Criminal Defense

8 Crimes That Can Send a Minor to Juvenile Correctional Facilities

In Ohio, minors accused of breaking the law are usually handled by the juvenile court system, which generally focuses on rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment. Many youth are given opportunities such as probation, counseling, or diversion programs, especially for low-level offenses or first-time violations.  However, when the crime is very serious, or when a minor… read more

What Is Vehicular Manslaughter?

Vehicular manslaughter is one of several traffic-related homicide charges that Ohio prosecutors may file after a fatal motor vehicle accident. Vehicular manslaughter occurs when a defendant causes another’s death as the “proximate” result of committing a qualifying minor-misdemeanor traffic violation. This means someone committed a relatively basic traffic offense, and that action directly led to… read more

What to Do Next If You’ve Been Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

An involuntary manslaughter charge is unlike almost any other criminal case. You’re facing serious felony consequences for a death you never intended to cause. The grief, the guilt, and the fear of what comes next can make it hard to think clearly at exactly the moment when your decisions matter most.  What a defendant does… read more

Prosecution vs. Defense: An Educational Guide

Criminal cases involve two opposing sides with different responsibilities. The prosecution represents the government and seeks to prove the criminal charges, while the defense represents the person accused of committing the offense. Although both sides participate in the same proceedings, their roles, responsibilities, and burdens are different. Understanding the distinction between the prosecution and defense… read more

If the Police Want To Talk to You, Does It Mean You’re a Suspect?

Getting a call from a police officer or detective can immediately make you wonder whether you are under investigation. The officer may simply say they want to ask a few questions or invite you to come to the station for an interview without explaining why. Police contact does not automatically mean you are suspected of… read more

What Are the Consequences of Being Held in Contempt of Court?

Courts rely on people following their orders and complying with the rules that govern judicial proceedings. When someone deliberately disregards those requirements or interferes with a court’s ability to conduct its business, the judge may use contempt powers to address the conduct. In Ohio, being held in criminal contempt can result in fines, jail time,… read more

What Does a Dismissal Without Prejudice Mean?

Hearing that your criminal case has been dismissed is usually an enormous relief for defendants, but not all dismissals are the same, and what happens after depends on the type. A person may walk out of the courthouse believing their case is over for good, but this isn’t always the case. This is why it’s… read more

Strategic Delays: When to Request a Continuance in a Criminal Case

In criminal cases, the pressure to move quickly can feel extremely stressful for the defendant. Prosecutors and judges often push to move things along so that they can keep cases moving through the court system efficiently. However, going to trial before your defense is ready can be far more damaging than asking for additional time…. read more

What Are the Most Common Fourth-Degree Felonies in Cincinnati?

Ohio law organizes felony offenses into five degrees, with first-degree felonies being the most serious and fifth-degree the least. Fourth-degree felonies sit toward the lower end of that scale, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a big deal to be charged with one.  A fourth-degree felony conviction in Ohio can mean prison time, thousands of… read more

What To Expect at an Initial Legal Consultation

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. You may have questions about your rights, the potential consequences of a conviction, and whether hiring a lawyer is the right decision. The good news is that an initial legal consultation gives you an opportunity to understand your situation and learn about your options before moving forward. Many people… read more