Criminal Law
Ohio Marijuana Legalization – Impacts on Vehicle Accidents and OVI
It’s a new year, and Ohio has a new marijuana law that legalizes recreational cannabis. While using marijuana is now legal for adults in the state, driving under the influence of the drug is not. In fact, despite the new law, Ohio has existing laws that make it illegal for someone to drive with certain …
Phones Down: Ohio Distracted Driving Law Goes Into Effect
As of April 4, 2023, it is illegal to hold or use a smartphone or other electronic device while driving in Ohio. With limited exceptions, law enforcement can now pull over drivers distracted by their phone. Even a single swipe or button press is against the law. Penalties range from fines and driver’s license points …
Ohio’s Revenge Porn Law Carries Criminal and Civil Penalties
With almost everyone now carrying a smartphone that doubles as a camera and video recorder, capturing the moment has never been easier. But if that moment happens to feature sexually explicit images or video between you and a consensual partner, this material can later be used, without your consent, for abuse or extortion—a tactic known …
Biden’s Federal Marijuana Pardon and What It Means for Ohio
President Biden recently announced that he is taking executive action to pardon those convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. Biden also called on state governors to take similar action and erase state-level offenses for simple marijuana possession. Although recreational marijuana remains illegal in Ohio, 30 cities across the state have decriminalized cannabis. Ohio …
Why Hiring The Right Lawyer Is So Important
If you’re considering hiring a lawyer, it means that you’re facing a legal problem you don’t think you can handle yourself. While plenty of issues don’t require hiring a lawyer, going into a complex, high-stakes dispute without competent counsel can be a huge mistake. Hiring the wrong lawyer can be just as disastrous as not …
Ohio Armed Teacher Law Permits School Staff to Carry a Firearm
Governor Mike DeWine has signed legislation that could allow teachers and other school employees to carry guns after receiving 24 hours of training. Under the new law, the decision to arm school personnel will be made by local school boards, which will have the ability to create gun training plans that have to meet certain …
Ohio’s New Permitless Carry Law: What To Know
On June 13, 2022, the new Ohio “permitless” carry law goes into effect. On that date, every Ohioan age 21 and over who is legally allowed to possess a handgun may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Here’s what state residents should know about permitless or “constitutional” carry and its impact on their firearm …
Why Being Accused of Government Benefits Fraud is a Big Deal
State and federal governments lose billions of dollars each year due to fraud. Governments seek to recoup money lost from fraud by prosecuting the perpetrators of fraudulent schemes. Government benefits fraud is a serious crime, and the penalties for anyone convicted of fraud can be very steep. If you are the target of a fraud …