Missing a criminal court date in Columbus can create serious problems, but it’s not the end of the world if you address it right away. Courts understand that mistakes and emergencies happen. A good criminal defense attorney can help explain your absence and try to mitigate the damage. What Happens...

Facing criminal charges in Ohio is stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, a skilled criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and fight for the best outcome. While your attorney will guide you through the legal process, it’s always helpful to understand their role and how they can help reduce penalties...

While most juvenile offenses are tried in juvenile or family court, there are some situations where an Ohio minor can be tried for crimes as an adult. Certain crimes, including aggravated murder and other serious felonies, require a mandatory transfer to adult court. In other cases, a judge may have...

Do I Qualify for an Expungement of My Criminal Record? A criminal arrest or conviction can have long-term consequences even after you’ve been found not guilty or paid your debt to society—including difficulty obtaining housing, employment, or educational opportunities. Fortunately, you may qualify for expungement, which permanently seals their criminal...

Did You Mean to? The Role of Intent in Ohio Theft and Fraud Cases Intent plays a key role in theft and fraud cases in Ohio. Prosecutors must prove that a defendant acted with a specific state of mind to secure a conviction in these cases. For example, a person...

What Should I Do If Police Want to Question Me About Something I Did? Police might question you if they suspect you were involved in a crime, witnessed an incident, or have information about an investigation. In Ohio, if police stop you and ask for identification, you must provide your...

How Does Ohio Define Self-Defense in Violent Crime Cases? One of the most commonly raised defenses in violent crime cases includes the claim of self-defense. But how does self-defense work under Ohio law? Definition of Self-Defense in Ohio In Ohio, a person may use force to defend themselves, others, or...

What to Do if I’ve Been Pulled Over with Drugs in My Car in Ohio. Being pulled over by law enforcement is stressful enough, but when you’re traveling out of state on major highways like Interstate 70 or 77, the situation can become even more complicated—especially if you find yourself...

What Is a No Contest Plea, and When Should You Use It in Ohio? Depending on your criminal charges, you may have the option to plead no contest to your charges. Although a no-contest plea may seem no different from a guilty plea, the two pleas differ in several respects,...

Have you been arrested for aggravated assault in Ohio? If so, here’s how you can defend your rights and fight the charges against you. What Constitutes Aggravated Assault in Ohio? Under Ohio law, a person commits aggravated assault when they, while under the influence of sudden passion or a sudden...

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a white-collar crime, you may not know what to expect when faced with accusations and criminal prosecution. Working with an experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney can provide the advice and support you need to stand up for your rights and interests. Initial Criminal...

The police may lawfully stop an individual when officers have specific, articulable facts that give them reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that the individual has violated the law, such as by committing a traffic offense or a crime. However, various actions by police officers can result in an...

Ohio drug crime convictions carry steep penalties that can change your life by making it harder to do nearly everything from finding a job to securing housing. While Ohio voters passed Issue 2 and legalized recreational marijuana in November 2023, there are still some gray areas concerning marijuana law in...

Few felony convictions carry quite the same stigma as a sex offense. Felony sex crime convictions can have significant and life-altering consequences beyond fines and prison time. A conviction can haunt you for years, sometimes the rest of your life, making it challenging to rebuild and move forward. At the...

The penalties for a violent criminal offense conviction tend to be much more severe than the penalties for other types of Ohio crimes. Yet, what does it mean when someone says an individual is accused of committing a violent crime in Ohio? At the Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco &...

The laws surrounding marijuana can be complicated and often vary depending on the amount involved and the specific circumstances. Anyone facing charges related to marijuana use and possession in Ohio needs to understand these laws and their potential defenses. Ohio’s Marijuana Laws Ohio decriminalized the possession of recreational marijuana in...

Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Ohio that brings severe penalties that can significantly impact your future. Anyone facing such charges needs to understand the specifics of these penalties, the factors that can influence sentencing, and the importance of having reliable legal representation. Drug Schedules and Penalties Drug trafficking...

An M1 charge is a type of misdemeanor charge in Ohio. Unlike felonies, misdemeanors are less serious offenses that typically result in lighter penalties. Ohio classifies misdemeanors into several levels. An M1 charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, the most serious type. Following M1, you have M2 (second-degree), M3 (third-degree), and...

Are you facing drug-related accusations or drug charges in Ohio? If so, you might have understandable concerns about the potential consequences, including whether you could go to jail for a first-time offense. Here’s what you need to know. Drug-Related Crimes in Ohio Ohio law outlines various drug crimes, each targeting...

The holiday season is here and, not surprisingly, convenience stores are stocking up on their beer, wine, and liquor offerings. Those in the grocery industry know that their booze aisles get hit hard this time of year as people start planning for holiday gatherings. As we head off to various...

Mistakes are part of growing up. Unfortunately, some mistakes haunt us for longer than others. Those of us who made a mistake that resulted in a criminal record can relate. The presence of a criminal record makes it difficult to get employment and housing. It can even make it difficult...

Billboard.com estimates that 32 million people attend at least one U.S. music festival annually. Lollapalooza, SXSW, and Coachella are at the top in destinations. However, countless smaller local events dot the nation with equally enthusiastic music lovers. Attendance can run from the thousands to the tens of thousands, sometimes leading...

Ohio lawmakers recently passed a law that increases the penalties associated with allegations of strangulation. It went into effect earlier this year. Representatives from the prosecutor’s office have stated that they will use this new law as a tool to help put more domestic violence offenders “behind bars.” What is...

Ohio officials are cracking down on drunk driving throughout the state. Like very other state in the country, drunk driving is illegal in Ohio. One thing that is a bit unique, is that we in the Buckeye state often refer to this as operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) instead...

It seems like every news station focuses on fentanyl and the number of individuals who have died from overdosing or poisoning. In addition, recent years have led to many states legalizing marijuana and some even legalizing deadlier drugs. Ohio has not legalized marijuana or any other illicit drugs. Therefore, it...

Criminal charges in college can significantly impact your life in several ways, especially if you accept them without defending yourself. Seeking knowledgeable representation is key to helping you protect your future. Here are five unfortunate ways accepting criminal charges in Ohio today may affect your life tomorrow. 1. Your reputation...

Many people underestimate the financial impact that criminal charges can have on their life, from the cost of bail to legal fees to loss of earning potential. One way people can protect their financial future is by familiarizing themselves with the economic impacts of a conviction. Here are some of...

If a law enforcement officer arrests you, you should request an attorney and not answer any questions. This is your constitutional right. In criminal arrests that include a custodial interrogation, law enforcement must read you a Miranda warning. This lets you know your right against self-incrimination and your right to...

Dealing with the court system can be difficult. Lawyers know the law, court procedure, and the Court’s general practices. Legal matters are challenging and can involve complex negotiations and legal analysis. In these cases, it is better to have a lawyer. Lawyers have the education, knowledge, and experience to navigate...

It can happen any time you’re driving through Columbus: a police vehicle behind you turns on its siren and flashing lights. You’re getting pulled over. What happens next can mean you will get arrested, spend the night in jail and face criminal charges like OVI or drug possession. Or the...

Reckless operation of a motor vehicle is not necessarily a serious criminal offense, but with a conviction, you gain the label of a dangerous driver. Whether it is driving at excessive speeds, ignoring traffic signals or racing, you have a scarlet letter on your driving record. A misdemeanor, reckless operation...

An encounter with police can be intimidating. On the one hand, you do not want the situation to escalate, but you also want to stand up for your rights. Now that phones carry an increasing amount of personal information, it can be intimidating when an officer asks to look at...

You might never have experienced getting pulled over by a police officer or state trooper, but you have probably seen it happen to someone else. You have likely witnessed officers watching as a driver they suspect of driving while impaired performs various tests of agility and balance. These are called...

You might be able to leave prison before serving your entire sentence, and our experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. are here to assist you in getting out early. Judicial release is a form of early release granted by your judge. When a judge...

Many American states and cities have legalized or decriminalized marijuana possession, including Ohio, where marijuana is allowed for medicinal use. In addition, recreational marijuana use and possession of small amounts are decriminalized here. But this does not mean that marijuana is legal in Ohio. Decriminalization means that possessing less than...

Ohio Revised Code section 4511.194 authorizes law enforcement to charge you with an offense related to drunk driving if you have “physical control” of a vehicle. While sleeping in the driver’s seat of a parked car, it may appear as though you intended to turn on the ignition and drive...

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside-down, and the criminal justice system is no exception. Judges statewide face the difficult challenge of ensuring access to the courts while also taking appropriate steps to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The question of whether to continue to hold jury...

[one_half]The COVID-19 pandemic is well-documented. The pandemic lead Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency on March 9, 2020.i On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump proclaimed the COVID-19 outbreak constitutes a national emergency.ii According to the Ohio Director of Health, there are approximately 100,000 Ohioans carrying...

On March 22, 2020, Dr. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, ordered that effective 11:50 p.m. on March 23, 2020, all persons are to stay at home or place of residence, unless they fall into one of the listed exceptions. Criminal defense attorneys are one of those...

Family DNA testing is extremely popular these days as people seek out information on their histories and backgrounds. It can also be used by law enforcement in search of DNA evidence in order to solve crimes and apprehend suspects. ScienceNews.org explains more about this practice so you can rest assured...

When a crime is committed in Ohio, or an accident happens and there are eyewitnesses, many people mistakenly believe that they are the best way to testify what happened during the situation. According to the National Center for State Courts, eyewitness testimony can be highly unreliable when it comes to...

When a crime is committed, evidence is collected and processed in order to give officials facts regarding the case. Different types of forensic tests are conducted, and the information received from those tests may influence a judge and/or jury as to whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. The problem...

Every so often there is a news story in Ohio about a juvenile being charged as an adult in a court case. You may wonder when this can happen and how the decision comes about to charge a minor as an adult. The law is clear on the guidelines. The...

While the internet is great for keeping all over the world connected it can also be used for nefarious purposes. For example, there are many different types of internet fraud that can be used to deprive people financially or assume their identity for malicious purposes. FBI.gov offers information on the...

Previously ineligible offenders may now be eligible to have criminal convictions sealed. It has been a trend in recent years to expand eligibility requirements for the sealing of convictions. Both the legislature and the judiciary, including the Supreme Court of Ohio, have expanded eligibility requirements for the sealing of records....

When facing criminal charges in Columbus, it is easy to feel as though the deck is stacked against you. Prosecuting attorneys often have a wealth of resources at their disposal, including professionals who are qualified as experts in fields related to your case. Such expert testimony can often be very...

The immediate expectation amongst many in Columbus when news breaks about a violent crime may be that the criminal justice system throws the proverbial book at whoever is accused of it. However, it may be important to remember that those accused of criminal activity (even violent criminal activity) are entitled...

You watched television at home with your family when a stranger entered your front door. He or she, armed with a gun, threatens you and demands jewelry and money. While the burglar looks away, you remove your gun from a hidden space and shoot the intruder, seriously injuring them. Under...

Were one to conduct a random poll of people in Columbus, a majority might claim to be at least somewhat anti-authoritarian. It may just be human nature to not want to be told what to do (and to be suspicious of the motives and actions of those who issue such...

If you are facing criminal charges in Columbus, you are likely more than a little anxious about your future. Going to court is a stressful situation, made worse because the entire process is unfamiliar. You need help but you are not sure where to turn or who to trust. The...

Not all people who are chosen from an eyewitness lineup are guilty of committing a crime. In fact, a surprising number of people in Ohio and across the country have been erroneous selected from an eyewitness lineup and consequently convicted of a crime. How are so many people wrongfully chosen...

Many in Columbus may recognize the fact that kids will be kids. Most likely take that to mean that kids (and even teens) may engage in actions whose ramifications they do not fully appreciate. While their naivete may be understood, law enforcement officials are tasked with keeping public safety in...

Say “goodbye” to anonymity. It’s always been relatively easy to blend in with a crowd on a busy street. The anonymity it affords can help folks like politicians, celebrities and judges to stay under the radar and out of harm’s way. But new facial recognition technology could soon change that....

Whether it is widespread news stories, popular documentaries or simply a changing society, wrongful accusations have received significant attention in recent years. Yet for those behind bars, a criminal charge can come with dire consequences. It can be devastating to find that, all because of one false confession, the future...

The insanity defense in criminal trials has landed under public spotlight in recent years, largely propelled by popular culture and media stories. But what lies underneath the commentary is a much more serious issue: protecting the life and rights of the defendant. This type of criminal defense can become incredibly...

Today’s current political situations have, without a doubt, sparked controversy over various issues such as gun control. When it comes to owning a gun, regulations in many areas are still up in the air; however, self defense laws in Ohio have probable chances of seeing future change. In May of...

The insanity defense has long been identified as a complicated term. After all, this type of defense can be rare and complex — not to mention that the depths of the human brain are largely unknown. When a suspect wishes a jury to find them not guilty by reason of...

When you receive notice of an Ohio criminal charge of failing to disperse, typically the charging authority is alleging that you disobeyed a law enforcement officer’s command that you leave the area where you were. However, as noted by the Ohio Revised Code, there are several elements that the state...

Yes, it is possible. Sometime non-citizens of the United States who are lawfully visiting or living in Ohio experience the unfortunate event of being the subject of criminal charges. If this has happened to you, there are things you need to know about the effect of pleading guilty to a...

On September 27, 2017, the Supreme Court settled a conflict between the Eighth District Court of Appeals and the Fifth District Court Appeals regarding when an individual can apply to have dismissed criminal charges expunged from their record. In State v. Dye, 2017-Ohio-7823, the question the Court was asked to...

Have you or someone you know recently been arrested for and charged with a drunk driving offense in Ohio? If so, you may be scared about the consequences you may face. You may also be confused about the process and what you need to do. This is a time when...

This is a serious problem. Last year, more than 4,000 people in Ohio died due to drug overdose. Has the time come to stop treating people with addiction issues like criminals, and instead start getting them the treatment they need? “Drug Addiction Is A Disease, Not A Crime” According to...

“From a practitioner’s point of view, marijuana is not a drug that doesn’t have some danger to it, but it’s not the drug that’s driving violent crime in America,” says the co-chairman of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration. “That’s not the drug with which we see so...

One of the highest-profile criminal cases in years ended in a mistrial on Saturday. The jury in the Bill Cosby aggravated indecent assault case was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, as is required. They deliberated for a total of six days, first reaching a deadlock on Thursday. The judge...

If a high school student leaves his backpack on the bus, would it be fair for him or her to expect it to be left unopened? Would it put anyone in danger? What if there was a rumor the student was a gang member? These are the questions the Ohio...

A jury in Summit County found a Cleveland man guilty of the charges filed against him for a rash of break-ins at local businesses. The defendant, who decided to represent himself in court, was sentenced in the Summit County Common Pleas Court to four and a half years in prison....

Last month, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President’s Annual Superstar Seminar was held at the Historic Ohio Statehouse following the election of Attorney Jon Saia as OACDL President. Among the urgent topics discussed at the seminar was the return of the death penalty to Ohio. As 10TV reports,...

On June 13, 2016, Governor Kasich signed S.B. 204 into law, making driver’s license suspensions in drug cases discretionary rather than mandatory. The old law required a judge to suspend the driver’s license of anyone convicted of a drug offense, even a minor misdemeanor possession charge. Advocates of the change...

The Ohio Senate and House of Representatives recently passed legislation regarding license suspensions for drug offense convictions. Ohio law previously required courts to impose license suspensions as part of sentencing for all drug convictions, even if the facts contiguous to the conviction were not associated with operating a vehicle. The...

If you have a friend or relative who has been incarcerated, you want them home as soon as possible. Judicial Release is one way in which an incarcerated individual may be able to come home early. Judicial release may be granted by the sentencing judge under the following conditions: The...

The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. is very pleased to announce that two of our attorneys have been nominated as candidates for leadership positions in the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For the 2015-2016 year, Attorney Jon Saia has nominated for President-elect. The OACDL is an...

The Fourth Amendment has been a hot topic in criminal law lately, and the Ohio Supreme Court just added another citizen-friendly case to the books. In_State v. Brown_, 2015-Ohio-2438, Mr. Brown was pulled over by a Lake Township patrol officer and drug sniffing canine handler on the interstate for a...

There has been much talk this year that Ohio may legalize marijuana in the very near future. But, how close are we, really? The most direct way to the legalization of marijuana is to amend the Ohio Constitution. In order to get a proposed amendment to the voters, proponents must...

Civilian recordings of interactions with law enforcement have been all over the news lately. Many citizens have come to the conclusion that using a cell phone to record a traffic stop or other police confrontation is the only way to ensure that their rights are protected and that an officer...

I often get phone calls from previous clients who are applying for school or for a new job and want to know if they have disclose a conviction for a Reckless Operation, a Physical Control or an OVI. The answer depends completely on how the question is posed and the...

Attorney Jon Saia was asked to speak at the Ohio State Bar AssociationCriminal Advocacy Seminar last Thursday, September 4 th. The Criminal Advocacy Seminar was designed to help defense attorneys sharpen their trial advocacy skills. The seminar took place in Columbus and was broadcast at remote locations across Ohio. Attorney...

Yesterday, the Ohio Supreme Court, affirming its prior decision in State v. Shindler, upheld a defendant’s right to move for the suppression of evidence through a legally and factually sufficient motion to suppress and to have a hearing on all issues raised. In 2011, Corrine Codeluppi was stopped on suspicion...

Remember that public intoxication charge you picked up back in college? Well, it might come back to haunt you during a background check or job interview. There is a process by which that sticky situation from your past can be removed from you record as if it never happened. Ohio...

If you or someone you love has been arrested and taken to jail, you will likely need to understand how the “bond” system works. Generally, someone who has been arrested for any type of crime will have to post “bail” or “bond out” before they will be released from custody....

At The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc., we are proud to announce that Columbus Criminal Attorney Jon J. Saia, one of the founding members of our law firm, has yet again received an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. This is the top rating available among the Martindale-Hubbell®...

A couple weeks ago President Obama signed into law a new bill that makes it legal to ‘unlock’ your cell phone. Separate from ‘jailbreaking’ your phone, which has been legal, ‘unlocking’ your phone now allows you to use your phone on another carrier’s wireless network. For instance, if you bought...

Tomorrow, Attorney Jessica G. D’Varga will be presenting to the Ohio State Bar Association on the topic of Plea Bargaining. Plea bargaining is one of the most important aspects of practicing criminal law because over 90% of criminal cases resolve in some sort of plea agreement. Having a thorough understanding...

Legal Help from a Columbus, OH Attorney Thank you for visiting our new blog for The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.! Since 1996, we have fought hard to help individuals, families, and businesses overcome tough legal challenges through creative, effective, and aggressive strategies. Our legal team has...