Ohio does have mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious offenses.
The serious offenses that Ohio law mandates minimum prison sentences for are violent crimes, some drug related charges and sex crimes.
Due to the mandatory minimum sentences for these crimes in Ohio, the judge must impose these minimum sentences and people must serve the entire minimum prison term before they are eligible for parole or early release.
Examples of crimes in Ohio that require mandatory prison terms include.
First or second degree felony drug trafficking.
Rape or attempted rape of a child under the age of 13.
Murder.
And aggravated murder.
In cases with a mandatory minimum prison sentence the person sentenced to prison must serve their entire minimum term in prison before they can become eligible for release early.
And while Ohio does have mandatory minimums for prison sentences on certain crimes, Ohio law also allows for Judicial release which is early release from prison under certain conditions and circumstances.