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Questions Answered by Matthew Williams
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Ohio on
Q: Would I be able to go after a vet office for making me sign things while I was in a mental crisis?

When I had to put my cat down, I was not in the correct state of mind. I could barely comprehend what was going on at the time as if I was in a dissociative state. I'm not able to pay the bill, and despite me saying that multiple times, it felt as if they kept pressuring me to sign the... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jan 14, 2024

You need to pay your bills like all of the rest of us.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Internet Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it okay to contact the police officer for an update on my case I'm a suspect in?

My apartment was raided and electronics seized on 7/6/2022 under a search warrant under Ohio revised code 2913.04

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 27, 2023

You really should not be discussing this with the authorities without a lawyer. Get a lawyer first.

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: What are the rights of a tenant when the landlord dies? What are the tenants rights?

My family and I signed a lease agreement two months ago. Payed already $5000.00 to the landlord for two months rent, deposit and last months rent. The landlord suddenly passed away three weeks into the lease. He does have a unemployed wife that has said she must go fight for the property in probate... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jun 2, 2023

You need to sit down with a lawyer and review the lease, the will (if any exists and has been filed), and whatever other documentation you have of the financials to get a clear picture of who owns what at this point. Are you even sure she has a right to the property at all? There may be other heirs.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Can Ohio common pleas courts change sentencing hearings dates without notification?

My friend was in jail waiting for her sentencing hearing that was scheduled for June 26th. She called me yesterday saying they woke her up in the morning and brought her to court for sentencing on June 1st. 25 days early with no notification. It wasn’t changed on the court docket until May 31st.... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jun 2, 2023

The court is empowered to sentence a defendant immediately following a conviction. If you plead guilty, the judge tells you that as part of the conversation you have before the plea to ensure you know what you are doing. But they usually don't sentence immediately in Cuyahoga County Common... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Would a juvinile judge be considered impartial if the defendent is/was in a relationship with thier daughter?

The charge is for rape of another juvinile

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on May 12, 2023

That certainly sounds like a situation where the judge is likely to recuse himself/herself but a full understanding of the facts is needed to know whether or not the judge could be disqualified, if he or she does not step aside voluntarily. Anyone facing a rape charge should be working closely with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Government Contracts, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Ohio on
Q: How can i find out that im under investigation from gov. Being that being followed everywhere i go for weeks now
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 28, 2023

Depending upon the situation, a quite inquiry from an attorney may yield an answer but the government is under no obligation to inform you that you are under investigation.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: The state was trying to take custody of my daughter so I am trying to give custody to her grandparents. Should I?

Do I have to give full custody or can I just do temporary custody until child services leaves us be? I was rushed to hand over rights to in laws so the state couldn't take my daughter but I am scared I won't get her back if I do this

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 28, 2023

You should be extremely weary of any agreement concerning the custody of your child. Do not agree to anything you do not understand. There are agreements whereby the natural parent keeps a lot of rights and opportunities to change things down the road and there are agreements that really limit your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Can a student be evicted in the state of Ohio for non payment of rent?

I am a student in college as The defendant in an evictions case that has lasted 3 years. The plaintiff was granted a writ of possession 90 days ago. can they recharge me for non payment of rent When an amount was never Discussed, agreed upon, or even acknowledged, with lack of a lease..?

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 28, 2023

Evictions proceed in two phases. The first phase is about possession of the property. The second phase is about money owing. The reason to split it up like that is simple: when you start an eviction proceeding you do not know how much money the tenant owes. Perhaps the house is fine, and it is just... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Ohio on
Q: Put in my 2 weeks notice. Was told to not come back, they would pay me out in email. But only paid 1 week. What do I do?
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 25, 2023

More facts are needed to accurately answer your question. Do you have a written contract? If yes, what does it say about quitting and being laid off or fired? If not, did you work the 1 week? 2? 0? Was there any discussion of separation pay or severance or you getting paid out for time you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: How can I get my father to pay the past due child support he owes that he never paid .
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 25, 2023

You can talk to the child support enforcement folks at your local prosecutor's office, but he probably owes that money to your mother, not you. So, they would be more likely to listen to her complaint than your complaint. Of course, before encouraging the State to go after your dad you should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: As a buyer, do i have to pay a $500 Broker's Document Retention Fee and service fee of $250? The property is in OH.

I am making an offer on a property and this is stated on the offer contract

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 25, 2023

The parties to a contract are free to make whatever terms they like (within reason). How you split up the various fees involved in a property sale is a matter that can be negotiated. If you sign an agreement that says you are responsible for a fee, you should expect to pay it.

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Constitutional Law for Ohio on
Q: Can you think of a case that has won when the appellate files an appeal with the Supreme Court from the court of appeals

Juvenile court judgement to terminate parental rights and grant custody to agency. Appellate files appeal with the district court of appeals. Appeals court agreed with juvenile court. Appellate then files appeal with Supreme court. Has any case ever won at that point, if so I need a case number to... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Something as broad as any case the appellant has won at the Supreme Court is unlikely to help you too much but here are two from a quick search of the Supreme Court's website: In re R.K., 152 Ohio St.3d 316, 2018-Ohio-23 and In re C.F., 113 Ohio St.3d 73, 2007-Ohio-1104. Yes, the Supreme Court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Ohio on
Q: Just got my 4th ovi in Ohio over the weekend… my third ovi in January… what jail time am I looking at ?

Is there any way out of getting jail time?

I also got charged with failure to comply and D.U.S

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Apr 14, 2023

It is pretty difficult to avoid serving some jail time on a 4th OVI. That said, you need to work with an attorney to go through the stops and make sure the government can prove their case before accepting a deal, or fighting through to trial if you and your attorney determine it is worth the risks.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: In Ohio, if a spouse (who became an LLC member before marriage) dies, does the surviving spouse automatically...

Become the assignee of the deceased member's portion of interest in the company? Or can the LLC's operating agreement keep them from receiving any of the profits generated yearly by the LLC until dissolution of the company?

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 11, 2023

One spouse may certainly inherit the other’s interest in the LLC or part of it. It’s not exactly automatic. Exactly what depends on the total estate, other heirs, and terms of any will, prenuptial agreement, or other contracts. Inheriting is not exactly the same as being an assignee but the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Can or should my case be plead down to a civil suit? And should I be on probation even though I was never arrested?

am a contractor that received payment for a job after contract signing. I have done several jobs for these homeowners in the past. I delivered some of my tools and equipment to complete the job. I was unable to complete their job due to spending the startup money on other projects and planned on... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 11, 2023

It’s been indicted, they aren’t just going to drop it in favor of a civil suit. You’re facing criminal charges with criminal penalties. Probation is certainly possible. It will help a lot if you can pay back the money and it may be your path to avoiding conviction on the criminal charge. You... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights for Ohio on
Q: Im a pro se claimant with the district court. I filed an initial complaint over civil rights violations a 1983.

I received an R and R of dismissal. I filed an objection. Then filed a motion to amend and amended complaint. What would be the reason the court failed to respond by the dealine to respond....

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 11, 2023

The court does not have to respond. Whomever you sued does. There could a lot of reasons they didn’t. Do you have service on all the defendants?

1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Ohio on
Q: My son recently got pulled over he has his medical Marijuana card but cop charged him with possession and paraphernalia?

Can they charge him?

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Feb 9, 2023

The medical marijuana laws are quite specific and there are forms of marijuana, items of paraphernalia, and methods of consumption that remain illegal even for those with a card. You should hire an attorney to look into the specifics of your son's case.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Ohio on
Q: if I have been subpeoned on a domestic as a witness.do I have to testify against my husband
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jan 31, 2023

If you are properly served with a subpoena you must come to court and testify. Marital and spousal privileges protect communications, not actions.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: My sons and I name pops up whenever our name is searched on google. This case is over 10 plus years old. And would remov

I would like this case removed expeditiously. As I feel it violates my son and I privacy and protection.

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jan 24, 2023

Depending on what type of case it is, there may be avenues to seal the official records. But that doesn't mean that news reports or entries on websites like mugshots.com will disappear. Talk with a lawyer privately.

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