Ohio Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Ohio. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Ohio attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Ohio Quick Facts
- State Capital: Columbus
- Region: Midwest
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Legal (recreational)
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
- Murder SOL: None
Ohio DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 3 days–6 months jail, $375–$1,075 fine, 6-month–3 year suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | 10 days–6 months, $525–$1,625 fine, 1–7 year suspension |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense in 6 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Ohio uses an OVI (Operating Vehicle Impaired) statute
Ohio Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (recreational) |
| Medical Program | Yes |
| Recreational Use | Yes |
| Small Amount Penalty | Legal (up to 2.5 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Over 2.5 oz: misdemeanor |
Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2023
Ohio Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 180 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 11 years (1st degree felony) |
Ohio theft penalties scale with value
Ohio Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None (20 years for some) |
| Felony (General) | 6 years |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Theft | 6 years |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | 6 years |
Ohio aggravated murder has no SOL