In 2002, the Ohio legislature enacted the serious youthful offender or "SYO" sentencing law. Under the SYO sentencing law, juvenile offenders who are designated serious youthful offenders are not bound over to adult court. Rather, juvenile offenders designated serious...
Steve Kilburn
What To Do When Contacted By The Police
Many people believe that when contacted by the police there is no harm in talking. Unfortunately, they are mistaken and, as a result, serious consequences can occur. Most people are unaware that police officers are allowed to lie to individuals during a criminal...
Facebook Tagging Violates Protection Order
This month a judge in New York ruled that mentioning a protected person in a Facebook post constitutes communication and therefore violates protection orders. The criminal defense attorney in the case argued that the charges should be dismissed because the protection...
Ohio’s Financial Responsibility Law And The FRA Suspension
Minimum Insurance Requirements For Ohio Drivers Under Ohio law, drivers must carry automobile insurance or other proof of financial responsibility. The state requires drivers to purchase liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. The current...
Diversion: An invaluable Tool For Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys
The predominant objective for most people who face a criminal charge is to prevent a conviction. Given that dismissals are highly uncommon in criminal cases and jury verdicts are uncertain, delayed adjudication programs such as diversion are an excellent way to...
Treatment Option For People Accused Of Felonies
The Ohio Revised Code provides people charged with specific offenses the option to receive assistance and/or treatment in order avoid a felony conviction. Intervention in lieu of conviction ("ILC") is available in certain cases where the offender's drug or alcohol...
The Ohio Supreme Court Clarifies The Elements Of Tampering With Evidence
Today, the Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Barry, rejected the "Unmistakable Crime Doctrine," as it relates to the offense of tampering with evidence. The issue presented was whether a person who commits an obvious crime (i.e., an unmistakable crime) has constructive...