Ohio Code § 2981.09

Ohio Code § 2981.09. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 2981.09.

(A) Property may not be forfeited as an instrumentality under this chapter to the extent

that the amount or value of the property is disproportionate to the severity of the

offense.  The state or political subdivision shall have the burden of going forward with the

evidence and the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the amount

or value of the property subject to forfeiture is proportionate to the severity of

the offense. (B) Contraband and any proceeds obtained from the offense are not subject to proportionality

review under this section. (C) In determining the severity of the offense for purposes of forfeiture of an instrumentality,

the court shall consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following: (1) The seriousness of the offense and its impact on the community, including the duration

of the activity and the harm caused or intended by the person whose property is subject

to forfeiture; (2) The extent to which the person whose property is subject to forfeiture participated

in the offense; (3) Whether the offense was completed or attempted; (4) The extent to which the property was used in committing the offense; (5) The sentence imposed for committing the offense that is the basis of the forfeiture,

if applicable. (D) In determining the value of the property that is an instrumentality and that is subject

to forfeiture, the court shall consider relevant factors including, but not limited

to, the following: (1) The fair market value of the property; (2) The value of the property to the person whose property is subject to forfeiture,

including hardship to the person or to innocent persons if the property were forfeited.  The burden shall be on the person whose property is subject to forfeiture to show

the value of the property to that person and any hardship to that person.

Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 2981.09
  • 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 § 2981.09?

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 § 2981.09 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 § 2981.09 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.