THE OUTCOMES OF PAST CASES ARE NOT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOUR CASE MAY BE RESOLVED.
WEEK OF MARCH 1, 2010
Not Guilty Verdict In Sex Case. My client was accused of having sexual contact with his step-daughter and was charged with one count of Gross Sexual Imposition and two counts of Attempted Gross Sexual Imposition. Following an emotional trial, the jury found my client Not Guilty of all charges.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22, 2010
O.V.I. Charge Amended Following Appeal. My client was charged with O.V.I. (per se) and O.V.I. (impaired), as well as Marked Lanes and Speed. We filed a motion to suppress evidence and a separate motion to suppress the breath test. The judge granted our motion to suppress the breath test, but the prosecuting attorney appealed the judge’s decision to the court of appeals. The court of appeals ruled in favor of the prosecution, so the case was scheduled for a hearing on our other motion to suppress evidence. At that hearing, the prosecutor ultimately dismissed the charges of O.V.I. (per se), Speed, and Marked Lanes. The prosecutor also amended the charge of O.V.I. (impaired) to a charge of Physical Control.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2010
College Student’s Alcohol Charge Reduced. My client was a student at O.S.U. and was charged with Underage Alcohol Possession. The case was complicated by two factors: (1) my client was on probation for a previous conviction of Underage Alcohol Possession; and (2) the alleged offense took place on the day of an O.S.U. football game, and the prosecutor’s office is not inclined to plea bargain on those cases. Just before a trial was to begin, the prosecutor amended the charge of Underage Alcohol Possession to a minor misdemeanor charge of Open Container. My client pled guilty to that amended charge, and the judge agreed to continue probation with no additional sanctions.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2010
All Charges Dismissed In O.V.I. Case. My client was pulled over for running a red light. She took field sobriety tests and a breath test with a result of .153. The officer imposed an Administrative License Suspension and charged my client with the red light violation and two counts of O.V.I. We filed a motion to suppress the evidence, arguing that the stop was not justified and the arrest was not justified. The judge held a hearing on our motion to suppress evidence. After the arresting officer testified, all charges were dismissed and the Administrative License Suspension was terminated.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Hit-Skip Charge Dismissed. My client from New Albany was charged with Hit-Skip after a two-car accident. We proved that my client called the police soon after the accident, and the charge of Hit-Skip was completely dismissed.
WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2010
High-Test O.V.I. Charge From Accident Dismissed. My client was allegedly involved in a one-car accident, and the breath test result was in the high-test range. As a result, he was charged with Failure To Control, O.V.I. (high-test), and O.V.I. (impaired). Due to difficulties in proving the allegations, the charges of Failure To Control and O.V.I. (high-test) were dismissed, and the remaining charge of O.V.I. was amended to a no-points, non-moving violation.
WEEK OF JANUARY 11, 2010
College Student’s Drug Charges To Be Dismissed. My client, a college student, was charged with Marijuana Possession and Drug Paraphernalia Possession. We requested that my client be permitted to complete a diversion program. After my client completes the program, the charges will be dismissed entirely.
WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2010
Domestic Violence Charge Amended. My client was charged with Domestic Violence in the Franklin County Municipal Court. While the case was pending, my client underwent anger management counseling, and the charge of Domestic Violence was amended to a charge of Criminal Mischief, so there is not a conviction on his record for a violent crime.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 28, 2009
Hit-Skip and O.V.I. (high-test) charges dismissed. My client was charged in the Upper Arlington Mayor’s Court with Hit-Skip, Failure To Control, O.V.I. (high-test), and O.V.I. (impaired). The prosecutor dismissed the charges of Hit-Skip, Failure To Control, and O.V.I. (high-test), so my client avoided the mandatory jail sentence and mandatory yellow plates associated with the charge of O.V.I. (high-test), as well as the mandatory license suspension associated with the charge of Hit-Skip.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 21, 2009
Multiple O.V.I. Offender’s Charges Dismissed/Amended. My client had multiple alcohol-related convictions and was charged with O.V.I., Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction, Marked Lanes, and Speed. The charge of Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction was dismissed (avoiding at least 20 days in jail), the charge of Marked Lanes was dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Physical Control. My client pled guilty to the charge of Physical Control and the charge of Speed and will not serve any time in jail, so long as he satisfactorily completes alcohol counseling.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2009
Charge Of High-Test O.V.I. Dismissed. My client was charged with O.V.I. (high-test), O.V.I. (impaired), and Marked Lanes. The charges of O.V.I. (high-test) and Marked Lanes were dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of O.V.I. impaired, avoiding the mandatory additional jail sentence and mandatory yellow plates associated with the high-test charge.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2009
Student’s Felony Charge Reduced To Misdemeanor. My client, a student, was charged with felony Theft for stealing a car and Obstructing Official Business for running from the police. The charge of Obstructing Official Business was dismissed, and the felony charge of Theft was amended to a misdemeanor charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2009
Charge of Hit-Skip Amended. My client was charged with Hit-Skip and Assured Clear Distance Ahead in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The other driver involved in the accident alleged that my client left the scene because she was drunk. After I subpoenaed the police officers to testify at trial (they did not observe any signs of intoxication), the charge of Assured Clear Distance Ahead was dismissed, and the charge of Hit-Skip was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23, 2009
O.V.I. Charge Not Prosecuted. My client was charged with O.V.I. and Speed in Worthington, Ohio. The charge of Speed was dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was resolved with a bond forfeiture, so there was no conviction on my client’s record.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2009
School Teacher’s Domestic Violence Charge Dismissed. My client, a grade-school teacher, was charged with Domestic Violence and Assault. Following negotiations with the prosecutor, the charge of Domestic Violence was dismissed, and the charge of Assault was amended to a charge of Disorderly Conduct.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9, 2009
License Plate Violation Dismissed. My client was charged with two license plate violations. One charge was dismissed, and my client forfeited bond on the other charge, so there was no conviction.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2009
O.V.I. From Accident Amended to Reckless Operation. My client was charged with two charges of O.V.I. and Failure To Control following a one-car accident and a breath test over .08. The charge of Failure To Control was dismissed, one charge of O.V.I. was dismissed, and the remaining charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2009
O.V.I. Charge Resolved With Bond Forfeiture. My client was charged with O.V.I.-impaired and O.V.I.-Breath. Following negotiations, the prosecuting attorney agreed to not prosecute the charges, and client agreed to forfeit the posted bond, so there is no conviction.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2009
Fugitive Warrant Dismissed. A prosecutor’s office in another state issued an arrest warrant for my client who resides in Ohio, and that state was seeking to extradite my client. My client was released, arranged to have the warrant lifted in the other state, and the extradition proceedings in Ohio were dismissed.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 12, 2009
College Student’s O.V.I. Charge Reduced. My client, a college student, was charged with O.V.I. and No Headlights. On the day the case was scheduled for trial, the charge of No Headlights was dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 2009
Driving Under O.V.I. Suspension Dismissed. My client was charged with Driving Under an O.V.I. Suspension, an offense with a mandatory jail sentence and license suspension. After negotiations with the prosecutor, the case was dismissed in exchange for payment of court costs.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Underage Consumption Charge To Be Dismissed. My client was charged with Underage Alcohol Consumption. My client will complete a diversion program, and the charge will be dismissed.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
O.V.I. Charge Dismissed At Trial. My client was charged with O.V.I. and a license plate violation. The trooper that wrote the ticket was not available on the day of the trial, and the case had been continued multiple times, so both charges were dismissed.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Juvenile’s O.V.I. Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with O.V.I. and Improper Turn in the Franklin County Juvenile Court. After a close review of the video and motions to suppress evidence, the charge of O.V.I. was dismissed, and my client admitted to the charge of Improper Turn.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2009
Not Guilty Verdict In Felonious Assault Trial. My client was accused of attempting to cause physical harm with a deadly weapon for allegedly shooting at a Columbus Police Officer. We conceded that my client shot the gun and argued that he did so to scare the officer, not harm the officer. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
WEEK OF AUGUST 31, 2009
Probation Violation Resolved Favorably. My client had been convicted of O.V.I. in the Hilliard Mayor's Court and was placed on probation. While he was on probation, he was convicted in another court of Physical Control Under The Influence, so he was charged with a probation violation. The probation violation was resolved with community service and no jail sentence.
WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2009
O.V.I. Charge Reduced. My client, a self-employed business owner, was charged with O.V.I. in the Worthington Mayor's Court. Another motorist reported that my client was driving erratically, so my client was pulled over, took field sobriety tests, and attempted twice to take the breath test. Following a close examination of the field sobriety tests and invalid samples on the breath-testing machine, the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF AUGUST 17, 2009
O.V.I. Trial Ends In Not Guilty Verdict. My client, a 20-year-old student, was charged with O.V.I. (breath), O.V.I. (impaired), and Speeding. After a hearing on our motion to suppress the breath test, the breath test was suppressed. We had a three-day trial on the charge of O.V.I. (impaired). Following a 30-minute deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2009
Repeat O.V.I. Offense Reduced. My client from Hilliard, Ohio was charged with a second O.V.I. offense within six years, as well as Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction and Left Of Center. The charges of Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction and Left of Center were dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was treated as a first offense.
WEEK OF JULY 27, 2009
Record Sealed For Domestic Violence Case. My client was originally charged with Domestic Violence and Assault. The charge of Domestic Violence was dismissed, and the charge of Assault was reduced to a charge of Disorderly Conduct. We petitioned to have the record sealed (expunged), and our request was granted, so there is no longer a public record for the case.
WEEK OF JULY 20, 2009
Shoplifting Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with Theft for shoplifting at a department store in Westerville, Ohio. My client completed a theft offender program, and the charge of Theft was dismissed. The record for the case in the Franklin County Municipal Court was ultimately sealed (expunged).
WEEK OF JULY 13, 2009
Hit-Skip Charge Reduced. My client from Delaware was charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with Hit-Skip and Failure To Control. The charge of Failure To Control was dismissed, and the charge of Hit-Skip was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF JULY 6, 2009
Business Owner’s O.V.I. Amended. My client, a local business owner, was charged with O.V.I. and No Headlights in the Gahanna Mayor’s Court. The headlights charge was dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2009
Breath Test Suppressed. My client was charged with O.V.I. (breath), O.V.I. (impaired), and Speeding. We filed a motion to suppress the breath test, and a hearing was held on that motion. We argued that the breath test should be thrown out because the officer that administered the breath test did not have a valid permit (it expired before he renewed it). The judge agreed and suppressed evidence regarding the breath test.
WEEK OF JUNE 22, 2009
Repeat O.V.I. Offense Dismissed. My client had four prior O.V.I. convictions and was on probation for the last conviction. In this case, he was charged with high-test O.V.I., O.V.I. (impaired), Marked Lanes, and Seatbelt. My client pled guilty to O.V.I. (impaired) as a stipulated first offense, the remaining charges were dismissed, and probation was restored.
WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2009
O.V.I. Charge Amended. My client was charged with O.V.I. (breath), O.V.I. (impaired), Speeding, and Marked Lanes. The charges of Speeding, Marked Lanes, and O.V.I. (impaired) were dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. (breath) was amended to a charge of Physical Control.
WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2009
Motion Hearing Leads To Reduction Of Charge. My client was charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with High-Test O.V.I. We filed motions to suppress evidence, and a hearing was held on those motions. At the conclusion of the hearing, the charge of high-test O.V.I. was amended to a non-moving offense with no points.
WEEK OF MAY 25, 2009
High-Test O.V.I. Dismissed. My client was charged in Worthington with O.V.I. (high test) and O.V.I. (impaired), as well as Speed and Failure To Control. In court in Franklin County, the charges of Speed, Failure to Control, and O.V.I. (high-test) were dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of O.V.I. impaired, avoiding the mandatory yellow plates and jail sentence.
WEEK OF MAY 18, 2009
Nurse’s Felony Theft in Delaware County To Be Dismissed. For a shoplifting incident in Lewis Center, my client was charged with felony Theft. Following conferences with the investigating detective and prosecutor’s office, my client was accepted into a diversion program. After my client completes the program, the charge will be dismissed, and there will be no record of the offense.
WEEK OF MAY 4, 2009
Drug Charges Dismissed In Franklin County. After my client’s home in Westerville was searched, he was charged with Marijuana Possession and Drug Paraphernalia Possession. In the Franklin County Municipal Court, the charge of Drug Paraphernalia was dismissed, and the charge of Marijuana Possession was amended to a charge of Disorderly Conduct. My client paid a small fine and did not lose his driver’s license.
WEEK OF APRIL 27, 2009
Student’s Case To Be Dismissed. My client, a student, was charged in the Delaware County Municipal Court with Underage Alcohol Consumption, Trespass, and Criminal Mischief. The charges of Trespass and Criminal Mischief were dismissed, and the charge of Underage Alcohol Consumption will also be dismissed when my client completes a diversion program.
WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2009
Powell O.V.I. Reduced. My client was charged by the Powell Police Department in the Delaware Municipal Court with two counts of O.V.I. (one related to the breath test and one for being under the influence). One count of O.V.I. was dismissed, and the other count of O.V.I. was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation with probation and no driver’s license suspension.
WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2009
Business Owner’s Second O.V.I. Charge Reduced. My client from Delaware, Ohio was charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with O.V.I. (second offense within six years), Improper Turn, and Marked Lanes. The charges of Improper Turn and Marked Lanes were dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a no-points non-moving offense.
WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2009
O.V.I. Trial Ends In Hung Jury. My client with multiple prior O.V.I. convictions was charged with O.V.I. (high breath test-.203) and O.V.I. (impaired). The breath test was thrown out, and we had a jury trial on the remaining charge of O.V.I. Following a multi-day jury trial, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict (“hung jury”), and the judge declared a mistrial.
WEEK OF MARCH 23, 2009
Delaware Hit-Skip Charge Reduced. My client from Westerville, Ohio was charged with Hit-Skip in the Delaware County Municipal Court. The charge of Hit-Skip was reduced to a charge of Improper Backing, and my client paid a small fine.
WEEK OF MARCH 16, 2009
O.V.I. in Worthington Reduced. My client from Dublin, Ohio was charged with O.V.I. in the Worthington Mayor’s Court. The charge of O.V.I. was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation with no driver’s license suspension.
WEEK OF MARCH 9, 2009
Charges Dismissed In Delaware County Shoplifting Incident. My client from Lewis Center was arrested for shoplifting from a store in the Polaris area and charged with Theft, Possessing Criminal Tools, and Criminal Mischief in the Delaware County Municipal Court. The charges of Possessing Criminal Tool and Criminal Mischief were dismissed. My client pled guilty to the charge of Theft and was placed on probation.
WEEK OF MARCH 2, 2009
Columbus, Ohio O.V.I. Breath Test Charge Amended. My client was stopped by a trooper in the Lewis Center / Polaris area. He was charged with two counts of OVI; one based on being under the influence and one based on the breath test result. Following several court appearances and motions to suppress evidence in the Franklin County Municipal Court, one O.V.I. charge was dismissed, and the other O.V.I. charge was amended to a charge of Physical Control with no license suspension.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 23, 2009
Charge Of Falsification Dismissed. My client from Columbus was charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with falsifying documents at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. After we filed a motion to dismiss the charge based on a speedy trial violation, the case was dismissed entirely.
WEEK OF FEBRURY 16, 2009
Drug Charges Dismissed. My client was charged with Possessing Marijuana, Possessing Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving Under Suspension in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court. Both drug charges were dismissed, and the charge of Driving Under Suspension was reduced to a minor misdemeanor, so my client only had to pay a fine.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9, 2009
Felonious Assault Jury Trial Results In Lesser Offense. My client was charged with Felonious Assault for allegedly stabbing another man in the face with a pair of scissors. At the conclusion of a multi-day jury trial, the jury found my client not guilty of Felonious Assault but guilty of the lesser charge of Aggravated Assault.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Charge Of Weapon While Intoxicated Reduced. My client from Lewis Center was charged with Weapon While Intoxicated. Before trial, the charge was amended to Disorderly Conduct, my client pled guilty to the amended charge, and my client was ordered to pay a $100 fine.
WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2009
Domestic Violence Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with Domestic Violence and Assault in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The charge of Domestic Violence was dismissed, the charge of Assault was reduced to a charge of Disorderly Conduct, and my client pled guilty to that reduced charge.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 29, 2008
Student’s Charge of Hit-Skip Dismissed. My client, a college student, was charged with Hit-Skip and Failure To Control in the Westerville Mayor’s Court. The prosecutor dismissed the charge of Hit-Skip, my client pled guilty to the charge of Failure To Control, and my client was ordered to pay a $50 fine.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 8, 2008
IT Worker’s Hit-Skip Charge Reduced. My client, an IT worker, was charged with Hit Skip and Traffic Control Device in the Franklin County Municipal Court.. The charge of Traffic Control Device was dismissed, and the charge of Hit-Skip was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008
College Student’s Alcohol Charge Reduced. My client, a student at The Ohio State University, was charged with Underage Alcohol Consumption in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The charge was reduced to a minor misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct charge, and my client was ordered to pay the court costs.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Business Owner’s Shoplifting Charge Reduced. My client, owner of a business with two locations in Columbus, Ohio, was charged with shoplifting. The charge was reduced to a lesser offense, and my client paid a small fine.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10, 2008
Sixth O.V.I. Charge Resolved Favorably. My client was charged with O.V.I. in the Mt. Vernon Municipal Court. He had four prior O.V.I. convictions, another O.V.I. charge pending, and this case. He ultimately was sentenced to serve no additional jail time and instead was ordered to pay a fine and placed on probation.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3, 2008
O.V.I. From Accident Reduced. My client, from Westerville, was involved in a serious one-car accident and charged with O.V.I. and Failure To Control. The charge of Failure To Control was dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation, for which my client paid a $100 fine.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 27, 2008
O.V.I. Charges Dismissed. My client, a social worker, was charged with two counts of O.V.I., Seatbelt, and Following Too Close. Both charges of O.V.I. were dismissed, as well as the charge of Seatbelt, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Following Too Close.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 20, 2008
Underage Consumption Charge Dismissed. My client, an O.S.U. student, was charged with Underage Alcohol Consumption. He completed an alcohol education program, and the case was completely dismissed.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 13, 2008
Hit Skip Charge Dismissed. My client, a student from Hilliard, was charged with Hit Skip and failure to Control. The charge of Hit-Skip was dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Failure To Control.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2008
Drag Racing Charge Dismissed. My client, a student from Westerville, was charged with Drag Racing and Speed. The charge of Drag Racing was dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Speed.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
College Student’s Game-Day Charges Dismissed. My client, a student at O.S.U., was charged with Underage Alcohol Consumption, Falsification, and Fake Identification. The charges of Falsification and Fake Identification were dismissed, and my client paid a fine of $100 for the charge of Underage Alcohol Consumption.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
High-Test O.V.I. Amended And Drug Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with Turn Signal, two counts of O.V.I., and one count of marijuana possession in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court. The charges of Marijuana Possession, Turn Signal, and High-Test O.V.I. were dismissed, so my client avoided a drug conviction, jail time, and yellow license plates.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
Second O.V.I. Amended To Non-Moving Violation. My client, from Powell, Ohio, was charged with Marked Lanes, Speed, and O.V.I. The O.V.I. was a second O.V.I. offense within six years. The prosecutor dismissed the charges of Speed and Marked Lanes, and the prosecutor amended the charge of O.V.I. to a non-moving violation.
WEEK OF AUGUST 25, 2008
Recent Graduate Avoids O.V.I. Conviction. My client, a recent college graduate, was charged with Speed and two counts of O.V.I. The charge of Speed and one charge of O.V.I. were dismissed, and the other charge of O.V.I. was amended to a no-points violation.
WEEK OF AUGUST 18, 2008
O.V.I. Charge Amended. My client, a professional from Lewis Center, was charged with Marked Lanes, Speed, and two counts of O.V.I. The charges of Marked Lanes, Speed, and one charge of O.V.I. were dismissed, and the other charge of O.V.I. was amended to a non-moving violation.
WEEK OF AUGUST 11, 2008
College Student’s Drug Charge To Be Dismissed. My client was charged with heroine possession. We arranged for an assessment by drug counseling professionals and filed a motion for Intervention In Lieu Of Conviction. The motion was granted. If my client completes his counseling (intervention plan), the case will be completely dismissed.
WEEK OF AUGUST 4, 2008
Sales Professional Avoids O.V.I. Conviction. My client worked in sales and was charged with O.V.I. and Failure To Control in the Worthington Mayor’s Court. The prosecutor dismissed the charge of Failure To Control and amended the charge of O.V.I. to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF JULY 21, 2008
O.V.I. Charge Reduced. My client, in the United States on a work visa, was charged with O.V.I. after a one-car accident. The O.V.I. can impact one’s immigration status. In the Franklin County Municipal Court, the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation, and my client pled guilty to that charge.
WEEK OF JULY 7, 2008
Second O.V.I. Charge Amended. My client, a health care professional, was charged with his second O.V.I., an additional charge for Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction, and a charge of Open Container. The prosecutor dismissed the charges of Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction and Open Container, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a non-moving violation. My client pled guilty to the amended charge and paid a $150 fine.
WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2008
O.V.I. Charge Reduced. My client, a student from Dublin, Ohio, was charged with O.V.I. and Speeding. The charge of Speeding was dismissed, the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a no-points traffic offense, and my client pled guilty to that no-points offense.
WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2008
Prison avoided in computer pornography case. My client, from Worthington, Ohio, was charged with 36 counts of pandering obscenity involving minors. After several pretrial motions and a contested motion hearing, the prosecutor dismissed all but three counts and amended the remaining three counts to charges that did not involve minors. My client pled guilty to those remaining three (amended) counts and was ultimately placed on probation with no prison sentence.
WEEK OF JUNE 2, 2008
IT Consultant Avoids O.V.I. Conviction. My client, an IT consultant from out of town, was in Columbus for business. While driving back to his hotel, he was charged with two counts of O.V.I. and one charge of Traffic Control device. The prosecutor dismissed the charge of Traffic Control Device and one of the two charges of O.V.I.. The other charge of O.V.I. was amended to a non-moving offense, so my client avoided an O.V.I. on his record.
WEEK OF MAY 26, 2008
Hit-Skip Charge Dismissed. My client from Columbus, Ohio was charged with Hit-Skip and Failure To Control as a result of a one-car accident. The prosecutor dismissed the charge of Hit-Skip, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Failure To Control, avoiding four additional points on his license and a license suspension.
WEEK OF MAY 19, 2008
Nursing Student Avoids Felony Conviction. My client was charged with Burglary and Theft, both felony charges that could affect her eligibility to obtain a nursing license. The charge of Burglary was dismissed, the charge of Theft was reduced to a misdemeanor, and my client was placed on probation with restitution.
WEEK OF MAY 12, 2008
Probation Violation Avoided. While on probation for an OVI conviction, my client was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Littering. A conviction for either offense would be a violation of probation. We resolved the case with a dismissal of the Disorderly Conduct charge, a guilty plea to the Littering charge, and no probation violation.
WEEK OF MAY 5, 2008
Identity Theft Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with identity theft and two counts of forgery, so she was facing up to seven years in prison. She pled guilty to one count of forgery and was placed on probation.
WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2008
Federal Charge Resolved Favorably. My client was facing multiple felony charges in federal court. Following extensive discussions with the prosecuting attorney, he was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property and was facing up to ten years in prison but was ordered to serve only three months.
WEEK OF APRIL 14, 2008
Felonious Assault Reduced To Misdemeanor. My client was charged with Felonious Assault and was facing up to eight years in prison. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor Assault, and my client was placed on probation with community service and restitution.
WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2008
OVI Charge Reduced and Drug Charges Dismissed. My client, a student, was originally charged with OVI, Marijuana Possession, Paraphernalia Possession, Failure To Control and O.V.I. The charges of Marijuana Possession, Paraphernalia Possession, and Failure To Control were dismissed. The charge of OVI was amended to Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF MARCH 31, 2008
Factory Worker Avoids Felony Drug Conviction. My client was charged with drug possession and was facing a prison sentence. The judge granted our request for intervention in lieu of conviction, so my client was not convicted of any offense. After she completes her counseling plan, her case will be dismissed.
WEEK OF MARCH 17, 2008
IT Consultant Avoids Felony Drug Conviction. My client was charged with a third degree felony charge of drug possession, requiring mandatory prison time of one to five years. The judge granted our request for intervention in lieu of conviction, so my client was not convicted of any offense. After he completes his counseling plan, his case will be dismissed.
WEEK OF MARCH 10, 2008
Charge Of High-Test OVI Dismissed. My client, a young professional, was charged in the Gahanna Mayor’s Court with high-test OVI and impaired OVI. The charge of high-test O.V.I. was dismissed, so my client did not have to serve any time in jail and was not required to have yellow license plates, both of which are required for high-test OVI convictions
WEEK OF MARCH 3, 2008
Hit-Skip Charge Reduced. My client was originally charged with Hit-Skip and Assured Clear Distance Ahead, so he was facing a driver’s license suspension, six points on his license, and possible jail time. The charge of Assured Clear Distance Ahead was dismissed, and the charge of Hit-Skip was amended to a lesser charge. My client pled guilty to the lesser charge and was ordered to pay a fine.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18, 2008
Charge of Driving Under Suspension Reduced. My client was charged with Driving Under Suspension, so she was facing a driver’s license suspension, six points on her license, and possible jail time. She pled guilty to an amended charge of No Operator’s License and was ordered to pay a fine.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008
Arrest warrant lifted. My client, before hiring me, pled guilty to an OVI. Because she failed to complete court orders, a warrant was issued for her arrest in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court. We got the arrest warrant lifted, she completed the court orders, and she did not have to serve any jail time.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4, 2008
Probation Terminated. Before hiring me, my client was placed on probation for an alcohol offense. She was summoned to court for violating her probation. She hired me, and we provided the judge with a legal reason why probation should be terminated. The judge held a hearing and agreed with our argument, so my client was not found to be in violation of her probation, and the probation was terminated.
WEEK OF JANUARY 28, 2008
Third OVI Charge (High-Test) Reduced. My client was charged in the Franklin County Municipal Court with a high-test OVI, and he had two prior OVI convictions. The OVI charge was amended to a second offense low-test OVI, so my client’s jail sentence was reduced, and he avoided the mandatory forfeiture of his car.
WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2008
Student’s Charge of Assault Reduced. My client, a college student, was originally charged with Assault. The prosecutor amended the charge to a charge of Disorderly Conduct. My client was ordered to pay a fine and complete community service rather than serve a jail sentence.
WEEK OF JANUARY 14, 2008
Dental Student’s Charge of Assault Expunged. My client, a dental student, was charged with Assault. He pled guilty to an amended charge of disorderly conduct, and the conviction was expunged, so he has no criminal record.
WEEK OF JANUARY 7, 2008
Juvenile’s Charges of Receiving Stolen Property Dismissed. My client was charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property in the Franklin County Juvenile Court. The prosecutor dismissed two of the charges, and my client admitted to the third charge. After my client completed counseling and community service, the third charge was also dismissed.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
High-Test OVI Dismissed. My client was charged in the Westerville Mayor’s Court with Stopping in Roadway, high-test OVI and impaired OVI. The prosecutor dismissed the charge of Stopping In Roadway and the charge of high-test O.V.I., so my client did not have to serve any time in jail and was not required to have yellow license plates, both of which are required for high-test OVI convictions.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 17, 2007
OVI Charge Reduced. My client was charged with OVI and Speed. The charge of Speed was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a non-moving, no-points offense.
WEEK OF DECEMBER 10, 2007
Charge Of Driving Under Suspension Dismissed. My client was charged with Driving Under Suspension and Assured Clear Distance Ahead. The charge of Driving Under Suspension was dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Assured Clear Distance Ahead.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26, 2007
Marketing Executive’s charge of OVI reduced. My client was charged with OVI and Marked Lanes in the Dublin Mayor’s Court. The charge of Marked Lanes was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a non-moving, no-points traffic violation.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007
Burglary Charge Reduced To Misdemeanor. My client was charged with Burglary and was facing up to eight years in prison. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of Trespass, and my client pled guilty to that reduced charge.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 12, 2007
High-Test OVI Dismissed. My client was charged with high-test OVI. There was an issue regarding the prosecutor’s ability to prove she was operating the vehicle. The charge was completely dismissed.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 5, 2007
Student’s Felony Firearm Charge Reduced. My client, a college student, was charged with a felony count of Improper Handling of a Firearm and a firearm specification, requiring a mandatory prison sentence. The firearm specification was dismissed, and the charge of Improper Handling of a Firearm was reduced to a misdemeanor.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 29, 2007
Hit-Skip Reduced. My client was charged with Failure To Control and Hit-Skip. The charge of Failure To Control was dismissed, and the charge of Hit-Skip was reduced to a lesser charge. My client pled guilty to the lesser charge.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 15, 2007
Drug Charges Not Prosecuted. My client was charged with Marijuana Possession and Drug Paraphernalia Possession. The charge of Marijuana Possession was dismissed. For the charge of Drug Paraphernalia Possession, the prosecutor agreed not to prosecute the charge in exchange for client's forfeiting bond in the amount of $250.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 8, 2007
Felony Drug Offense Reduced To Misdemeanor. My client was charged in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court with a felony charge of drug possession. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and my client pled guilty to the reduced charge.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 1, 2007
OVI Reduced To Reckless Operation. My client was charged with Marked Lanes, Open Container and OVI. The charges of Marked Lanes and Open Container were dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation. My client pled guilty to that amended charge.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
Second OVI Offense Reduced. My client was charged with Driving Under Suspension, No Operator’s License, Speed, and two counts of OVI (his second OVI offense in six years). The charges of Driving Under Suspension, No Operator’s License, Speed, and one count of OVI were dismissed. The other count of OVI was amended to a first offense, and my client pled guilty to that amended charge, avoiding yellow license plates, immobilization of his car, and an increased jail sentence.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2007
Teacher Avoids Felony Drug Conviction. My client, a high school teacher, was charged with drug possession and was facing a prison sentence. The judge granted our request for intervention in lieu of conviction, so my client was not convicted of any offense. After he completes his counseling plan, his case will be dismissed.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
OVI Trial Ends In Not Guilty Verdict. My client was involved in a one-car accident, and his blood alcohol concentration measured by the hospital was .29. The blood test was inadmissible. We took the case to trial, and he was found Not Guilty.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2007
OVI Charge Reduced Despite Near Accident With Cruiser. My client nearly hit a trooper’s cruiser and was ultimately charged with Marked Lanes, Turn Signal, Seatbelt, and OVI. The charges of Marked Lanes, Turn Signal and Seatbelt were dismissed, and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a no-points traffic offense.
WEEK OF AUGUST 27, 2007
Drug Charge Dismissed. My client was stopped for Speeding and ultimately charged with Speed, Window Tint and Marijuana Possession. The charges of Marijuana Possession and Window Tint were dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Speed.
WEEK OF AUGUST 20, 2007
Second OVI Reduced. My client was charged in the Morrow County Municipal Court with her second OVI and a charge of Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction, which carries a minimum jail sentence of 20 days. The charge of Breath Test Refusal was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was stipulated to be a first OVI offense. My client pled guilty to that amended OVI charge, so she avoided jail time, yellow license plates, and immobilization of her car.
WEEK OF AUGUST 13, 2007
Insurance Agent’s OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with Speed and OVI in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The charge of Speed was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a no-points, non-moving traffic offense.
WEEK OF AUGUST 6, 2007
State Employee’s Littering Charge Not Prosecuted. My client was charged with littering in a state park. The prosecutor agreed not to prosecute the charge in exchange for client's forfeiting bond in the amount of $300
WEEK OF JULY 30, 2007
Banker’s Domestic Violence Charge Dismissed. My client was accused of assaulting his wife, so he was charged with Domestic Violence and Disorderly Conduct in The Delaware County Municipal Court. The charge of Domestic Violence was dismissed. My client plead guilty to Disorderly Conduct and paid a $100 fine.
WEEK OF JULY 23, 2007
Driving Under Suspension Dismissed. My client was charged in the Dublin Mayor’s Court with Driving Under Suspension and No Operator’s License. He was facing possible jail time, a possible license suspension, and six points on his license. The charge of Driving Under Suspension was dismissed, and the charge of No Operator’s License was reduced to a minor misdemeanor. My client received a $100 fine, no jail time, no license suspension, and only two points on his license.
WEEK OF JULY 16, 2007
OVI Charge Dismissed On Speedy Trial Grounds. My client was charged with OVI, and there was a delay in the case reaching trial. The judge granted our speedy trial motion and dismissed the case entirely.
WEEK OF JULY 9, 2007
Charge of OVI Dismissed. After motions and oral argument, the judge ruled that the traffic stop was not justified and the arrest was not justified, so all evidence obtained after the traffic stop was suppressed. Both charges on the ticket (O.V.I. and Marked Lanes) were dismissed.
WEEK OF JULY 2, 2007
Second OVI Offense Reduced. My client was charged with a second OVI offense in six years, so he was facing at least ten days in jail, mandatory yellow plates, and mandatory immobilization of his vehicle. The charge of O.V.I. was amended so that it was treated as a first offense. My client was ordered to serve three days in jail, and he avoided both the yellow plates and the vehicle immobilization.
WEEK OF JUNE 25, 2007
Driving Under Suspension Dismissed. My client was charged in the New Albany Mayor’s Court with Driving Under Suspension, Falsification, Speed, and No Operator’s License. The charges of Driving Under Suspension and Falsification were dismissed, and my client was ordered to pay a fine on the charges of Speed and No Operator's License.
WEEK OF JUNE 11, 2007
Charge Resisting Arrest Dismissed. My client was accused of Resisting Arrest and two counts of Disorderly Conduct after an altercation with bouncers at Columbus bar. The charge of Resisting Arrest was dismissed, as well as one charge of Disorderly Conduct. My client pled guilty to the remaining charge of Disorderly Conduct. He was placed on probation, ordered to pay a fine, and not sentenced to any jail time.
WEEK OF JUNE 4, 2007
Student’s Shoplifting Charge reduced. My client was charged with theft for shoplifting. The charge was reduced to Unauthorized Use of Property. My client paid a fine and will soon be eligible to have the record sealed.
WEEK OF MAY 21, 2007
Juvenile’s OVI Charge Reduced. My client, not yet old enough to have a driver’s license, was charged with OVI, No Operator’s License and Speed in the Franklin County Juvenile Court. The charge of OVI was reduced, and my client admitted to the reduced charge, as well as the other charges. The Court ordered him to complete various programs, which he had already completed.
WEEK OF MAY 14, 2007
OVI Charge From Accident Amended. My client was involved in a one-car rollover accident and was charged with OVI and Failure To Control. The charge of Failure To Control was dismissed and the charge of O.V.I. was amended to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2007
Reckless Operation Charge Dismissed. My client, a student, was charged with Reckless Operation and Failure To Control. The charge of Reckless Operation was dismissed, and my client admitted to the charge of Failure To Control. My client was ordered to pay court costs, but the court costs were suspended.
WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2007
Charge of Failure To Control Dismissed. My client lost control of his vehicle, hit a telephone pole, and was charged with Failure To Control When the trial was scheduled to begin, the case was dismissed.
WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2007
OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with OVI, Marijuana Possession, Open Container and Speed. The charges of Marijuana Possession, Open Container and Speed were dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a no-points, non-moving offense.
WEEK OF APRIL 9, 2007
OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with OVI and Seatbelt. The charge of Seatbelt was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a no-points, non-moving offense.
WEEK OF APRIL 2, 2007
Charge of Hit-Skip Dismissed. My client was charged with Hit-Skip, Fictitious Tags and Failure To Control. The charges of Hit-Skip and Fictitious Tags were dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the charge of Failure To Control.
WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2007
OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with OVI and Speed. The charge of Speed was dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a no-points, non-moving violation.
WEEK OF MARCH 19, 2007
OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with OVI, Speed, and Seatbelt in the Morrow County Municipal Court. The charges of Speed and Seatbelt were dismissed, and the charge of OVI was amended to a no-points, non-moving violation.
WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2007
Breath Test Refusal Dismissed. My client was charged with her third OVI, Breath Test Refusal With Prior OVI Conviction, and Marked Lanes. The charges of Breath Test Refusal With Prior Conviction and Marked Lanes were dismissed. My client pled guilty to the OVI charge and was given the minimum mandatory sentence, so she served no jail time and was not required to have yellow license plates.
WEEK OF MARCH 5, 2007
College Student’s OVI Charge Reduced. My client was charged with OVI, OMVUAC, Paraphernalia Possession, Headlight, and Registration in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court. The charge of OVI was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation, and the other charges were all dismissed.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2007
Second OVI Charge Amended. My client was charged with a second OVI offense within six years, Breath Test Refusal With Prior OVI Conviction, Failure To Control, and Expired License Plate. The charge of OVI was stipulated to be a first offense, and all of the remaining charges were dismissed.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19, 2007
Driving Under Suspension Dismissed. My client was charged with Driving Under Suspension, No Operator’s License and Prohibited Turn. The charges of Driving Under Suspension and Prohibited Turn were dismissed. My client pled guilty to the charge of No Operator's License and was ordered to pay a $50 fine plus court costs.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, 2007
Charge of Reckless Operation Reduced. My client was charged with Reckless Operation. The charge of Reckless Operation was reduced to a charge of Failure To Control. My client pled guilty to that reduced charge and was ordered to pay a fine of $75 plus court costs.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007
Probation Terminated. Before hiring me, my client was placed on probation for an alcohol offense. She was summoned to court for violating her probation. She hired me, and we provided the judge with a legal reason why probation should be terminated. The judge held a hearing and agreed with our argument, so my client was not found to be in violation of her probation, the probation was terminated, and the case was closed.
WEEK OF JANUARY 29, 2007
Probation Violation Consequences Avoided. Before hiring me, my client pled guilty to OVI in the Hilliard Mayor’s Court. She was summoned to court due to an allegation that she violated her probation. The Court maintained her probation with no further sanctions.
WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2007
Second OVI Offense Reduced. My client was charged with his second OVI, Breath Test Refusal With Prior OVI Conviction, Marked Lanes, and Tag Violation. The charges of Breath Test Refusal, Marked Lanes, and Tag Violation were dismissed, and the charge of OVI was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation.
WEEK OF JANUARY 15, 2007
Charge Of High-Test OVI Dismissed. My client was charged with High-Test OVI, OVI, and Failure To Control. The charges of OVI High-Test and Failure To Control were dismissed, and my client pled guilty to the other charge of OVI, avoiding jail time and yellow license plates.
WEEK OF JANUARY 8, 2007
Robbery Charge Dismissed. My client was charged with two counts of Robbery. One count of Robbery was dismissed, and the other count of Robbery was reduced to a charge of Attempted Theft as a misdemeanor.
WEEK OF JANUARY 1, 2007
College Student’s OVI Reduced. My client was charged with two counts of OVI and one count of Marked Lanes in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The charge of Marked Lanes was dismissed, one charge of OVI was dismissed, and the other charge of OVI was reduced to a charge of Reckless Operation.
