Does Sex Offender Appealing Reclassification Under S.B. 10 Have Right to Legal Counsel at Hearing?

Roman Chojnacki v. Marc Dann, Ohio Atty. General [Richard Cordray], in his Official Capacity, Case nos. 2008-0991 and 2008-0992

12th District Court of Appeals (Warren County)

ISSUES:

* Is the court hearing at which a sex offender may appeal his reclassification under S.B. 10 a civil or criminal proceeding?

* If S.B. 10 reclassification appeal hearings are determined to be civil in nature, are they proceedings at which an appellant's fundamental right or interest is at risk, and for which an indigent defendant therefore has a due process right to appointed legal counsel?