Overview of Juvenile Crime Penalties in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

Following an adjudicatory hearing, the juvenile judge will hold a dispositional hearing to determine what the appropriate sentence should be for a juvenile offender. There are a number of potential penalties for juvenile offenders, including:

• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension
• Temporary or permanent confinement to custody
• Curfew
• Drug and alcohol monitoring
• Probation
• House arrest
• Drug or alcohol treatment
• Placement in a detention facility
• Medical or psychological counseling
• Fines and court costs

For a child that is found delinquent (term used for juveniles convicted of criminal offenses), the most serious sanction is to be sent to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. However, this penalty is reserved only for those found to have committed a felony. For a delinquent child convicted of a misdemeanor, the most serious penalty is to be sent to a local detention facility for up to 90 days.

A serious youth offender (SYO) sentence combines a sentence typically given to a juvenile with a sentence that is typically reserved only for adults convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Several factors are used by the court to determine whether such a sentence is appropriate. These include:

• Whether the crime was an offense of violence if committed by an adult;
• Whether the juvenile had a firearm while committing the offense; and
• Whether the juvenile has a prior conviction for a serious crime.

Juvenile Delinquency Penalties in Ohio

The following penalties could be imposed for a juvenile found delinquent (i.e., guilty) for an act that would be a felony or misdemeanor if committed by an adult, but who has not been bound over (i.e., transferred) to adult court.

Aggravated Murder or Murder

• Juvenile could be committed to the Ohio Department of Youth Services until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 14-17 years old – mandatory SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is 10-13 years old – discretionary SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is under 10 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $2000 fine

Attempted Aggravated Murder or Attempted Murder

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum 6-7 years or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 14-17 years old – mandatory SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is 10-13 years old – discretionary SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is under 10 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $2000 fine

1st Degree Felony

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum of 1 year or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 16-17 years old – mandatory SYO sentence if factors are present; discretionary SYO sentence if no factors are present
• If the juvenile is 14-15 years old – discretionary SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is 10-13 years old – discretionary SYO if factors are present
• If the juvenile is under 10 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $1500 fine

2nd Degree Felony

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum of 1 year or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 14-17 years old – discretionary SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is 12-13 – discretionary SYO sentence if factors are present
• If the juvenile is under 12 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $1000 fine

3rd Degree Felony

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum period of 6 months or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 16-17 years old – discretionary SYO sentence
• If the juvenile is 14-15 – discretionary SYO sentence if factors are present
• If the juvenile is under 14 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $750 fine

4th Degree Felony

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum period of 6 months or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 16-17 years old – discretionary SYO sentence if factors are present
• If the juvenile is under 16 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $400 fine

5th Degree Felony

• Juvenile could be committed for a minimum period of 6 months or until the juvenile reaches 21 years old
• If the juvenile is 16-17 years old – discretionary SYO if factors are present
• If the juvenile is under 16 years old – up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $300 fine

1st Degree Misdemeanor

• Up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $250 fine

2nd Degree Misdemeanor

• Up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $200 fine

3rd Degree Misdemeanor

• Up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $150 fine

4th Degree Misdemeanor

• Up to 90 days in a detention facility
• Maximum $100 fine

Minor Misdemeanor

• Maximum $50 fine

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child has been charged with a criminal offense in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your child’s case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your child’s case.