OH HB498

Adds resisting arrest (section 2921.33) to the definition of "offense of violence" in Ohio Revised Code section 2901.01.

Changes penalties for resisting arrest violations: division (A) remains a misdemeanor of the first degree; divisions (B) and (C)(1) change from misdemeanor to felony of the fifth degree; division (C)(2) becomes a felony of the fourth degree.

Division (B) covers resistance that causes physical harm to a law enforcement officer during arrest; division (C)(1) covers resistance causing physical harm by means of a deadly weapon; division (C)(2) covers brandishing a deadly weapon during resistance.

Classifying resisting arrest as an offense of violence makes it subject to enhanced sentencing guidelines and other statutory consequences associated with violent offenses.