Ohio House Bill No. 468 was recently introduced which would overhaul Ohio's distracted driving laws. Currently, Ohio Revised Code § 4511.204 makes driving while texting illegal. However, unless the individual is under the age of 18, this offense is considered a secondary offense Ohio as the statute specifically states that law enforcement cannot stop someone solely as a result of he or she texting while driving. A driver can only be stopped and charged with this offense in conjunction with another traffic offense, such as speeding or going left of center.
How long can I stay on my ex's health insurance?
As is often the case, during the marriage, one spouse carries health insurance for the family. Once a husband and wife are in the divorce or dissolution process, one of the biggest questions is what happens with the health insurance.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Bus Crash
On Sunday January 5, 2020, a bus operated by Z&D Tours crashed on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) just outside of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Five people lost their lives in the crash and more than fifty others were injured. The bus was traveling from New York to Cincinnati.
Rittgers & Rittgers was recently approached to represent one of the injury victims. Injury victims and family members of those who passed away do not want to think about legal representation at any point, let alone immediately after tragedy. Unfortunately, time is important in these types of cases and family members should hire an attorney quickly for a number of reasons.
Five Auto Insurance Policies Denying Coverage; who is going to pay for the car crash?
Recently, we were hired by a man who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The car crash turned into a very tricky insurance situation.
Car Crash
Our client worked for an employer that gave him a company truck to use both at work and at home. On his way home from work one night, he was stopped for traffic on I-75 and was rear-ended by another driver. Our client suffered back pain as a result of the car accident.
Suffering a Serious Injury Out-of-State - In what state should I hire a law firm?
Recent settlement story
Recently, we were retained by an Ohio resident who suffered a fractured leg in a skiing accident in Colorado. Our client tried to handle the claim on his own but received low settlement offers from the insurance carrier. Prior to our involvement, the insurance company was not forthcoming with our client about how Colorado law dealt with liability issues or health insurance liens. Shortly after we were retained, we notified the insurance carrier that under Colorado law our client was not responsible for any part of his injuries.
Can I Expunge Domestic Violence?
Any criminal conviction can result in some negative employment consequences. However, having a conviction for a violent crime on your record will substantially limit your career and educational opportunities. Luckily, Ohio law allows judges to expunge your record if you are an "Eligible Offender."
A common question we receive is whether domestic violence convictions are eligible for expungement. The answer is a classic lawyer response: it depends.
License Intervention Programs
Many Ohio drivers find themselves charged with "driving under suspension" after a routine traffic stop. Many of those same drivers had no knowledge that their license was even suspended until they were informed of the suspension by a police officer.
There are many different reasons that your license can be suspended. Ranging from OVI/DUI suspension to failure to provide proof of insurance after a prior accident. Depending on the type of suspension and if you have ever had a prior conviction for driving under suspension, the offense can range from an unclassified misdemeanor that does not carry the possibility of jail time to a first-degree misdemeanor that carries mandatory jail time if convicted. Speaking with an attorney that understands the traffic law is important so that you can take the necessary steps to get your license reinstated and, potentially, avoid a conviction.
Ohio's Sexually Violent Predator Specification
Ohio Revised Code § 2941.148 outlines Ohio's sexually violent predator specification. It can be applied to sexually violent offenses-namely homicide, assault, and kidnapping. This specification can be used to add onto or enhance sentences. The exact enhancement depends on the underlying sexual offense. Ohio Revised Code § 2971.03 lists a number of specific underlying offenses and the corresponding specification sentence. In many instances the specification carries the possibility of life in prison.
Ohio's Shift Back to Indefinite Sentencing: Reagan Tokes Law and Current Local Controversy
On March 22nd of this year, indefinite sentencing returned to Ohio through Senate Bill 201 known as the "Reagan Tokes Law." Indefinite sentencing is where a defendant is sentenced to an indefinite range or term of years, with release determinations made by the Parole Board based upon conduct of the incarcerated offender. Definite sentencing, on the other hand, is when the judge sentences a defendant to serve a definite number of years within an applicable range of years. Indefinite sentencing existed in Ohio prior to 1996, and has now returned through the recently enacted Regan Tokes Law.
Eaton, Ohio, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The attorneys at Rittgers & Rittgers frequently represent people accused of crimes in Eaton Municipal Court. It is not uncommon for John R. Bernans and Neal Schuett to each have numerous cases pending in Eaton Municipal Court. Our Oxford office is quite close to Preble County and the Eaton Municipal Building. Our attorneys successfully resolve OVI, domestic violence, probation violation, and drug-related cases each year in Eaton Municipal Court. Whether you are seeking a plea bargain, bench trial, or jury trial, our attorneys have had success defending a varying degree of cases. Regardless of the type or level of offense, we would be happy to sit down and speak with you about your case.
