What distinguishes a felony from a misdemeanor in Ohio?

The distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor in Ohio is primarily based on the severity of the crime and the penalties associated with each. Felonies are classified as more serious offenses that carry harsher penalties, including imprisonment for more than one year. This differentiation is significant because a felony conviction can lead to longer prison sentences and more substantial legal consequences, such as loss of certain civil rights, compared to misdemeanors.

In Ohio, felonies can involve serious crimes such as murder, robbery, or drug trafficking, which reflect a greater threat to public safety. Conversely, misdemeanors are typically associated with less serious offenses, such as petty theft or specific types of assault, which can result in shorter jail time, generally less than one year, and often involve fines or other penalties.

While misdemeanors can certainly include a variety of penalties beyond fines, including short terms of incarceration, the defining aspect is their lesser severity compared to felonies. Additionally, the right to a trial by jury is preserved in both felony and misdemeanor cases, further emphasizing the incorrectness of the claim that felonies cannot involve a trial by jury.

Thus, the key characteristic distinguishing a felony from a misdemeanor in Ohio is that felonies carry harsher penalties, including imprisonment of over