Prostitution is illegal in Ohio. A person who attempts to engage a prostitute may be charged with solicitation or prostitution. A prostitute may be charged with either solicitation, loitering or prostitution. Most of these cases are charged as third degree misdemeanors in Ohio. These offenses can carry jail time and significant fines. Additionally, a conviction can carry a stigma and follow you. There are defenses to these cases. At some times a person approaches a prostitute to help without knowing that he or she is a prostitute. An officer who observes the exchange may not know this. Additionally, there is a possibility that there are suppressible issues where certain evidence or statements must be excluded.
Our attorneys have represented numerous people charged with prostitution related offenses, representing those charged with being a prostitute and those who are charged with being the client. We can identify potential issues and discuss your defenses that you have available. We can work towards having the charges dismissed or reduced, and if that doesn’t work we are more than capable of trying the case for you.
In Ohio there is no distinction between driving under the influence (DUI) and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI). A person in Ohio is presumed to be operating a vehicle under the influence if his or her blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08. There are heightened penalties if his or her BAC is above 0.17. This does not mean that a person cannot be charged if their BAC is below a 0.08 either. In fact, it frequently happens.
One of the more serious traffic offenses is for driving under a suspended license. This is a first degree misdemeanor, and carries the possibility of 6 months in jail, $1000 fine, and points on your license. Additionally, this makes it even harder to get your license back as your reinstatement fees with the BMV increase. An experienced attorney may be able to find reasons for these charges to be dismissed, or help negotiate the case so that the charge is reduced.
People who drive without a license face penalties if they are caught. Likewise, an individual who allows an unlicensed driver to drive their vehicle can get in trouble with the law. These penalties can range from a fine to potential jail time of up to six months. Typically, the best defenses in these cases involve motions to suppress. In other words you are arguing that the officer lacked probable cause to conduct a traffic stop. An experienced attorney will be able to identify issues and possible defenses, as well as be able to negotiate on your behalf when it is in your best interest.