Criminal Law

Sierah’s Law created a statewide Violent Offender Database (VOD) that keeps a register of Ohioans convicted of certain crimes The requirements of the law are quite burdensome. Anyone convicted of a qualifying offense must register and remain in the database for 10 years, and failure to comply could result in another felony charge. It is … Continue reading “Sierah’s Law: How Felons Can Fight Ohio’s Violent Offenders Database Registration”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a “stand your ground” bill into law on January 4, 2021. The law expands legal protections for Ohioans forced to defend themselves or their families. Under previous law, people were justified in hurting or killing someone in self-defense only after they first attempted to run away, unless they were using … Continue reading “How Ohio’s New “Stand Your Ground” Law Affects Your Self-Defense Rights”

Judicial release, a form of early release from prison, is now being granted to Ohio inmates due to COVID-19. Inmates who face health risks related to the pandemic and meet other criteria may qualify. Graham Law’s criminal defense lawyers can help an inmate serving time for a misdemeanor or felony file a petition for judicial … Continue reading “Ohio’s Judicial Release Law: Update”

Ohio has been using DUI/OVI checkpoints for more than 30 years to deter drunk driving. Although they may seem like a violation of your rights, courts have ruled that checkpoints are legal, provided they fall within certain guidelines. Exercising your rights to remain silent and refuse a field sobriety test may not be enough to … Continue reading “Ohio OVI Checkpoints: Know Your Rights”

Having an Ohio criminal record—even for a non-conviction—can make it difficult to put the past behind you. When applying for jobs, housing, loans, or licenses, a clean record might make the difference between achieving success and continuing to be held back by a prior mistake. Sealing a criminal record makes your arrests and convictions invisible … Continue reading “Restoring a Clean Criminal Record: Ohio Record Sealing”

A felony crime conviction can be life-changing. Even being accused of a felony can negatively impact your life in many ways. At best, you will have to invest time and money into clearing your name. At worst, you could face fines and a lengthy prison sentence. Guilty or not guilty, when faced with felony charges, … Continue reading “Ohio Felony Sentencing and Fines Guidelines”

“What’s new,” you ask? Ohio’s self-defense law. The state’s new self-defense law came into effect this past March. The most important change you need to know is that if you wound or kill someone and claim it was an act of self-defense, you are innocent until the state proves that your actions were not self-defense. … Continue reading “Ohio’s New Self-Defense Law: What You Need to Know”