Facing a criminal charge in Ohio

Bond and pretrial release in Ohio

Article I Section 9 of the Ohio Constitution prohibits excessive bail and, as amended in November 2022, directs courts to consider public safety in setting bail. Ohio Criminal Rule 46 governs pretrial release and lists the types of bail (personal recognizance, unsecured appearance bond, cash or surety bond, 10 percent deposit, or property bond) and the factors courts must consider, including the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, the accused's ties and history, and the safety of the public. Under Crim.R. 46(B) the court must release on the least restrictive conditions that will reasonably assure appearance and safety. Many Ohio courts of common pleas and municipal courts adopt written bond schedules under Crim.R. 46(G) used pending first appearance. R.C. 2937.222 governs hearings to deny bail for certain serious felonies. Bond modification is available on motion at any stage.

Bond amounts, conditions, and timelines vary by county and judge. Confirm with counsel or the court.

Criminal defense attorneys serving Ohio

Our directory is still building in Ohio. Public-defender intake is available now.

Record clearing in Ohio

Ohio sealing and expungement is governed by R.C. 2953.31 through 2953.521. Senate Bill 288 (effective April 2023) expanded eligibility for sealing many fourth and fifth degree felonies after a waiting period.

Eligibility, waiting periods, and the petition vs. automatic pathway depend on the conviction class and the date of the offense. Confirm with counsel or the court record.

Public defender intake in Ohio

Office of the Ohio Public Defender serves STATEWIDE County. Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. We do not refer you to a specific public defender and we do not represent you.

Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. LawSensai does not refer you to a public defender and does not represent you. This packet is a courtesy summary you can share with your public defender or their intake staff. You remain responsible for applying to the court for appointed counsel.