What is ethnic intimidation?

Common Legal Questions Asked by Residents

Q: What is ethnic intimidation?
A: Ethnic intimidation is a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code Section 2927.12 and Codified Ordinance Section 541.09. It is a separate offense from aggravated menacing, criminal damaging or endangering, menacing, criminal mischief or telephone harassment when committed because of the victim’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, or the victim’s desire to live or travel in any neighborhood. Violation of this law is an offense of the next higher degree than the offense, one of those mentioned above, that was committed.