How are crimes classified?

There are two major classifications of crimes:

felonies and misdemeanors.

• A felony is defined as a serious crime carrying a potential penalty of imprisonment for more than one year, or death.  Aggravated murder is the most serious felony; some of the others are murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, rape and robbery.

• A misdemeanor is defined as a crime that generally carries a local jail term of six months or less (but can be up to one year for repeat drunken driving).  Typically, a fine is imposed instead of or in addition to jail time.  Probation supervision, community service, restitution, and other local sanctions are common.  Misdemeanors-which include a great variety of offenses from littering and speeding to drunken driving (the first three times) and simple assault (with minimal harm)-are generally less serious offenses than felonies. Misdemeanants are not eligible for prison terms.

Can legal aid help me with my criminal matter?

No, because criminal matters are handled by the public defender office in your county, not by civil legal aid or Ohio Legal Services.

Locate your local Public Defender's Office now.

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