Ohio § 2945.75

§ 2945.75.

(A) When the presence of one or more additional elements makes an offense one of more

serious degree: (1) The affidavit, complaint, indictment, or information either shall state the degree

of the offense which the accused is alleged to have committed, or shall allege such

additional element or elements.  Otherwise, such affidavit, complaint, indictment, or information is effective to

charge only the least degree of the offense. (2) A guilty verdict shall state either the degree of the offense of which the offender

is found guilty, or that such additional element or elements are present.  Otherwise, a guilty verdict constitutes a finding of guilty of the least degree

of the offense charged. (B)(1) Whenever in any case it is necessary to prove a prior conviction, a certified copy

of the entry of judgment in such prior conviction together with evidence sufficient

to identify the defendant named in the entry as the offender in the case at bar, is

sufficient to prove such prior conviction. (2) Whenever in any case it is necessary to prove a prior conviction of an offense for

which the registrar of motor vehicles maintains a record, a certified copy of the

record that shows the name, date of birth, and social security number of the accused

is prima-facie evidence of the identity of the accused and prima-facie evidence of

all prior convictions shown on the record.  The accused may offer evidence to rebut the prima-facie evidence of the accused's

identity and the evidence of prior convictions.  Proof of a prior conviction of an offense for which the registrar maintains a record

may also be proved as provided in division (B)(1) of this section. (3) If the defendant claims a constitutional defect in any prior conviction, the defendant

has the burden of proving the defect by a preponderance of the evidence.