You've probably heard that it's illegal to open a letter that was written to someone else, and this is true. In fact, it's a felony. This is all laid out in a federal statute called 18 USC Section 1702. It's been illegal in Ohio—and the rest of the United...
Felonies
High school baseball star facing charges for drugs, abduction
A baseball player at Westerville Central High School in Westerville, Ohio, was recently released from jail on a $7,585 bond for charges of abduction and the possession of drugs. The circumstances surrounding the case involve the 18-year-old and his juvenile...
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: --...
Does Ohio have statutes of limitations for criminal activity?
When the authorities have reason to believe someone has committed a crime, they are not always able to apprehend them immediately. In fact, it is not altogether unheard of for months or even years to pass by before the police can make an arrest. There are certain...
Choosing the right attorney for the defense of felony charges
Being charged and convicted of a felony could change your life forever while also affecting the lives of your loved ones. When you need a criminal defense attorney in the Cleveland area, you might become overwhelmed by the large array of law firms from which to...
Should I consider a plea bargain for felony charges?
Most people in Ohio have heard about plea bargains, but some are not familiar with the term's precise meaning. Attorneys can fill an important educational role by offering information about plea bargaining. Over the decades, plea bargaining has come to be a valuable...
Pet abuse could become a felony
It's not a law in Ohio yet, but the House did recently pass a bill that could turn significant abuse of a pet into a felony. The vote was said to be "overwhelmingly" in favor of the bill. If it does become a law, it would mean that some instances of pet abuse would be...
When your child is accused of felonious acts in Ohio
Nothing feels quite so overwhelming as finding out that your minor child is suddenly facing accusations of criminal behavior. As parents, we want to believe we understand our children well enough to feel confident that they are becoming law-abiding citizens....
Building an effective attorney relationship for felony defenses
Facing felony charges in the Cleveland, Ohio, area is of course a very serious situation. A successful conviction will bring about long-lasting changes to your life as well as the lives of those you love. Those who are looking at this very circumstance no doubt have a...
The difference between infractions, misdemeanors and felonies
Individuals who are accused of crime might not know whether they are facing an infraction, misdemeanor or felony. In Ohio, the categorization of a crime is based on the seriousness of the action, the amount of jail time in the sentence and whether that time is served...