Sentencing Under the Reagan Tokes Act

Effective March 22, 2019, Am.Sub.S.B. No. 201, otherwise known as the Reagan Tokes Act (RTA), enacted major changes in relation to first-degree and second-degree felonies by providing for indefinite sentencing in regard to such offenses occurring on or after the effective date.  Now, two years later, prosecutors throughout the state are addressing cases having RTA sentencing implications.  This presentation will review the formulas applicable under the RTA, will address best practices in the phrasing of “maximum penalty” advisements and joint recommendations, and will discuss the status of constitutional challenges to the RTA.

Outline:

I.             Overview

II.            Indefinite Sentencing and Definite Sentencing Under Prior Law

III.           RTA Applicability

IV.           R.C. 2929.144 & RTA Formula for Single Sentence

V.            R.C. 2929.144 & RTA Formula for Concurrent Sentences

VI.           R.C. 2929.144 & RTA Formula for Consecutive Sentences

VII.         Gun Specs & Other Specs

VIII.        Mandatory Sentencing

IX.           Presumptive Release & 5% to 15% Release

X.            Best Practice – “Maximum Penalty” Advisement at Plea

XI.           Best Practice – Joint Recommendation Phrasing

XII.          Best Practice – Talking with Victims

XIII.        Best Practice – Notice of Presumptive Sentence

XIV.        Constitutionality, Conclusion, and Questions