Ohio § 2929.21
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2929.21, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2929.21.
(A) A court that sentences an offender for a misdemeanor or minor misdemeanor violation
of any provision of the Revised Code, or of any municipal ordinance that is substantially
similar to a misdemeanor or minor misdemeanor violation of a provision of the Revised
Code, shall be guided by the overriding purposes of misdemeanor sentencing. The overriding purposes of misdemeanor sentencing are to protect the public from
future crime by the offender and others and to punish the offender. To achieve those purposes, the sentencing court shall consider the impact of the
offense upon the victim and the need for changing the offender's behavior, rehabilitating
the offender, and making restitution to the victim of the offense, the public, or
the victim and the public. (B) A sentence imposed for a misdemeanor or minor misdemeanor violation of a Revised
Code provision or for a violation of a municipal ordinance that is subject to division
(A) of this section shall be reasonably calculated to achieve the two overriding purposes
of misdemeanor sentencing set forth in division (A) of this section, commensurate
with and not demeaning to the seriousness of the offender's conduct and its impact
upon the victim, and consistent with sentences imposed for similar offenses committed
by similar offenders. (C) A court that imposes a sentence upon an offender for a misdemeanor or minor misdemeanor
violation of a Revised Code provision or for a violation of a municipal ordinance
that is subject to division (A) of this section shall not base the sentence upon the
race, ethnic background, gender, or religion of the offender. (D) Divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall not apply to any offense that is disposed
of by a traffic violations bureau of any court pursuant to Traffic Rule 13 and shall not apply to any violation of any provision of the Revised Code that is
a minor misdemeanor and that is disposed of without a court appearance. Divisions (A) to (C) of this section do not affect any penalties established by
a municipal corporation for a violation of its ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2929.21
What does Ohio Revised Code § 2929.21 cover?
Section 2929.21 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 § 2929.21?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2929.21" (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 § 2929.21 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.