Criminal offenses in the state of Ohio are generally classified into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and carries more severe penalties including a more damaging loss of civil rights.
In Ohio, misdemeanors are classified into five levels:
Minor, Fourth-degree, Third-degree, Second-degree, and First-degree misdemeanors.
A minor misdemeanor is the least serious type of misdemeanor (and crimes in general). This carries no jail time and a maximum fine of $150. First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor crimes and carry a maximum of 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
In Ohio, felonies are classified into five degrees:
- Felony of the fifth degree
- Felony of the fourth degree
- Felony of the third degree
- Felony of the second degree
- Felony of the first degree
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Felony of the fifth degree is the least serious type of felony and carries a prison sentence of 6-12 months and a fine not exceeding $2,500 whereas felony of the first degree is the most serious type of felony and carries a minimum prison sentence of three years and a maximum fine of $20,000.