Ohio § 2925.51
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2925.51, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2925.51.
(A) In any criminal prosecution for a violation of this chapter or Chapter 3719. of the
Revised Code, a laboratory report from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation,
a laboratory operated by another law enforcement agency, or a laboratory established
by or under the authority of an institution of higher education that has its main
campus in this state and that is accredited by the association of American universities
or the north central association of colleges and secondary schools, primarily for
the purpose of providing scientific services to law enforcement agencies and signed
by the person performing the analysis, stating that the substance that is the basis
of the alleged offense has been weighed and analyzed and stating the findings as to
the content, weight, and identity of the substance and that it contains any amount
of a controlled substance and the number and description of unit dosages, is prima-facie
evidence of the content, identity, and weight or the existence and number of unit
dosages of the substance. In any criminal prosecution for a violation of section 2925.041 of the Revised Code or a violation of this chapter or Chapter 3719. of the Revised Code that is based
on the possession of chemicals sufficient to produce a compound, mixture, preparation,
or substance included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V, a laboratory report from the
bureau or from any laboratory that is operated or established as described in this
division that is signed by the person performing the analysis, stating that the substances
that are the basis of the alleged offense have been weighed and analyzed and stating
the findings as to the content, weight, and identity of each of the substances, is
prima-facie evidence of the content, identity, and weight of the substances. Attached to that report shall be a copy of a notarized statement by the signer of
the report giving the name of the signer and stating that the signer is an employee
of the laboratory issuing the report and that performing the analysis is a part of
the signer's regular duties, and giving an outline of the signer's education, training,
and experience for performing an analysis of materials included under this section. The signer shall attest that scientifically accepted tests were performed with due
caution, and that the evidence was handled in accordance with established and accepted
procedures while in the custody of the laboratory. (B) The prosecuting attorney shall serve a copy of the report on the attorney of record
for the accused, or on the accused if the accused has no attorney, prior to any proceeding
in which the report is to be used against the accused other than at a preliminary
hearing or grand jury proceeding where the report may be used without having been
previously served upon the accused. (C) The report shall not be prima-facie evidence of the contents, identity, and weight
or the existence and number of unit dosages of the substance if the accused or the
accused's attorney demands the testimony of the person signing the report, by serving
the demand upon the prosecuting attorney within seven days from the accused or the
accused's attorney's receipt of the report. The time may be extended by a trial judge in the interests of justice. (D) Any report issued for use under this section shall contain notice of the right of
the accused to demand, and the manner in which the accused shall demand, the testimony
of the person signing the report. (E) Any person who is accused of a violation of this chapter or of Chapter 3719. of the
Revised Code is entitled, upon written request made to the prosecuting attorney, to
have a portion of the substance that is, or of each of the substances that are, the
basis of the alleged violation preserved for the benefit of independent analysis performed
by a laboratory analyst employed by the accused person, or, if the accused is indigent,
by a qualified laboratory analyst appointed by the court. Such portion shall be a representative sample of the entire substance that is, or
of each of the substances that are, the basis of the alleged violation and shall be
of sufficient size, in the opinion of the court, to permit the accused's analyst to
make a thorough scientific analysis concerning the identity of the substance or substances. The prosecuting attorney shall provide the accused's analyst with the sample portion
at least fourteen days prior to trial, unless the trial is to be held in a court not
of record or unless the accused person is charged with a minor misdemeanor, in which
case the prosecuting attorney shall provide the accused's analyst with the sample
portion at least three days prior to trial. If the prosecuting attorney determines that such a sample portion cannot be preserved
and given to the accused's analyst, the prosecuting attorney shall so inform the accused
person or his attorney. In such a circumstance, the accused person is entitled, upon written request made
to the prosecuting attorney, to have the accused's privately employed or court appointed
analyst present at an analysis of the substance that is, or the substances that are,
the basis of the alleged violation, and, upon further written request, to receive
copies of all recorded scientific data that result from the analysis and that can
be used by an analyst in arriving at conclusions, findings, or opinions concerning
the identity of the substance or substances subject to the analysis. (F) In addition to the rights provided under division (E) of this section, any person
who is accused of a violation of this chapter or of Chapter 3719. of the Revised Code
that involves a bulk amount of a controlled substance, or any multiple thereof, or
who is accused of a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code , other than a minor misdemeanor violation, that involves marihuana, is entitled,
upon written request made to the prosecuting attorney, to have a laboratory analyst
of the accused's choice, or, if the accused is indigent, a qualified laboratory analyst
appointed by the court present at a measurement or weighing of the substance that
is the basis of the alleged violation. Also, the accused person is entitled, upon further written request, to receive copies
of all recorded scientific data that result from the measurement or weighing and that
can be used by an analyst in arriving at conclusions, findings, or opinions concerning
the weight, volume, or number of unit doses of the substance subject to the measurement
or weighing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2925.51
What does Ohio Revised Code § 2925.51 cover?
Section 2925.51 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 2925.51?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2925.51" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 2925.51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.