OH HB208

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 2903.13 to increase the penalty for assault against judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and court officials or employees from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony when the victim is engaged in performing their duties

Raises the maximum fine for assault against courtroom personnel from $5,000 to $7,500

Removes the existing provision that elevated the offense to a fifth-degree felony only for repeat offenders with prior assault or homicide convictions against justice system personnel

Protected personnel includes officials and employees of Ohio state courts, U.S. federal courts located in Ohio, and clerk's offices of such courts

Offender must know or have reasonable cause to know the victim is a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, or court official/employee for the enhanced penalty to apply