Police officers frequently receive tips about suspected criminal activity, from drunk driving to drug dealing. But when does a citizen's call to 911 justify pulling someone over? Ohio law establishes specific requirements that must be met before police can lawfully stop a vehicle based solely on someone else's report. Understanding these standards proves crucial for anyone challenging the legality of a traffic stop.

Charges of obstructing official business often arise during tense encounters with law enforcement, yet many Ohioans remain unclear about what actions actually violate this statute. Understanding the specific requirements and limitations of Ohio Revised Code § 2921.31 proves essential for anyone facing these charges or seeking to protect their constitutional rights during police interactions.

Disorderly conduct remains one of the most frequently charged offenses in Ohio, yet many people misunderstand what actually constitutes this crime. Whether arising from a heated argument, an encounter with law enforcement, or alcohol-related incidents, these charges can have serious consequences that extend beyond the immediate legal penalties.

Police officers make mistakes. Sometimes they misinterpret what they observe, and sometimes they misunderstand the law they enforce. The constitutional implications of these mistakes differ dramatically depending on their nature. While reasonable mistakes of fact may still support valid traffic stops, mistakes of law generally cannot justify even the briefest detention. Understanding this distinction and its consequences provides critical defenses when officers base traffic stops on erroneous beliefs.

We've all seen it happen: a police officer pulls someone over for what they believe is a violation, only to discover upon approach that no violation actually occurred. What should happen next? Ohio law provides clear guidance on this important issue.

Summer in Ohio means trips to Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, campgrounds, and golf courses. For many, these outings include renting golf carts and enjoying alcoholic beverages. What most people don't realize is that operating a golf cart while impaired can result in the same serious OVI/DUI charges as driving a car.

Many DUI cases in Ohio begin with a traffic stop for a "marked lanes violation." These stops often serve as the initial contact point that leads to further investigation for impaired driving. Understanding what actually constitutes a marked lanes violation can be crucial if you're facing charges that stemmed from such a stop.

Many Ohioans are unfamiliar with what legally constitutes "obstructing official business" until they're faced with such a charge. This offense, while seemingly straightforward, contains several specific legal elements that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding these elements can be crucial for anyone facing such charges.

DUI checkpoints (also called sobriety checkpoints) are temporary roadblocks where law enforcement officers stop vehicles to check drivers for signs of impairment. The U.S. Supreme Court has established that these checkpoints constitute a "seizure" under the Fourth Amendment, but they are permitted under certain conditions.