Criminal Defense

If you live in Ohio, you have likely heard broad claims about crime going up or down without much context behind the numbers. Knowing what arrest data shows — and what it does not — can help you think more clearly about the justice system and your own place within it....

If you face a theft allegation, one detail often shapes its classification: the value tied to the property or service. That number can move your situation from petty theft into a felony category, which can change how courts view and handle it. If you feel unsure where...

A family member, spouse or guest may bring drugs into your home without warning. It can be a problem if police find those drugs and you may even face legal penalties. Under Ohio law, merely having drugs in your home does not control the outcome. Officers will also...

Traffic tickets often feel straightforward, yet Ohio law allows room to question many citations. A closer look at how tickets get issued shows that mistakes and gaps sometimes appear. Understanding common defense themes may help explain why some tickets end with...

You may feel unsettled when police conduct a search without clear legal authority. You might wonder how improperly gathered evidence could influence your case. Ohio law gives you firm grounds to challenge such evidence. How illegally obtained evidence enters a case...

Every year, police officers in Ohio and across the United States arrest thousands of people during ongoing, alleged criminal activity or after an investigation. Criminal arrest statistics can provide unique insights into cultural issues. Obviously, the rate of arrests...

Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies sometimes have their officers go “undercover” to obtain evidence to arrest and charge people they believe are engaged in criminal activity. Sometimes, they use non-law enforcement professionals as “confidential...

An arrest can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. Taking the right steps after an Ohio arrest can help you protect your rights and reach the best possible outcome. What should you do? Be calm and...

If you’re like most people, you probably believe you know your constitutional rights when dealing with law enforcement – even if it’s only from watching years of episodes of the various Law & Order series. For example, you likely know that, with some exceptions,...

Criminal convictions result in court-imposed sentences, but they also inspire collateral consequences that can have significant impacts on a person’s life. Collateral consequences can make it hard to find a job or a place to live. They can affect a person’s ability to...