For much of the past several decades, marijuana use has been illegal throughout the United States. However, in recent years, more and more people have come to accept that this drug is not as dangerous as other illegal substances, and they believe that it should be treated similarly to alcohol. As a result, many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Ohio may soon join the ranks of these states if voters approve a ballot measure that will allow adults to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. However, there are still some situations where people may face criminal charges for possession of marijuana. Those who have been charged with drug crimes can work with an attorney to determine their best options for defense.

Ohio’s Marijuana Ballot Initiative

After the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol collected enough signatures on a petition, Ohio residents will be able to vote on an initiative to determine whether recreational marijuana should be made legal in the state. This vote will be held on November 7, 2023. If this measure is passed, Ohio residents who are over the age of 21 will be allowed to purchase, possess, and use up to 2.5 ounces (around 70 grams) of marijuana or 15 grams of concentrated cannabis. Adults will also be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes.

Marijuana Possession Offenses in Ohio

Under Ohio’s current laws, marijuana is considered to be a controlled substance. While qualifying patients may be able to use marijuana for medical purposes, the possession of any amount of marijuana without a valid prescription could result in drug possession charges.

If you've lost your driver's license due to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Ohio, you might be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the steps to regain your driving privileges. The process can seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, you can successfully navigate through it. 

Understanding Ohio DUI Laws

In Ohio, DUI offenses are often referred to as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charges. If you are found guilty of an OVI, your license will be suspended, and you may face additional penalties such as fines, probation, or even jail time depending on the severity of the offense.

The duration of the license suspension varies depending on the number of prior DUI convictions and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest. It is essential to familiarize yourself with Ohio's DUI laws to understand the specific consequences you may be facing.

When facing an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) charge, it is important to know your rights. Individuals with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit are considered intoxicated per se. One of the most common methods for determining intoxication is through a breathalyzer test, but these tests are not foolproof. Consequently, a failed breath test does not automatically mean that the driver will be convicted of drunk driving.

Here are five potential issues with a breathalyzer test that could potentially lead to an acquittal, the OVI case being dismissed, or the charges against you dropped.

Breath Testing Devices Have to be Calibrated to Function Correctly

Breathalyzers have to be serviced and calibrated on a regular basis in order to ensure their accuracy. If it is discovered that the device used during your test was not properly calibrated and maintained, this greatly reduces the reliability of the results. This could potentially be grounds for dismissal of the OVI charge.

Facing any kind of criminal charge can be a scary experience. Depending on the seriousness of the charge you are facing and the case the prosecutor is preparing against you, a guilty verdict could have a significant impact on your life and your future. You could even be facing prison or jail time. This is why no matter what the issue is, it is in your best interest to have a skilled criminal defense attorney advocating for you.

Motions for Discovery

There are many legal tools criminal law attorneys have to defend their clients. One critical tool is the legal right to obtain any information and evidence the prosecution has gathered in their case against a defendant. The process of obtaining evidence in any legal proceeding is referred to as “discovery.”

Divorce equals stress. There is no way around it. People going through divorce are often dealing with overwhelming stress while navigating not only through the emotional and financial woes of ending a marriage, but also navigating through the family court system.

The last thing a person dealing with this major life event needs to worry about is being arrested and charged with OVI. Unfortunately, it happens, far more often than you would think. Even more unfortunate is not only are there criminal charges to deal with, but an OVI charge can also impact divorce proceedings in a number of ways.

Adds Even More Emotional Stress

Even if you are going through a “friendly” divorce, there is still so much to deal with, no matter how well you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse get along. But throw in an OVI charge and the fragile truce between you and your spouse could collapse over the negative impact this charge can have on you and the relationship you have with your spouse, your children, family, and friends.