The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 14 of the Ohio Constitution protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Searches and seizures conducted outside of the judicial process, without a warrant based on probable cause, are per se unreasonable, subject to several specific established exceptions. Included in the Fourth Amendment [...]
Underage drinking is a serious crime in Ohio. The state generally prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol. If you are under the age of 21 and possess or consume alcohol, it is a first-degree misdemeanor offense. The maximum sentence is a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Though [...]
The best criminal defense is built upon a full and complete understanding of the case and the defendant. The criminal defense attorney gathers information in several different ways: Open communication with the client to obtain a thorough personal and criminal history and to verify the client’s mental capacity and state of mind, a timeline [...]
The very moment you are arrested on suspicion of a crime is the very moment you need legal counsel. Time is of the essence. Secure the services of an attorney who will guide you through the process while protecting your rights. Every case is defendable and an arrest does not mean a conviction. There are [...]
Do you know your rights if the police are knocking at your door? Would you be prepared for this situation? Any criminal defense attorney in Ohio, will tell you that your best response is to open the door, slightly, and be polite but it is your right to refuse entry. The Fourth Amendment of [...]
When you are facing criminal charges in Ohio, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding a conviction and a substantial sentence. There are also mistakes you might make that would significantly impede the ability of a successful defense at trial. Some of these mistakes are: Running from the police [...]
In a criminal case in Ohio, you often hear the term “chain of custody”. Prosecutors must establish an unbroken chain or path that the piece of evidence takes before it’s in custody and used as an exhibit of evidence. Because criminal prosecutions usually depend on any evidence gathered by law enforcement, the prosecutors must have [...]
DUIs, also known as OVIs, are serious charges in Ohio. Whether it’s your first OVI or you’ve already been arrested for drinking and driving in Ohio, you face serious penalties if convicted, including mandatory jail time. Because of the severity of DUI related crimes and their consequences, it’s vital for you to take any of [...]
Most people believe that if when they are arrested and not "read their rights," they will not be punished. This is not completely true in Ohio. But if the police don't read you your Miranda rights, the prosecutor can't use what you say as evidence against you at trial. The purpose of the Miranda warning [...]
College students who are charged with crimes can face consequences that go far beyond spending the night in jail. Many people do not realize that a criminal conviction or guilty plea will result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your child's college career, including internships as well as applying for a job [...]