June 29, 2011

Ohio House Bill 86, to Reform Criminal Sentencing Guidelines

Signed into law on June 29, 2011, Ohio House Bill 86 criminal sentencing reform legislation permits judges to refer first-time low-risk, non-violent offenders to community-based alternatives to incarceration. The legislation requires judges to review a risk assessment checklist to determine if offenders are eligible for community-based corrections, a half-way house, or substance abuse treatment. If they are found to be eligible, their offenses can be re-classified as a lesser offense not requiring incarceration to permit sentencing to prison alternatives. The legislation includes other sentencing reforms.