Ohio Crim. R. 2.1 (2026)
Victim’s Rights and Responsibilities
(A) Whenever a victim has a right to be heard at a public proceeding, the court shall allow the victim to address the court orally, in writing, or both. When necessary, the court shall provide the victim with the aid of an interpreter at no expense to the victim.
(B) Whenever these rules reference a duty to provide notice to the victim or an opportunity for the victim to be heard, such obligations shall not apply if the court finds that the victim has either elected not to participate or has failed to respond to sufficient notice of their right to participate, as provided by law.
(C) The court shall advise the victim of their right to appeal, where applicable.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025 Staff Note (July 1, 2025 Amendment)
Crim.R. 2.1 is intended to ensure that these Rules are in accord with Chapter 2930 of the Revised Code.
Subsection (B) is consistent with R.C. 2930.03 and 2930.09 in recognizing the court’s responsibilities to provide a victim with notice or an opportunity to be heard applies only to victims who, after proper statutory notice, elect to be involved in the proceedings. Chapter 2930 imposes other out-of- court notice requirements not covered within these rules. See, e.g., R.C. 2930.16 (post-conviction notice of modification of incarceration).
Subsection (C) requires the trial court to advise the victim of their appellate rights under R.C. 2930.19.