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Lawmakers Considering Bill Making Presentence Reports Optional

The Ohio Senate is considering a bill aimed at saving money and the amount of time some inmates spend in jail before sentencing. The bill makes the preparation of a presentence report optional if the prosecution and defense agree. Supporters say preparing a report can cost up to 800 dollars and take three to six weeks, during which time an offender is often in jail. The bill eliminates that requirement when an offender will be sentenced to probation, though a judge can still order it. The Ohio House approved the bill in May. The Ohio Supreme Court calls presentence investigations in non-prison felony cases "excessive and unwarranted."

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