Jail

• Anyone found guilty of a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio can be sentenced to up to six months in jail.
  
  

Fines

• Those found guilty of a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio can be fined up to $1,000.
  
  

Sentencing Discretion

• Ohio judges can use their discretion when sentencing offenders. They can, if they see fit, sentence an offender to six months in jail for a first degree misdemeanor, then suspend the sentence and impose a probationary period instead.
  
  

Additional Sanctions

• Along with prison and fines several additional sanctions can be imposed on misdemeanor offenders. Among these are house arrest, community service, drug testing and treatment, and mandatory counseling.
  
  

Diversion Programs

• Ohio operates diversion programs in which non-violent drug users receive counseling and treatment. Successful completion of these intervention programs can help addicts recover while avoiding prosecution. Failing in these programs usually leads to criminal prosecution of the applicable charge.