What is an “SYO” sentence and who is eligible?
An “SYO,” or “serious youthful offender” sentence combines a sentence typically given to a juvenile offender with a sentence typically given to an adult. A child’s eligibility for an SYO sentence depends on a variety of factors: age of the child; degree and type of offense; previous commitment to an Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) facility; and use of a firearm. An SYO sentence cannot be given to any child under 10 years of age.
An “SYO,” or “serious youthful offender” sentence combines a sentence typically given to a juvenile offender with a sentence typically given to an adult. A child’s eligibility for an SYO sentence depends on a variety of factors: age of the child, degree and type of offense, previous commitment to an Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) facility, and use of a firearm. An SYO sentence cannot be given to any child under 10 years of age.
