When kids step into the independence of college life, they face new challenges and pressures. This newfound freedom can sometimes lead to poor decisions, including property crimes. Why do students commit crimes? Parents don’t always understand why young people make...
Hamilton Criminal Defense Law Blog
The unreliability of lie detection methods
When a person is facing Ohio criminal charges, one of the biggest challenges is being accused of lying. While body language, tone and behavior are viewed as signs as to whether someone is truthful or not, there are debates as to the value of lie detection techniques....
Convicts offered Alford pleas make difficult choices
Prison inmates in Ohio and around the country are sometimes released from custody when evidence emerges that proves their innocence, but far more people convicted of crimes they did not commit earn their freedom by entering into post-conviction plea agreements. Some...
The elements of a burglary charge in Ohio
Most people associate burglary with theft, but committing any crime after entering a building without permission can lead to a burglary charge. The laws dealing with burglary are rooted in English common law, and they protect people rather than possessions. In Ohio,...
Roadside drug tests challenged in court
Hundreds of police and corrections departments in Ohio and around the country use portable test kits to determine whether suspicious substances are illegal drugs. These kits are popular because they are inexpensive, and police and corrections officers can be trained...
Can DUI charges be dismissed?
A moment's bad judgment can lead to serious consequences when it comes to driving under the influence. And the consequences of a DUI in Ohio can be severe, from fines and prison time to losing your license to issues with your job. If you find yourself facing a DUI...
How to challenge breath test results in Ohio
If you get arrested and charged with DUI, you may want to challenge the breath test results. There are many ways to do this, and the method you choose will depend on the facts of your DUI case. Did the police officers have probable cause? Probable cause refers to the...
Theft charges in Ohio
Theft in Ohio has several levels of punishment depending on the value of the items stolen and the way it was obtained. For example, a person can be charged with grand theft, petty theft, robbery or burglary. A person can also be charged with theft of services, which...
Elements of burglary and penalties in Ohio
Figures estimate 2.5 million burglaries occur in the U.S. annually though these numbers are decreasing. Most all states define burglary in the same way though penalties vary. Ohio treats burglary as a felony or misdemeanor and requires certain elements for a case....
Why is expungement a crucial process?
A criminal conviction can lead to devastating consequences such as fines, jail time and community service. Unfortunately, a criminal record can also negatively impact future opportunities. Further, law enforcement adds to a criminal record not only with a conviction,...
