Penalties

Penalties for Ohio Ethics Law Violations

Financial Disclosure

Failing to file a financial disclosure statement in violation of R.C. section 102.02(C) is a fourth-degree misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and/or a maximum of 30 days in jail. See R.C. sections 102.99(A); 2929.21.

In addition, the Ethics Commission is required to assess a late filing fee equal to $10 per day, up to a maximum late fee of $250. See R.C. section 102.02(F).

Filing a false financial disclosure statement in violation of R.C. section 102.02(D) is a first-degree misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a maximum of 6 months in jail. See R.C. sections 102.99(A); 2929.21.

Conflict of Interest

Violations of R.C. sections 102.03, 102.04, and 102.07 are first-degree misdemeanor criminal offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a maximum of 6 months in jail. See R.C. sections 102.99(B); 2929.21.

In addition, any person who violates division (F) of section 102.03 may be prohibited from participating in public contracts with any public agency in this state for two years, and the court may order a fine equal to the amount of the thing of value given in violation of this section of the Revised Code. See R.C. sections 102.99(B); 2929.21.

Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract

Violations of R.C. sections 2921.42(A)(1) and 2921.42(A)(2) are fourth-degree felony criminal offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a maximum of 18 months in prison. See R.C. sections 2921.42(E); 2929.14; 2929.18.

Violations of R.C. sections 2921.42(A)(3) through (A)(5) are first-degree misdemeanor criminal offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a maximum of 6 months in jail. See R.C. sections 2921.42(E); 2929.21.

Soliciting or Receiving Improper Compensation

Violations of R.C. section 2921.43 are first-degree misdemeanor criminal offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a maximum of 6 months in jail. See R.C. sections 2921.43(D); 2929.21.

In addition, a public servant who is convicted of a violation of R.C. section 2921.43 is disqualified from holding any public office, employment, or position of trust in this state for seven years from the date of conviction. See R.C. section 2921.43(E).