What Felonies Have Mandatory Jail Time in Ohio?

Felony charges in Ohio are a serious legal matter, partially because many felonies carry mandatory prison sentences. If you face a felony charge in Ohio, it’s imperative to contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. The Akron, OH, defense lawyers at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder have over 50 years of combined experience and can prepare a robust defense strategy on your behalf. We also believe in keeping clients informed, so we compiled a list of some felonies in Ohio with mandatory prison sentences.

Types of Felonies in Ohio

There are six classifications of felony crimes under Ohio law, ranging from unclassified felonies (the most severe) to fifth-degree felonies (the least severe). Different crimes fall into different categories, but here are some general guidelines on what offenses fall into which class of felony:

• Unclassified felonies – Murder, aggravated murder, and other severe offenses
• First-degree felonies – Kidnapping, rape, some manslaughter offenses
• Second-degree felonies – Abduction, arson, some assault offenses
• Third-degree felonies – Certain drug offenses, unlawful sexual contact with a minor, vehicular homicide
• Fourth-degree felonies – Aggravated assault, grand theft auto, promoting prostitution
• Fifth-degree felonies – Breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, gambling

Ohio Felonies with Mandatory Prison Time

The amount of prison time a felony offense in Ohio carries depends on the offense, any aggravating factors, and other elements unique to a case. That said, the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission has information on which offenses carry mandatory prison terms, and they include:

• Aggravated murder: Mandatory life prison term, possible death penalty
• Murder: 15 years to life
• Any first-degree or second-degree felony: Mandatory sentence if the offender has a prior conviction for aggravated murder, murder, or any other first-degree or second-degree felony offense. The mandatory minimum for a first-degree felony is three years in prison, while the minimum for a second-degree felony is two years.
• Assaults on Peace Officers: Mandatory terms apply for felonious, aggravated, or simple assault when the victim is a peace officer or BCII investigator who suffered serious physical harm. This includes a seven-year minimum if the offender shot at a peace or corrections officer during an attempted assault or homicide, and a five-year minimum for aggravated vehicular homicide with a peace officer victim.
• Assaults on Pregnant Women: Mandatory terms apply, including a 30-day jail term for misdemeanor violations with a specification related to the pregnancy.
• Certain Sex Offenses: Offenses with a sexually violent predator specification have sentences ranging from at least two years to life, consecutive to the underlying offense. Specific terms also apply for attempted rape, statutory rape, and sexual battery under certain conditions.
• Certain Drug Offenses: Generally, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, and third-degree felony drug offenses carry mandatory terms. Specific mandatory terms apply to high-quantity drug trafficking, possession, or cultivation, especially involving fentanyl-related compounds.
• Certain Traffic Offenses: Felony operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) offenses, especially with prior convictions, carry mandatory terms. This includes mandatory terms for OVI-related aggravated vehicular homicide (AVH) and aggravated vehicular assault (AVA), with specific terms for cases involving prior OVIs.
• Human Trafficking: Violations carry mandatory terms ranging from 10 to 15 years, with additional specifications for offenses committed in furtherance of human trafficking.

Contact an Ohio Felony Defense Attorney Now

You need high-quality legal representation to defend yourself against felony charges in Ohio. The team at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder understands the stakes in these cases and can help you avoid the worst possible consequences. Call us today or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.