Ohio Public Defender

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender said they're especially interested in how the bill can help people get back on their feet after a conviction.

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.

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

Lawmakers want to require law enforcement to record interrogations with suspects accused of murder and sexual assault. Backers say this could help avoid...

One of the most controversial bills moving through the Ohio Statehouse is the so-called “Stand Your Ground” bill. Pro-gun groups support the legislation,…

Lawmakers in the Ohio General Assembly are landing on different sides of a debate over the criminal records of human trafficking victims. The question?…

An outspoken critic of the death penalty says — though yesterday’s lethal injection of Ronald Phillips was problem-free -- he worries that won’t be the…

A group hoping to reform criminal-sentencing laws is accusing legislators of relying on bills that create new penalties and extend sentences. Statehouse…