What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is an incredibly serious charge, and you’re likely worried about your reputation and future if someone has falsely accused you of committing it. False accusations may involve a complete fabrication or a misunderstanding between you and the accuser. Depending on the circumstances, though, you may be well-positioned to pursue a dismissal or acquittal […]
If You Refuse to Take a Breathalyzer in Ohio, What Happens?
When they arrest you for DUI in Ohio, the police may ask you to perform a breathalyzer test at the police station. What consequences might you face if you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer? Ohio’s Implied Consent Law Ohio’s implied consent law deems any person who operates a vehicle on a highway or property […]
Can My Teenager’s Underage Consumption Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Ohio?
If your teen has been arrested for drinking alcohol or public intoxication, you’re probably concerned about the impact their charges could have on their reputation and future. What options does your teen have for resolving their charges? Can prosecutors reduce or dismiss underage consumption charges? Understanding Underage Consumption Charges in Ohio Under Ohio law, nobody […]
How Drug Quantity and Type Impact Federal Sentencing Guidelines
In federal criminal court, district judges sentence convicted defendants according to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The Sentencing Guidelines provide a uniform policy for sentencing federal defendants convicted of felonies and serious misdemeanors. Although initially mandatory, the Guidelines today serve an advisory role, indicating presumptively reasonable sentences for a specific offense. However, federal judges retain […]
How to Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ohio
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Ohio, effective legal counsel can give you the best chance of success. Here’s how you can find the right attorney to protect your rights and seek the outcome you deserve. Look for Local Expertise First, you may want to look for a criminal defense lawyer with significant […]
Your Rights If Questioned, Stopped, or Arrested by Police
The U.S. Constitution grants you certain fundamental rights when you’re interacting with police. Familiarize yourself with them to protect yourself from the full force of the law. Your Rights During a Police Stop Some of the rights and privileges you have during a police stop include: During a police stop, you may ask the police […]
The Federal Appeals Process: How to Challenge a Conviction or Sentence
Following a federal conviction, a defendant who believes that errors occurred during their trial or sentencing can seek relief from their conviction or sentence through a federal appeal. Understanding the Federal Appeals Process A defendant who is convicted in federal court may challenge their conviction or sentence through a federal appeal. Defendants should understand that […]
Can I Go to Jail for a First Felony Domestic Violence Conviction?
In Ohio, the law normally grades domestic violence as a misdemeanor offense. However, domestic violence can become a felony crime under certain circumstances, including: Legal Consequences of a First-Time Felony Domestic Violence Conviction A first-time felony domestic violence conviction may impose a mandatory minimum prison term under certain circumstances. A first offense committed against a […]
The Role of Digital Evidence in Child Pornography Cases: How It’s Collected and Challenged
Prosecutors of child pornography cases must present evidence proving the existence of child pornography materials and the defendant’s possession or distribution of such materials. As a result, these cases frequently revolve around digital evidence, including digital copies of child pornography materials and data linking a defendant to the crime. When this data is improperly collected, […]
Does Local Law Enforcement Respond to Federal Crimes in Ohio?
When a person commits a federal crime in Ohio, which law enforcement agencies respond to the report of the crime? In many cases, local or state law enforcement agencies may play an initial role in federal criminal investigations, although the case may ultimately end up in the hands of federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. […]