Every traffic stop begins with a specific purpose, whether for speeding, a broken taillight, or an expired registration. But what happens when officers keep you on the roadside long after addressing the original reason for the stop? Ohio law places strict limits on how long police can detain you during traffic stops, and violations of these limits can result in suppression of any evidence discovered during the unlawful extension.

When facing criminal charges, particularly OVI cases, one of the most powerful tools in the defense arsenal is the motion to suppress. This legal mechanism can eliminate key evidence against you, often resulting in dismissed charges or significantly weakened prosecution cases. Understanding how suppression motions work and why they matter can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.

When police impound a vehicle, they often conduct what they call an "inventory search" before towing it away. While this might seem like a routine administrative procedure, these searches frequently uncover evidence that leads to criminal charges. Understanding the strict legal requirements for inventory searches can reveal whether police exceeded their authority and whether any evidence they discovered should be suppressed.

When police arrest someone during a traffic stop, officers often search the vehicle immediately afterward. Many drivers assume this search is automatic and unlimited, but Ohio law places significant restrictions on when and how police can search a vehicle following an arrest. Understanding these limitations can make the difference between evidence being admitted or excluded from trial.

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.