Criminal Justice Reform

Nearly 1 million residents of the state have felony convictions. For our Justice Matters series, we speak with some of them who have been living with the consequences, while we identify some calls for change.

When it comes to reforming Ohio's criminal justice system, changing the laws tends to start at the state-level. But while lawmakers look at shifting sentencing from prison to treatment, there's also an urge by officials to increase penalties, resulting in what can be a contrasting approach to reform.

Although bipartisanship isn't seen frequently these days, there seems to be some agreement from both sides of the aisle on the need to reform bail in Ohio.

Even with bipartisan support to reduce Ohio's prison population, state lawmakers are increasing the number of felonies and penalties defendants face.

A statewide poll released in March found that three out of four Ohio voters believe the state’s criminal justice system is in need of reform. Two areas that have already seen movement are in the creation of a statewide criminal justice database and in reforms to the cash bail system.

A statewide poll released in March found that three out of four Ohio voters believe the state’s criminal justice system is in need of reform. Two areas that have already seen movement are in the creation of a statewide criminal justice database and in reforms to the cash bail system

The Ohio Senate has passed what supporters call a critical bill to address criminal justice reform and overcrowded prisons. The legislation lowers the…

Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) says the plan to change drug sentencing laws is one of the most important pieces of legislation they'll have…

The leader of the Ohio Senate is pledging to take action by year's end on a bill designed to reduce low-level drug possessions to misdemeanors and…

During Tuesday's Democratic presidential debate in Westerville, two candidates discussed the idea of decriminalizing opioids."We need to decriminalize…