Ohio Code § 2937.07

§ 2937.07.

If the offense is a misdemeanor and the accused pleads guilty to the offense, the

court or magistrate shall receive and enter the plea unless the court or magistrate

believes that it was made through fraud, collusion, or mistake.  If the court or magistrate believes that it was made through fraud, collusion, or

mistake, the court or magistrate shall enter a plea of not guilty and set the matter

for trial pursuant to Chapter 2938. of the Revised Code.  Upon receiving a plea of guilty, the court or magistrate shall call for an explanation

of the circumstances of the offense from the affiant or complainant or the affiant's

or complainant's representatives unless the offense to which the accused is pleading

is a minor misdemeanor in which case the court or magistrate is not required to call

for an explanation of the circumstances of the offense.  After hearing the explanation of circumstances, together with any statement of the

accused or after receiving the plea of guilty if an explanation of the circumstances

of the offense is not required, the court or magistrate shall proceed to pronounce

the sentence or shall continue the matter for the purpose of imposing the sentence. A plea to a misdemeanor offense of “no contest” or words of similar import shall constitute

an admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint and that the judge

or magistrate may make a finding of guilty or not guilty from the explanation of the

circumstances of the offense.  If the offense to which the accused is entering a plea of “no contest” is a minor

misdemeanor, the judge or magistrate is not required to call for an explanation of

the circumstances of the offense, and the judge or magistrate may base a finding on

the facts alleged in the complaint.  If a finding of guilty is made, the judge or magistrate shall impose the sentence

or continue the case for sentencing accordingly.  A plea of “no contest” or words of similar import shall not be construed as an admission

of any fact at issue in the criminal charge in any subsequent civil or criminal action

or proceeding.