Misdemeanor Arrest
Misdemeanor offenses are typically the least serious criminal charges in Ohio. While misdemeanors may be considered “lesser” crimes when compared to felonies, it does not mean that a person should take the allegations lightly.
A conviction for a misdemeanor offense can still result in possible imprisonment and fines. Additionally, convictions will also appear on criminal records and have the potential to cause difficulty later on for people seeking employment, housing, or admission into college.
Lawyer for Misdemeanor Cases in Dayton, OH
If you were arrested for any kind of misdemeanor crime in Ohio, you should seek out experienced legal representation. Brian Joslyn of the Joslyn Law Firm aggressively defends clients all over Dayton and surrounding areas of Montgomery County such as Kettering, Huber Heights, and many more.
When defending misdemeanor charges, Brian Joslyn also serves communities in Miami County such as Troy and Piqua as well as Springfield and the greater Clark County area. You can receive a complete review of your case as soon as you call (937) 356-3969 right now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Information on Misdemeanor Arrests in Montgomery County
- What happens after a person is charged with a misdemeanor?
- How are misdemeanors classified in Ohio?
- Where can I learn more about misdemeanor cases in Dayton?
How Misdemeanor Cases Are Handled in Ohio
Misdemeanor criminal cases are typically heard in municipal courts, which are the trial courts located in counties and municipalities all over Ohio. Dayton has a municipal court serving the boundaries of the city, and Montgomery County has an Eastern Division and a Western Division with limited jurisdictions serving other cities, townships, and villages in the county.
Following arrests in misdemeanor cases, alleged offenders will enter initial pleas during their arraignments. In nearly all cases, it is in a person’s best interest to plead not guilty and move the case toward trial.
Some municipal court trials are heard and decided by the judges the cases are brought before, but an alleged offender may be able to request a trial by jury. In such cases, a jury is composed of eight citizens who must unanimously agree on a guilty or not guilty verdict.
Classification of Misdemeanor Crimes in Dayton
Ohio classifies misdemeanors into five categories. The maximum possible jail terms for these crimes are established under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.24, and the maximum fines are established under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.28.
The different classifications and statutory maximums as well as common examples of crimes that fall under such misdemeanor classifications are as follows:
- Minor Misdemeanor — Fine of up to $150 and no jail sentence. Common minor misdemeanors include disorderly conduct, illegal use or possession of marijuana (referred to in the Ohio Revised Code as “marihuana”) drug paraphernalia, and many traffic offenses such as speeding, U-turn, and seatbelt violations.
- Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — Fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail. Fourth-degree misdemeanors include certain menacing, domestic violence, and public indecency offenses.
- Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Common third-degree misdemeanors include certain sexual imposition, voyeurism, and criminal mischief offenses.
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Fine of up to $750 and up to 90 days in jail. Second-degree misdemeanors include certain unlawful transactions in weapons, resisting arrest, and illegal dispensing of drug samples offenses.
- First-Degree Misdemeanor — Fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Common first-degree misdemeanors include certain theft, endangering children, and misuse of credit cards, and unauthorized use of a vehicle offenses.
Ohio Resources for Misdemeanor Charges
Dayton Municipal Court — Created by the Ohio State Legislature in 1913, the Dayton Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases within the city limits as well as felony preliminary hearings, in-jail arraignments, and civil cases. You can find answers to frequently asked questions, pay tickets or fines, and learn more about court rules and organization on this website. The website also has downloadable civil forms and case search engines.
Dayton Municipal Court301 West 3rd Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 333-4300
The Municipal Court of Montgomery County Ohio — Montgomery County’s municipal court has two locations. The Western Division in New Lebanon serves Brookville, Clay, Farmersville, Jackson, Jefferson, New Lebanon, Perry, Phillipsburg, Trotwood, and Verona. The Eastern Division in Huber Heights serves that city as well as Riverside. You can pay your ticket online and view public records and annual reports on this website.
Find a Lawyer for Misdemeanor Offenses in Dayton, Ohio
Were you arrested for allegedly committing a misdemeanor offense in Montgomery County? The Joslyn Law Firm defends clients all over the greater Dayton area as well as many other nearby communities such as Beavercreek and Fairborn in Greene County.
Brian Joslyn fights to get misdemeanor criminal charges dismissed for clients all over Ohio. Call (937) 356-3969 or submit an online form today to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Dayton, provide a thorough evaluation of your case during a completely free initial consultation.