Bail is a common way to make sure that people accused of crimes will show up in court when it's time for a hearing. In essence, it is a security payment that grants an accused individual the ability to live a normal life until future court dates. Those who do not pay...
Criminal Defense
What to do if you are stopped or arrested at a demonstration
This has been a year marked by many public marches and demonstrations. As Americans, we have the right to peacefully assemble and protest in public places and, with property owners' permission, on private property. However, too often, people who intend only to...
Ohio gun restrictions on those convicted of domestic violence
Federal law prohibits anyone who is convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor from possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition. However, state laws vary on the matter. Here in Ohio, state law has no such prohibition. However, it's important to know that those...
What are RICO laws?
Many people associate the term "racketeering" with organized crime rings and mob bosses -- mostly based on portrayals seen on TV and in the movies. However, state and federal racketeering laws address a much broader spectrum of offenses. Racketeering involves the...
Anthony Lemons still has murder on his criminal record
It's been two years since Anthony Lemons was released from an Ohio prison after a judge in a Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court set him free. He had spent the last 18 years in prison for the murder of a man back in April 1994. While Lemons thought his troubles were finally...
Even outdated digital evidence can be used in court
When investigating both traditional crimes and Internet crimes, the police often turn to digital evidence. There are challenges to using this, such as the fact that it is possible to create fake evidence on a computer—such as doctored photos—and the fact...
The complexities of the juvenile justice system
There is nothing simple about the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, it is different than the adult criminal justice system in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, adult courts are worried about one thing: penalizing the guilty and making them pay the...
Weapon offenses carry harsh penalties
A weapon offense is nothing to take lightly. If you are convicted of this type of crime, you could find yourself facing a harsh penalty that changes your life forever. If you are unfamiliar with the many types of gun offenses, here are some of the most common: --...
Inmates pay daily fee to be in jail
Being charged with a felony can be horrifying. You aren't sure what you did wrong, and suddenly, the authorities are after you and you are thrown in jail. You can lose your friends, alienate your family and even lose your job because you can't work if you are in jail....
The right to a defense attorney according to the sixth amendment
The average Ohio citizen facing felony charges has a limited knowledge of the law and the procedures prosecutors use to seek conviction. This is why it is so important that the nation's justice system includes criminal defense attorneys. Without this kind of...