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Welcome to our weekly series, Friday Q&A. Each week our attorneys will respond to a question selected from the many received by direct and online submission. Have a question you want answered or topic you want to hear more about? Submit your suggestions to us by tweeting@TLOBJ or sending a message to our Facebook Page.
Question: What is a misdemeanor? What is the difference between the different kinds of misdemeanors?
Answer: A misdemeanor is a crime that has been defined by the legislature as less serious than a felony, and is usually punishable by a fine, penalty, forfeiture, or a brief period of confinement in a place other than prison, like the county jail.
“Misdemeanor” is the term that came to describe all crimes that were not felonies or treason during the American common law period (or the time prior to codified, state-specific criminal and civil codes.) Misdemeanors differ from felonies in how they are charged, prosecuted, and ultimately, in the range of potential penalties.
Take for example, the legislature-provided statutes of limitations for crimes in Ohio. For a minor misdemeanor, a complaint must be filed within six months of the date of the incident and a misdemeanor complaint must be charged within two years of the date of the incident; while a felony can be charged up to eight years after the date of the incident (and some crimes, like murder, have no limitation on when charges can be brought.) See, R.C. 2901.13.
Because misdemeanors are statutorily considered less severe than felonies, it is no surprise that the range of penalties for misdemeanor crimes is lower than that of felonies.
OHIO MISDEMEANOR PENALTIES CHART
Classification | Confinement | Maximum fine |
Misdemeanor 1 (M1) | Up to 180 days jail | $1,000 |
Misdemeanor 2 (M2) | Up to 90 days jail | $750 |
Misdemeanor 3 (M3) | Up to 60 days jail | $500 |
Misdemeanor 4 (M4) | Up to 30 days jail | $250 |
Minor Misdemeanor (MM) | NONE | $150 |
Some misdemeanor charges like Driving Under Suspension (DUS), Driving Under the Influence (DUI/OVI), and drug offenses come with mandatory jail time. See, R.C. 2929.24.
DUS, OVI, and drug offenses also carry the possibility of a driver’s license suspension, for a minimum of six-months to a maximum of ten years. See, R.C. 4510.02.
Brian Glen Jones graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelors Degree in Politics and Government. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate degree from the University Of Akron School Of Law. Brian has been a lifelong resident of Ohio. Brian is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and before the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio.
Calling a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer before speaking to law enforcement is the best way to protect your future. Our attorneys will work to minimize or eliminate the possibility of jail time, a prison sentence, probation, hefty fines and a permanent criminal record. Call us now at 740-363-3900 to schedule your appointment with one of the firm’s knowledgeable attorneys.
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