Ohio Code § 2901.04
Ohio Code § 2901.04. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 2901.04.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) or (D) of this section, sections of
the Revised Code defining offenses or penalties shall be strictly construed against
the state, and liberally construed in favor of the accused. (B) Rules of criminal procedure and sections of the Revised Code providing for criminal
procedure shall be construed so as to effect the fair, impartial, speedy, and sure
administration of justice. (C) Any provision of a section of the Revised Code that refers to a previous conviction
of or plea of guilty to a violation of a section of the Revised Code or of a division
of a section of the Revised Code shall be construed to also refer to a previous conviction
of or plea of guilty to a substantially equivalent offense under an existing or former
law of this state, another state, or the United States or under an existing or former
municipal ordinance. (D) Any provision of the Revised Code that refers to a section, or to a division of a
section, of the Revised Code that defines or specifies a criminal offense shall be
construed to also refer to an existing or former law of this state, another state,
or the United States, to an existing or former municipal ordinance, or to an existing
or former division of any such existing or former law or ordinance that defines or
specifies, or that defined or specified, a substantially equivalent offense.
Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 2901.04
- Jurisdiction: Ohio
- Code: Ohio Revised Code
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 2901.04?
The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 2901.04 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Ohio Revised Code § 2901.04 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.