Ohio Felony Sentencing Chart

In Ohio, felony sentencing terms vary significantly based on the nature and severity of the crime.

Your past criminal history also influences the penalties you face, along with any aggravating factors associated with the alleged crime.

This Ohio felony sentencing guideline provides insight into the range of penalties you might face upon conviction.

However, because these are basic penalties that you could face, you can’t use this information to accurately determine what your sentence might be.

The best way to determine how the Ohio sentencing guidelines could affect your future is to discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Overview of Ohio Criminal Felony Classifications

Ohio classifies felonies as follows, from least to most severe.

Fifth-Degree Felony

Examples of crimes that typically fall into this category include:

• Credit card and check fraud,
• Breaking and entering,
• Theft over $1,000,
• License plate theft,
• Motor vehicle title fraud, and
• High-level drug crimes.

Fourth-Degree Felony

Crimes that may fall into this category include:

• Elder abuse or neglect,
• Motor vehicle theft,
• Felony DUI/OVI, and
• Aggravated assault.

Third-Degree Felony

Crimes that fall into the third-degree felony category include:

• Firearm theft,
• Perjury,
• Robbery,
• Bribery,
• Involuntary manslaughter, and
• Reckless manslaughter.

Second-Degree Felony

Some of the most common offenses categorized as second-degree felonies include:

• Aggravated arson,
• Felony assault, and
• Abduction.

First-Degree Felony

In Ohio, you will face first-degree felony charges for crimes that include:

• Aggravated robbery,
• Kidnapping,
• Sexual conduct through force (rape),
• Voluntary manslaughter, and
• Murder.

Unclassified Felony

This category is relatively new and the sentencing guidelines can be confusing.

Offenses that may fall under this classification include multiple murders and aggravated murder.

However, the court can impose this charge for other offenses when aggravating circumstances are involved that make an offense particularly heinous.

Ohio Sentencing Chart for Felony Convictions

Felony Level	Categories for Felony Conviction Include	Prison Terms	Maximum Fines*	Probation	Is Post Release Control (PRC) Required?	Additional Prison Time
F-1	Aggravated robbery, Kidnapping, Sexual conduct through force (rape), Voluntary manslaughter and, Murder	Three to 11 years in prison*	Up to $20,000 monetary fine	No	Up to five years post-release control (PRC, ie. parole)	*Some F-1 offenders face 10 additional years in prison
F-2	Aggravated arson, Felony assault and, Abduction	Two to 8 years in prison*	Up to $15,000 monetary fine	No	Up to five years post-release control (PRC, ie. parole)	*Some F-2 offenders face 10 additional years in prison
F-3	Firearm theft, Perjury, Robbery, Bribery, Involuntary manslaughter and, Reckless manslaughter	Nine months to 3 years in prison*	Up to $10,000 monetary fine	No	Up to three years post-release control (PRC, ie. parole)	*Some F-3 offenses qualify for 1-5 years in prison
F-4	Elder abuse or neglect, Motor vehicle theft, Felony DUI/OVI and, Aggravated assault	6 to 18 months in prison (6 mos. minimum)	Up to $5,000 monetary fine	Up to five years community control (probation)	No	No
F-5	Credit card and check fraud, Breaking and entering, Theft over $1000, License plate theft, Motor vehicle title fraud and, High-level drug crimes	Six to 12 months in prison	Up to $2,500 monetary fine	Up to five years community control (probation)	No	No

At the time of felony sentencing, Ohio courts allow the jury to make sentencing recommendations in some cases. Ultimately, however, the judge has the final decision about sentencing.

These are the sentencing guideline ranges for each type of Ohio felony charge:

Fifth-Degree Felony

• Six to 12 months in prison
• Up to $2,500 monetary fine
• Up to five years community control (probation)

Fourth-Degree Felony

• Six to 18 months in prison (6 mos. minimum)
• Up to $5,000 monetary fine
• Up to five years community control (probation)

Third-Degree Felony

• Nine months to 3 years in prison*
• Up to $10,000 monetary fine
• Up to 3 years post-release control (PRC, i.e., parole)
• *Some F-3 offenses qualify for 1-5 years in prison

Second-Degree Felony

• Two to 8 years in prison*
• Up to $15,000 monetary fine
• Up to 5 years post-release control (PRC, i.e., parole)
• *Some F-2 offenders face 10 additional years in prison

First-Degree Felony

• Three to 11 years in prison*
• Up to $20,000 monetary fine
• Up to five years post-release control (PRC, i.e., parole)
• *Some F-1 offenders face 10 additional years in prison

In addition to the guidelines listed here, you could face a variety of other penalties based on the nature and circumstances of your charges.

A felony conviction can cost you your right to vote and your right to own or carry a firearm.

You will be left with a permanent criminal record as well, preventing you from getting a good job, renting an apartment, or holding a professional license.

Potential Ohio Criminal Defense Strategies

Experienced attorneys have many potential defense strategies available for use.

The appropriate legal defense in your case will depend on your specific circumstances and your criminal history.

Before you agree to accept a plea bargain or provide a statement to police or prosecutors, talk to a lawyer to explore your options. This allows you to make an informed decision about your future.