Criminal court cases in Ohio are treated with a high level of protocol and adherence to the laws of the land. First-timers must be adequately prepared since the criminal court process is complex, and mistakes have serious consequences. Without an Ohio criminal defense attorney, you may find it challenging to navigate the system or fall into pitfalls that could have been avoided. At ERB Legal, we’ve spent years representing clients and defending them in courts in Medina County, Portage County, Summit County, and across Northeast Ohio. This article provides practical tips for your first criminal ..read more

When you are charged with a crime, you are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution (which represents the state of Ohio in criminal matters) must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s important to understand what this means so you know what you’re up against. Ohio’s legal system involves multiple courts and types of cases, from civil to criminal. Each of these types of cases has a different burden of proof that must be met for the parties to win a case. By understanding the criminal burden of proof in Ohio, you can build the strongest defense possible and, in some cases, proact ..read more

November 7, 2023, marked a pivotal day in Ohio as citizens voted to pass Issue 2, thus opening a new era of cannabis legality. With this decision, Ohio joins a growing list of states adopting more lenient cannabis policies. Grasping the implications of this measure is critical, especially for those entangled in or previously affected by marijuana-related legal issues. At Erb Legal, we stand equipped with seasoned criminal defense attorneys who can help guide you through Ohio’s evolving cannabis laws, including other drug-related legal matters in and around Portage County. Understanding Ohio’s ..read more

A plea bargain is when prosecutors agree to reduce your punishment in exchange for a guilty plea and/or testimony against another defendant. Reduced penalties can involve less severe sentences, cheaper fines, and more favorable terms. They can help someone who may have made a one-time mistake and help the state by reducing the number of inmates in custody and speeding up the court process. And if you’re charged with a crime, a plea agreement may seem like a great way to resolve things. But they can be riskier than they appear. You are likely still accepting a guilty conviction, and the plea ma ..read more

Getting a divorce can be time-consuming and expensive. Understandably, you want to do it as efficiently as possible. While certain parts of the Ohio divorce process can be easier with online options, getting an online divorce is generally not a good idea. There are several downfalls. You’ll probably still need to go to court, and you won’t have an experienced divorce attorney to protect your interests. Here’s more on online divorces in Ohio and what you can expect from a DIY filing. Are Online Divorces Legal in Ohio? It is possible to electronically file (“e-file”) certain divorce documents on ..read more

A person must be competent to stand trial for criminal charges to move forward in Ohio. But what does that mean, exactly? Can you avoid a conviction altogether if you or a loved one is deemed mentally incompetent? In a recent Portage County case, a man was found not competent to stand trial for the murder of his 11-year-old brother. However, he did not go free. Instead, he was ordered to get treatment at a maximum-security hospital. And while this may not be the outcome everywhere in Ohio, in Portage County, if a person is charged with a violent felony crime and found incompetent, criminal pro ..read more

If you’re convicted and sentenced for a criminal offense, you might feel like your life is over, and there’s nothing you can do. However, you may have the option to appeal, overturn your conviction, or alter your sentence and secure your release much sooner in certain circumstances. It can be a complicated legal process, but here are your Ohio post-conviction options and the possible ways to restore your freedom. What Is Post-Conviction Relief? A post-conviction petition seeks a remedy from the court, usually a reversal of a conviction, release from prison, or a sentence reduction. Your r ..read more

When you imagine dividing property in a divorce, you probably think of the biggest things often acquired in a marriage: houses, cars, and property. However, many other kinds of high-value property must be dealt with — especially in high-income divorces. What Is High-Value Property? No dollar threshold automatically qualifies property as “high value.” Several assets can be valued highly, such as: Art Collectibles Heirlooms Jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands Vacation homes or rental properties Vehicles Separate vs. Marital Property in High-Income Divorces Marital property re ..read more

Ending a union can be stressful. Even if the process has been pleasant, it can be easy to overlook aspects of your life that may be affected. After a divorce or dissolution, your taxes will change, maybe in ways you won’t expect. Learning how a divorce may affect your next tax cycle could prevent you from getting fined or criminally punished. #1: When Your Divorce Finalizes Will Affect Your Filing Status Although your separation might be amicable, knowing when your divorce is finalized will significantly impact your filing status. Per tax law, the final day of the tax year is December 31. If y ..read more

No matter what led to your arrest, if you are facing drug charges in Ohio, getting them dismissed is probably the most desirable outcome. Getting drug charges dismissed removes you from any potential penalty and saves you considerable time and expense compared to a trial. Drug charges can be dismissed for many reasons, but prosecutors or police aren’t quick to admit their mistakes. Here are some things to look for and the most common reasons drug charges are dismissed. Common Reasons for Drug Charge Dismissal Depending on the details of your drug case, you may be facing harsh penalties if you ..read more