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Open container offenses usually carry a maximum penalty of a $150 fine and no jail time. Thus, you can go to court and possibly even get the court to remand the case to the file if you're a first time offender, or at the very worst, you can plead no contest and move on. However, there's no threat of jail time for this offense.

Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.62, entitled "Opened Container of Beer or Intoxicating Liquor Prohibited at Certain Premises" states:

No person shall have in the person's possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor in any of the following circumstances:(1) In a state liquor store; (2) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, on the premises of the holder of any permit issued by the division of liquor control; (3) In any other public place; (4) Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, while operating or being a passenger in or on a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking; (5) Except as provided in division (D) or (E) of this section, while being in or on a stationary motor vehicle on any street, highway, or other public or private property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

This means that is illegal under Ohio law to possess in public an open container of an alcoholic beverage, subject to certain exceptions. These exceptions are: (1) when you are in a properly licensed liquor establishment such as a bar; (2) when you are in a chauffeured limousine; or (3) if the container is an opened bottle of wine that was purchased from an establishment licensed to sell wine for consumption on the premises, has been resealed by the owner before removed from the premises, and is stored in the trunk of your car or, if your car does not have a trunk, behind the last upright seat.

Pleading no contest just looks a little better than pleading guilty. Also, they just should assess a fine and that should be the end of it. No probation, etc.