Sub. H.B. No. 234 Summary

• Prohibits courts from considering whether an offender who entered an Alford plea shows genuine remorse when imposing sentences for felonies or misdemeanors.

• Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 2929.12 and 2929.22 to add new division (G) establishing that genuine remorse cannot be a sentencing factor for Alford plea defendants.

• Removes the consideration of genuine remorse from felony sentencing factors in section 2929.12(E)(5) when an Alford plea is entered.

• Removes the consideration of genuine remorse from misdemeanor sentencing factors in section 2929.22(B)(2) when an Alford plea is entered.

• An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while accepting conviction; this bill prevents courts from penalizing defendants for not expressing remorse under such pleas.