Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.32 provides an avenue for relief for citizens saddled with the stigma of a past conviction. The statute sets forth the procedure and requirements for expunging or sealing a criminal record. It mandates that an individual may apply to have their record sealed or expunged as long as the convictions are
On October 29, 2024, defendant Michael “Mike” Toney was sentenced to an indefinite prison term of eight to twelve years after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. On September 10, 2018, an unresponsive female was found inside her home, and the cause of death was later determined to be a fentanyl overdose. The victim’s cellphone
The Ohio Supreme Court earlier this month struck down a long-standing ethics rule that barred state and local judges from endorsing political candidates running for public office, becoming the first state judiciary to allow the practice, according to a Court Watch analysis. In a 5–1 opinion issued on April 2, the Court in Disciplinary Counsel
Excuse me judge, may I have your endorsement? Read Post »
In February 2026, the Ohio Supreme Court declined jurisdiction in State v. Smith, leaving unresolved a potential limitation on vehicle searches during roadside traffic stops. An Unfortunate Turn of Events and A ‘Loss’ at the Lower Court In May 2021, police in Grove City, Ohio stopped Raetta Smith after observing her vehicle strike a curb
Filing a Motion for a New Trial in Ohio For many criminal defendants in the state of Ohio, Crim. R. 33 provides a glimmer of hope by setting forth the procedure to file a motion for a new trial. Per that rule, defendants must file their motion within 14 days after the verdict is rendered.
The Long Road to a New Trial: Testing Ohio Criminal Rule 33 Read Post »
A Muskingum County man who argued that his lawyer had a conflict of interest — thereby depriving him of a fair trial — will not receive review from the Supreme Court of Ohio. In a short entry dated February 17, 2026, the Court denied Marques Parker’s request to file a delayed appeal and dismissed his
Missed Mail, Missed Deadline: Appeal Ends Before Ohio’s High Court Can Review It Read Post »
The involuntary and permanent termination of parental rights has been equated to “‘the family law equivalent of the death penalty,’” and as such, indigent parents in custody proceedings are equipped with certain constitutional rights, such as the right to counsel. But what rights do indigent parents have in matters that deal with temporary or non-permanent
A Cleveland man receives potential relief from the Cuyahoga County Appellate Court after two separate police chases were tried together. On July 26, 2022, at 11:00 p.m., Jayson Mitchell was stopped by a Cleveland Heights patrolman for speeding. As the patrolman approached the driver’s side window, Mitchell took off in his SUV. The Patrolman pursued,
A Crash and a Disputed Insurance Claim In February 2020, Melissa Eddy was a passenger in a car driven by her husband, Alexis Eddy, when another driver crashed into their vehicle. The collision left Melissa with significant neck injuries that eventually required spinal surgery and $250,000 in medical bills. The other driver was determined to
A Car Crash, a Settlement, and a New Rule for Insurance Lawsuits Read Post »
On February 11, the Ohio Supreme Court heard oral argument in the case of State v. Bissell. The Ohio Supreme Court must resolve what it means to act knowingly in Ohio. In November 2022, two vehicles crashed on the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway. Police officers from the city of Cleveland and village of Bratenahl responded to