Ohio Crime Victims' Rights: Ohio Laws

Amendment to Ohio Constitution, passed by ballot initiative, effective 2/18.

From the Ohio Attorney General's Office

Ohio Attorney General's Office

Support to Ohio

Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

The Ohio Supreme Court will decide in State ex rel. Gatehouse Media Ohio Holdings II Inc. v. Columbus Police Dept. whether police officers names have to remain confidential due to Marsy's law.

Victims' rights

Protects victim names and identification information from release as public record upon victim request.

Sealing of juvenile court records. Provides victims with notice, right to be present, and right to be heard when a court is considering sealing the record of a conviction.

Expungement of sealed juvenile records.

Mandatory restitution to the victim in juvenile cases

Allows more child victims the option of testimony via CCTV or recorded deposition, as opposed to live trial testimony, by increasing the age of eligible victims from 12 to 18.

Allows victims with disabilities to seek testimony via CCTV or recorded deposition.

Reparations fund for crime victims and other expenses

Mandatory court costs and bail for reparations fund

To protect victim privacy by clarifying exceptions to rape shield include the origin of semen, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted disease

Prohibits request or requirement of polygraphing of sex crimes victims to being or continue investigation or prosecution.

Encourages restitution to the victim as part of sentencing of adult.

Provide victims with the right, pursuant to Ohio’s constitution, to be heard at any hearing for judicial release of an offender.