In Ohio, a misdemeanor criminal assault charge is a legal accusation that someone has knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another person. Assault is defined under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 2903.13. Depending on the specific circumstances and the level of harm involved, there are different degrees of misdemeanor assault charges in Ohio:
- Misdemeanor Assault (M1 – ORC 2903.13(A)): This is a first-degree misdemeanor charge and typically involves situations where a person knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another individual. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Misdemeanor Assault (M2 – ORC 2903.13(B)): This is a second-degree misdemeanor charge and can be filed when a person knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.
- Misdemeanor Assault (M3 – ORC 2903.13(C)): This is a third-degree misdemeanor charge, and it applies when a person knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another person, and the victim is a peace officer, emergency medical worker, or school employee in the performance of their duties. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
These charges are typically classified based on the level of harm caused and the specific circumstances of the assault. Penalties for misdemeanor assault convictions can include jail time, fines, probation, mandatory counseling or anger management classes, and restraining orders in certain cases.
It’s important to consult with an attorney at Parker Law if you are facing a misdemeanor assault charge in Ohio or need legal advice related to an assault incident. Legal consequences can vary depending on the details of the case and the applicable laws, so consulting with a legal professional is advisable. Laws and regulations may also change over time, so be sure to refer to the most up-to-date legal resources or seek advice from Parker Law for the latest information on misdemeanor assault charges in Ohio.