Criminal Law

Can You Appeal a Sentence if You Plead Guilty?

In Ohio, entering a guilty plea doesn’t always mean the case is over. While pleading guilty generally waives (with certain exceptions) your right to challenge the conviction itself, you may still have the ability to appeal the sentence the court imposed. This can happen if, for example, the judge made a legal error and issued… read more

What Are the Four Elements of a Crime?

Learning about how criminal charges work begins with the basic structure of every offense. Most crimes contain four core elements that the state (the prosecutor) must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. These include the criminal act, the required mental state, the connection between the act and mindset, and the link between the conduct and the… read more

How Can a Felony Charge Impact Your Life?

Being charged with any crime is serious—but facing a felony charge raises the stakes significantly. The consequences can be life-altering for defendants. These offenses carry serious consequences that extend far beyond the sentence imposed by a judge. These effects can reach into your job, personal relationships, and even rights you may have taken for granted. … read more

What Happens if You Violate Parole in Ohio? What Are the Consequences?

Parole is a form of supervised release that allows someone to finish their sentence outside prison, as long as they follow strict conditions. If you’re on parole in Ohio and break those rules, the consequences can be serious. Learning about what happens after a parole violation can help you protect your rights and take the… read more

Can a Convicted Felon Own a Gun in Dayton?

Gun ownership is a major concern for many defendants living with a felony conviction. Understanding the laws about gun possession for felons is crucial, as violating them can lead to severe consequences, including new felony charges and lengthy prison time. So, can a felon own a gun? Felony Convictions Prohibit Gun Ownership and Possession in… read more

What Types of Warrants Are There?

Law enforcement often needs a court order to perform certain types of actions. These actions include (but are not limited to) arresting someone, searching someone’s property, or attaching an electronic tracking device to someone.  The police will seek a warrant from a magistrate before they take any of these actions unless an exception applies. If… read more

My Case Status Says Disposed – What Does That Mean?

In the criminal justice system, keeping track of a case status is important for all parties involved. Understanding these statuses helps defendants and their attorneys manage expectations and prepare for the potential outcomes of their legal process. One particular term you might encounter within case statuses is “disposed.”  What does disposed mean? Disposed indicates that… read more

How the Adult and Juvenile Criminal Processes Are Different

The criminal justice systems for adults and juveniles diverge considerably in philosophy, process, and outcomes. If you’ve been charged as an adult or dealing with a child or loved one who has been charged as a juvenile, this can be an immensely challenging time.  Understanding these differences between the adult and juvenile criminal processes can… read more

The Steps of a Criminal Trial in Ohio

If you’re a criminal defendant in Ohio, understanding how the state’s court system works is critical to building your defense strategy. The process typically begins with an arrest or citation, in which case you will then be brought to the police station and ‘booked.’ This is where the criminal court process really starts. Here’s what’s… read more

What Happens If the Police Don’t Read You Your Rights in Ohio?

Most of us have heard it before on television police dramas: “You have the right to remain silent….” That is the sound of a police officer “reading you your rights.” But what happens if the police fail to read you your rights? Do you walk away from what would otherwise be a criminal prosecution? The… read more