Cincinnati Criminal Defense Law Blog

Stealing a few small items like deodorant and body spray may not seem like a big deal. A criminal charge is a real possibility, however even if the crime seems small and obsolete. A charge is especially likely when a police officer witnesses the alleged crime.

This is exactly what happened in Warren County a couple of months ago. Security guards at a Wal-mart claim that they witnessed two women stealing personal care products like razors, body spray and over-the-counter medication. They called police to the scene as the apparent theft was in progress. As authorities tried to apprehend the women, they fled and drove off in a van that was allegedly operated by their theft ringleader, a 32-year-old man who was recently indicted for the theft scheme.

Sex offense allegations come with many future consequences. One repercussion that individuals serving jail time for a sex crime may face includes an extended prison sentence. People in Ohio facing such charges may not realize this possibility at the outset of charges, however, and so it is important to get acquainted with the entire timeline of a sex crime charge early on.

In recent years, the federal government has engaged in aggressive prosecution of sex crimes. One tactic that the government employs occurs at the backend of sentencing. Prosecutors attempt to keep allegedly dangerous sexual predators in jail beyond the end of their sentence. They play on societal emotions, arguing that such prisoners are especially dangerous and should never be released. Prosecutors specifically ask judges to keep individuals detained by pointing to mental and psychiatric findings that apparently conclude that the inmates are too mentally ill and dangerous to be released.

A new policy at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department will likely cause every person arrested to spend some time behind bars. For individuals facing criminal charges this new policy may present challenges in preparing a criminal defense, as outstanding warrants will impact the amount of bond the individual can receive. For individuals who have been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges in the past, this policy is significantly different from the old policy of releasing the accused after booking.

Under the new policy, individuals facing criminal charges must appear before a judge to either be given a bond or scheduled for a hearing. As it can take several days for such an appearance to occur, such individuals should be prepared to spend the interim time in jail. While the policy was adopted to prevent arrestees from being repeatedly arrested and then booked without ever appearing for court hearings, individuals subject to criminal arrest should be aware that their freedom may be denied for an extended period of time.

When an innocent person is murdered, a grieving community may seek to hold the person responsible accountable for their actions. However, justice must prevail, and every person facing a criminal charge has the right to a fair trial before an unbiased jury.

Recently, two brothers were found not guilty in the murder of an Ohio man. The victim was shot in July of 2011. One of the brothers was also shot in the incident. After the incident, the brothers drove away in a car, which was they then crashed. However, although they were found not guilty for the killing, one brother was found guilty for the improper use of a firearm in a vehicle, as well as assault and tampering with evidence.