OH HB233

Creates a pretrial motion procedure allowing accused persons to assert self-defense, defense of another, or defense of property and request a rebuttable presumption of such defense.

Requires courts to hold a pretrial hearing and grant the motion if evidence presented tends to support by preponderance that the accused used force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of residence.

If pretrial motion is granted, shifts burden to prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the accused did not act in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of residence.

Establishes presumption that a person acted in self-defense or defense of another when using deadly defensive force against someone unlawfully entering or who has unlawfully entered their residence or vehicle, subject to specified exceptions.

Requires courts to instruct juries on definitions of "reasonable doubt" and "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" in criminal cases.