Domestic violence is a criminal offense the state of Ohio takes very seriously. For several years, the state of Ohio has allocated considerable resources to special law enforcement investigation units and prosecution teams dedicated to resolving domestic violence crimes, including rape, stalking, and sexual battery. Prosecution and convictions for domestic violence has risen; however, these…
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Ever since Ohio State University quarterback J.T. Barrett was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while impaired (OVI) and illegal backing near a campus-area sobriety checkpoint on Halloween, there has been increased conversation throughout the Buckeye State about what is and is not legal when it comes to these driving under the influence (DUI) roadblocks….
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Carrying a large amount of cash is risky. The fear of theft or losing the money is palpable, but new, unlikely culprits have emerged — culprits with a badge and a gun. In recent years, thousands of people nationwide have forfeited large amounts of cash and other property seized by the police without an arrest,…
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Montez Hollins pleads not guilty of murder when he was protecting his fiancee and another woman with them from an armed gunman and accomplice by using his vehicle to slam into the two people. After a few hours of deliberation among the jury, Hollins was acquitted in the murder of Jason Barry Sr. and attempted…
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Arguments can sometimes get heated and escalate very quickly. When weapons get involved, people can get hurt and chaos often ensues. In extreme cases, if someone is killed, the courts will have to sort through the mess. Such was the case of Montez Hollins, a man on trial for murder in the death of Jason…
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Ohio law provides for a two-step process for sealing records. First, the trial court must determine if a person is eligible; only then can it proceed with a determination of facts and decide whether to seal a record. The specific requirements for eligibility vary depending on whether a person is seeking to: Seal records related…
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In many drug cases in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout Franklin County, law enforcement officers use a confidential informant, also known as a CI. The confidential informant is often facing his or her own criminal charges. Law enforcement officers will negotiate with the confidential information, sometimes through the informant’s criminal defense attorney, for cooperation in setting…
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If the prosecutor violates your right to a speedy trial, then the case should be dismissed. Your right to a speedy trial means the state must bring you to trial within the time limits proscribed in the Ohio Revised Code. For a first or second degree misdemeanor charge in Ohio, the case must be tried…
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In a misdemeanor case, Ohio’s Revised Code 2901.13 provides that a prosecution for a misdemeanor shall be barred unless it commenced (began) within two years of the date that the offense occurred. R.C. 2901.13(A)(1)(b). In determining the date the prosecution was commenced, the Courts look at the earlier of: The date an indictment is returned or…
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During the initial consultation, many of our clients ask us about the Portable Breath Test (often called the “PBT”). Officers throughout Columbus, Ohio, will use the PBT for a variety of reasons. The main benefit for law enforcement officers is that people tend to be more cooperative after submitting to the PBT because they assume…
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