

Natural kratom leaf (raw, dried or ground into powder) is legal to sell and possess in Ohio; sellers must comply with the Pure Food and Drug Act (R.C. Chapter 3715). Mitragynine-related compounds, whether synthetic or naturally occurring, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and 7-acetoxymitragynine, are Schedule I controlled substances (emergency rule effective December 12, 2025; permanent rule effective May 19, 2026), and kratom extracts and tinctures are illegal. Blended kratom products (kratom mixed with other ingredients such as water, kava or caffeine) became illegal effective August 4, 2026, according to the Board of Pharmacy, which cites a Franklin County Common Pleas Court case.

Non-intoxicating hemp products such as CBD remain legal as hemp if they meet the hemp definition in effect since March 20, 2026: total THC (including THCa and similar cannabinoids) no higher than 0.3 percent, no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container for a final product, and no synthetic or lab-synthesized cannabinoids. The Department of Agriculture sets testing, labeling and packaging standards for hemp products and enforces the hemp processing law with the Ohio Investigative Unit. Products that exceed these limits are treated as marijuana.

The minimum age is 21. No one may give, sell or distribute cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products (including electronic smoking devices and vapor products) or rolling papers to anyone under 21, or without first verifying proof of age, and sellers must post a sign stating the age-21 rule. A child may not use, possess, buy, or try to buy tobacco products unless accompanied by a parent, spouse or guardian who is 21 or older, but a juvenile court may not adjudicate a child delinquent or unruly for this; a child who gives false identification to obtain tobacco may be ordered to perform up to 20 hours of community service.

Ohio has several offenses. A caretaker who knowingly fails to provide necessary care to a person with a functional impairment, causing physical harm, commits a first-degree misdemeanor (a fourth-degree felony if serious physical harm results); a reckless failure causing serious physical harm is a second-degree misdemeanor, or a fourth-degree felony with serious physical harm. In care facilities, patient abuse is a fourth-degree felony (third degree for a repeat), gross patient neglect a first-degree misdemeanor and patient neglect a second-degree misdemeanor (fifth-degree felony for a repeat). Theft from an 'elderly person' (65 or older) or disabled adult is theft from a person in a protected class: a fifth-degree felony, rising to fourth degree at $1,000, third degree at $7,500, second degree at $37,500 and first degree at $150,000, with full restitution required when the victim is elderly.

Spying on or eavesdropping on someone by trespass or other secret invasion of privacy for sexual gratification is voyeurism, a misdemeanor of the third degree (up to 60 days). Secretly recording a person in a place where they expect privacy to view their private areas is a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 90 days); secretly recording under or through a person's clothing ('upskirting') is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 180 days); and secretly recording a minor's private areas in a private place is a felony of the fifth degree (6-12 months).

Simple assault is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days). Assault on a peace officer, BCI investigator, firefighter or emergency medical services worker performing official duties is a felony of the fourth degree (6-18 months); if the victim is a peace officer or BCI investigator who suffers serious physical harm, the court must impose a mandatory prison term of at least twelve months.