§ 501.02 CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENSES.

   As used in this general offenses code:

   (a)   Offenses include misdemeanors of the first, second, third and fourth degree, minor misdemeanors and offenses not specifically classified;

   (b)   Regardless of the penalty that may be imposed, any offense specifically classified as a misdemeanor is a misdemeanor;

   (c)   Any offense not specifically classified is a misdemeanor if imprisonment for not more than one year may be imposed as a penalty; and

   (d)   Any offense not specifically classified is a minor misdemeanor if the only penalty that may be imposed is one of the following:

      (1)   For an offense committed prior to January 1, 2004, a fine not exceeding $100; or

      (2)   For an offense committed on or after January 1, 2004, a fine not exceeding $150, community service under R.C. § 2929.27(D), or a financial sanction other than a fine under R.C. § 2929.28.

(R.C. § 2901.02)