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Common Charges

Introduction

Criminal charges are labels, not conclusions.

They describe what the government alleges, not what has been proven. Yet the specific charge filed often shapes everything that follows, including potential penalties, defense strategy, and how a case moves through the system.

Understanding common charges provides context for how criminal cases are evaluated and why similar situations can lead to very different outcomes.

How Criminal Charges Are Categorized

Criminal charges are generally divided by severity.

Most charges fall into one of two categories. Misdemeanors and felonies. The classification affects potential jail exposure, fines, and long-term consequences.

The distinction between these categories is explained in more detail on the Misdemeanors vs. Felonies page.

Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI)

OVI charges are among the most common criminal cases in Ohio.

They involve allegations of impaired driving based on alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. OVI cases are heavily procedural and often turn on traffic stops, testing methods, and officer training.

Because of their complexity and frequency, OVI cases are addressed separately within the OVI Defense section.

Assault and Domestic Violence

Assault and domestic violence charges often arise from rapidly evolving situations.

These cases frequently involve conflicting statements, emotional stress, and limited physical evidence. Arrest decisions may be made quickly, sometimes before all facts are fully developed.

How these charges are evaluated depends heavily on witness accounts, injury documentation, and prior history.

These issues are explored further on the Assault and Domestic Violence page.

Theft and Property Offenses

Theft charges involve allegations of unlawfully taking or controlling property.

They range from minor offenses to felony-level cases depending on value, circumstances, and prior convictions. Documentation, intent, and valuation often play central roles.

The scope of these cases is discussed on the Theft Crimes page.

Drug Offenses

Drug charges vary widely in severity and complexity.

They may involve possession, trafficking, manufacturing, or paraphernalia. Many drug cases hinge on search and seizure issues, laboratory testing, and chain of custody.

These cases are addressed in more detail on the Drug Offenses page.

Weapons Charges

Weapons offenses often involve technical legal requirements.

These cases may turn on licensing, location restrictions, prior convictions, or how a weapon was carried or used. Seemingly small details can significantly affect exposure.

You can learn more about these cases on the Weapons Charges page.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is a broad charge that often appears alongside other allegations.

It is commonly used in public encounters involving disputes, intoxication, or alleged disruptive behavior. Because of its broad language, these cases frequently depend on officer discretion and narrative framing.

This charge is explained further on the Disorderly Conduct page.

Obstruction and Interference Charges

Obstruction-related charges involve allegations of interference with law enforcement duties.

They often arise during arrests, investigations, or tense encounters. These cases frequently turn on whether conduct crossed the line from protected behavior into criminal interference.