Which offenses require a warrantless arrest in Ohio?

In Ohio, certain offenses allow for warrantless arrests as specified under the law. Domestic violence and criminal child enticement are examples of offenses that often permit law enforcement to make an arrest without a warrant. This is primarily due to the nature of these crimes, which can involve immediate threats to the safety of individuals involved, particularly in domestic situations where violence is present.

The law emphasizes the need for swift action in situations where a victim may be in imminent danger or where the evidence of the offense may be at risk of being destroyed or tampered with. Therefore, when law enforcement officers have reasonable grounds to believe that a suspect has committed domestic violence or attempted to entice a child, they can make a warrantless arrest to protect the victim and secure the scene.

In contrast, some offenses like simple theft may not allow for immediate warrantless arrest unless they occur in the presence of the officer. Public indecency and disturbances may also not always warrant immediate action, depending on the context and presence of exigent circumstances. Traffic violations, while they can result in citations, generally do not lead to warrantless arrests unless they involve serious incidents such as DUI or hit-and-run, which are treated differently under Ohio law. Therefore, the unique circumstances surrounding domestic violence and