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 [...]
"I don't want to answer any questions until I contact my lawyer" can be scary to say if an officer is pointing a flashlight at you, but that is exactly what is the best thing to say if you are pulled over, arrested or are in any other accusatory situation. This is your right in [...]
Make no mistake; an OVI charge will cost money, as well as a suspension of your driver’s license. Insurance rates will go up and your entire educational and/or professional future could hinge on the outcome at trial. An experienced criminal defense attorney needs to handle an OVI case, to file motions, gather evidence and then examine it, [...]
Misdemeanors are less serious charges than felonies. Many criminal offenses and almost all traffic offenses are classified as misdemeanors under Ohio law. Misdemeanors are categorized by degree, with a first-degree misdemeanor being most serious and minor misdemeanors being the least. In spite of the fact that these charges are considered less serious, they still can [...]
In Ohio, checkpoints are determined by police where they will set up traffic cones and barricades to stop vehicles and check for suspected drunk drivers. These checkpoints must adhere to many guidelines. For instance, police will check every other vehicle, or every third vehicle, etc. The driver stopped will be checked by the officer for [...]
Sometimes, people are wrongfully accused of a crime, and end up in jail if the steps leading up to trial aren’t handled properly. Ignore the thought that hiring a criminal defense attorney will make you look guilty. It's the opposite: Hiring an attorney early in the investigation will mitigate risk and increase your chance of [...]
If you've been arrested or charged with a crime, you need the immediate assistance of a criminal defense lawyer. He/she can explain your rights in all stages of the legal process and help make the difference between a reduced plea bargain or dismissal and a jail sentence. You need someone fighting for your rights that [...]
If you are pulled over in Ohio, there must be probable cause to stop, detain, or arrest you for an OVI. Without probable cause, the evidence, and the case against you may get dismissed. The police must have a reasonable suspicion or reasonable belief that you are engaged in a criminal activity before they can stop [...]
If you or someone you know is ever charged with driving while under the influence, you need the very best criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Too many mistakes can be made by law enforcement at a traffic stop and a criminal defense attorney will be able to determine if the steps taken before [...]