Defending against operating a vehicle under the influence charges in Ohio requires a comprehensive strategy. Those facing OVI charges should consider several key defenses and procedures to potentially reduce or dismiss the allegations. Understand the specifics of the charge Individuals should start by working to fully understand the specifics of the charge. Ohio law defines OVI as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Knowing the exact substance and alleged BAC levels can help tailor the defense. Challenge the traffic s ..read more

Reckless driving charges in Ohio carry significant repercussions that extend beyond a mere traffic violation. Understanding the potential consequences is important for anyone facing such charges. 1. Legal ramifications Upon receiving a reckless driving charge, individuals may face fines and the possibility of license suspension. The fines can be substantial, impacting one’s financial stability. Additionally, the suspension of driving privileges can hinder daily life, affecting employment and personal commitments. 2. Insurance implications Reckless driving convictions often lead to increased in ..read more

A criminal record can have profound and enduring consequences on various aspects of one’s life. These repercussions extend far beyond the initial legal penalty. 1. Employment barriers A criminal record can be a formidable obstacle when seeking employment. Many employers conduct background checks as a standard part of their hiring process. A tarnished record can lead to immediate disqualification, as employers often prefer candidates with clean backgrounds to mitigate potential risks. This challenge can limit career opportunities and hinder financial stability. 2. Housing difficulties Securing ..read more

You may or may not have heard that Ohio passed a law allowing law enforcement to stop drivers for the use of a cell phone while driving.  You may have also noticed that you have not heard of anyone getting a citation in this way.  That is because, after the law passed, there was a grace period where citations would not be issued.  However, that grace period is NOW OVER. What Can You be Cited For? According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4511.204: No person shall operate a motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicu ..read more

We write many articles about Expungement in Ohio, and we have already addressed the change that made true expungement possible in many cases.  Before 2023, almost no adult cases could be truly expunged.  Many could be sealed – that is, hidden from the public record.  The process of sealing a criminal record was (and is) often referred to as “expungement” but technically, expungement means the record is destroyed and even court officials and law enforcement no longer have access to the original record (with narrow exception).  While juvenile records were often fully expunged ..read more

Earlier this year, the Ohio Supreme Court instituted a new law that majorly impacted the way the Ohio legal system approaches victim’s rights.  One of the biggest changes was that victims now have the ability to hire counsel to represent them in their own cases.  In the past, the state always prosecuted alleged criminals, whether or not the crime involved a victim.  That meant that the victim’s counsel was always the prosecutor.  The defense still operated like it does currently: The defendants have the right to an attorney and can apply for representation by a public defen ..read more

You must follow a particular set of steps when officials charge you with a crime. These are the same whether you are responsible for a petty misdemeanor or drunk driving. During your trial, you will fight your district court’s prosecutor. Therefore, you need to know what goes into a strong defense. There are many steps to this. Here are the most important. Craft a case narrative While the state will need hard evidence that you are guilty, your case requires a strong narrative. Looking back on your court’s resources, you will see jurors like strong defense narratives. This step means you do not ..read more

For the past several years Expungement has been one of the most sought-after topics on our website.  Not only can sealing or expunging a criminal record be beneficial to many individuals, but the laws governing expungement in Ohio have been shifting and changing, which adds to Ohio citizens’ curiosity surrounding the topic.  Today (April 6, 2023) a piece of legislation goes into effect that makes changes to many aspects of Ohio law, including expungement and sealing of criminal records. Perhaps the most significant change to note is the new legislation’s use of the term “expunge” as ..read more

Last year, when the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, inc. v. Bruen, we wrote an article discussing how the new law could impact Ohio.  On the surface, it does not appear that such a law would impact Ohio because Ohio, like many States, did not require citizens to have qualifying credentials in order to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). However, any time the Supreme Court issues a ruling significantly different from commonly accepted interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, the new interpretation can influen ..read more

Many people believe that if they are innocent of a crime, they have nothing to fear by talking to the police. However, this is not always the case. Even if you are innocent, it is crucial to understand your rights and the potential consequences of speaking to the police without an attorney present. The police can use anything you say against you in court. Even if you are innocent, mistakes or misstatements made during a police interview can build a case against you. Assume the police do not want to help you Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that the police are not on your side. They are ..read more