Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Matthew Williams
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: A couple of mnths ago my bf was pulled over for "window tint" but then we're told we were talking to a known dealer

I was an addict and had drugs on me which was found due to them being able to search bc of window tint being too dark.. the cop is pushing to charge me with trafficking. I have never been in trouble and they're saying maybe drug court.. but I was told I would have to plead guilty I am lost... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 17, 2022

You need to hire an attorney to defend you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: With a minor misdemeanor conviction under Ohio RC 2925.11, how do you answer question 7(A) on the CCL Application?

Section 3 of the Ohio Application for License to Carry a Concealed Handgun states:

FOR THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 6, 7A, 7B, DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CONVICTION FOR WHICH A COURT HAS ORDERED SEALED OR EXPUNGED OR RELATIVE TO WHICH A COURT HAS GRANTED RELIEF FROM DISABILITY PURSUANT TO ORC 2923.14,... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 17, 2022

If it was a minor misdemeanor--a weed ticket--then just as the instructions say, "Do not include any conviction...for a minor misdemeanor."

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My att. Is retired & "hopes everyone agrees so we don't have to go to trial"CCS did things so illegally actually. Being

Manipulated by my exs family.I had seizures was totally confused for months and the caseworker without knowing the facts jumped the gun and removed my children saying that i overdosed when neurologist saw the seizures as well as a cyst on my brain.how can I get an attorney who will fight for me or... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 10, 2022

The best way to get an attorney is to hire your own.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Federal Crimes and Municipal Law for Ohio on
Q: My son had a case which ended up getting dismissed. Now, 2yrs later they have indicted him for it. (F4 handling firearm)

They issued a warrant but told him over the phone he just needs to come to the court to receive the indictment and set a court date and he won't be arrested at that time, is this true or a trick? Also, what should he do concerning going forward with the charge/indictment? The case was closed,... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 10, 2022

Your son should hire a local defense attorney and follow his or her advice. The statute of limitations on a felony charge is 6 years so while 2 seems like a long time, it is far from being precluded.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: I was falsely accused of DV by my ex, she said I had threatened her. Can I file for false accusations while on probation

She said I had threatened her so I was charged with 4th degree misdemeanor and given probation, fine, and therapy and AA. I wasn't able to complete the therapy due to work, couldn't keep missing work for random drug test and therapy or I would have lost my job. The worst of it all is, I... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 10, 2022

It sounds like you plead guilty or no contest, which makes it awfully difficult to turn around and say the allegations were false. Meet with a local attorney to discuss your options for avoiding more consequences as a result failing to complete therapy and take drug tests.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Ohio on
Q: Is 4510.11 jailable?

I got a ticket for suspened license non-compliance

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 4, 2022

Yes. It's an M1 which carries a maximum sentence of 180 days jail. That said, very few people go to jail over DUS charges.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: Neighbor brandished handgun & threatened to kill our dog. Seven days later, they shot our dog.

Our dog is hyper, overly playful and everyone loves our dog. Just about 7 days ago, our dog wandered just 3 houses over. The guy came out with a handgun, directly aimed at the dog… in front of my kid and her friend - a few yards away.

My kid coaxed our dog away from them - traumatized... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 4, 2022

First, you should report the incident to the police. It's not clear where your dog was vis-a-vis this nut's property at the time he was shot. But unless the dog was attacking or about to attack a person, you can't just shoot them.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Tax Law for Ohio on
Q: I need a lawyer for criminal cases and expungement of felony.
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Nov 4, 2022

You should contact an attorney privately to discuss your situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Ohio on
Q: When a victim is given a no contact order in a simple assault case, how long does that last
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 31, 2022

Criminal no contact orders last at least until the case is resolved either through plea, trial, or dismissal, and may continue during any period of probation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Ohio on
Q: Is a warrant needed to put gps in controlled delivery package to watch where the package goes?
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 24, 2022

These cases are fact specific because only certain people can claim a legitimate privacy interest in a package, but anticipatory search warrants are often obtained to place GPS devices into packages that are sent out for controlled delivery.

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for Ohio on
Q: We have a barn builder who has walked out on the project mid- build. We are wondering what rights we have in Ohio?

We are owed approx. $80 K in work not completed. This is not a small claim.

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 13, 2022

You can sue the contractor for breach of contract. Find a lawyer near you and schedule a consult.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: What does material non- compliance in ohio lease agreement section 27 mean
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 13, 2022

It depends on what section 27 of your specific lease says. But they are alleging that the section requires you to take some action, e.g., paying the rent, or not to take some action, e.g., subletting, and that you have failed to comply. Look at your lease. What does Section 27 say?

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Ohio on
Q: What happens if I get insurance after the date of the offense and show them that?

I wasn’t able to show proof during my traffic stop, officer told me to provide proof when I pay my ticket. I got insurance after the fact, how will that effect what happens when I go to pay my ticket?

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 11, 2022

If you cannot show proof of insurance on the date on the ticket, the BMV will suspend your license for non-compliance.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Ohio on
Q: Once a traffic ticket is dismissed do to the officer not writing ticket right can the officer reissue the ticket

And how long after can they reissue a ticket that has been dismissed

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 6, 2022

If the charge was dismissed without prejudice, the ticket can be reissued. Depending upon the nature of the violation they would have either 6 months (minor misdemeanor) or 2 years (regular misdemeanor). Either way, plenty of time. Tickets get dismissed all the time and rarely have I seen one... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Ohio on
Q: Can a sheriff issue a traffic violation on private property under code 4511.202 ?

I was on private property pulling my boat trailer to park it after launching my boat and accidentally hit the ladder on the back of another boat with the fender of my trailer.

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Oct 6, 2022

The code indicates it can be issued on "property open to the public." So, the nature of the private property would be the key to your proposed defense. If it's business, like a marina or boat storage place, or a camp ground, even private, residential property where the owner allows... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized for Ohio on
Q: I have a protection order against an ex friend he constantly calls and text me and occasionally comes on the property

Police reports have been filled out but there has been no real precautions for the respondent abuser the victim is left with no protection the abuser respondent has a gammon violated a protection order by via texting and calling showing aggression and Stating sexual activity how long should it take... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Sep 26, 2022

Court proceedings get delayed all the time and the prosecutor may not reach out to you until it’s very close in time to them actually having to do something. You can always reach out to them for updates.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: How to monetize Small Claims judgement against landlord who violates multiple landlord tenant laws?

In addition to swindling all my deposit, my ex-landlord violated at least 5 of my rights, yet I can't sue him for these because I can't prove any monetary loss in Small Claims Court, according to the Court Clerk. So what's the point of these laws? I AM suing for deposit theft as I... View More

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Sep 26, 2022

You can only win what you lost unless there’s a reason for punishing the other side. If the other side is wrong in fact but not morally, you can only get compensation. Think about a car accident. It would be unfair not to compensate someone for wrecking their car. It would also be unfair to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Ohio on
Q: What is hanging from the s in the Smith & Wesson trademark?
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Sep 26, 2022

Not really a legal question. But it looks like a bit of decoration based on the hammer part of a pistol.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Ohio on
Q: Can my 12 year old kid walk on the sidewalk alone? About 2 miles is the farthest
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Sep 26, 2022

This stuff has become super subjective. I’ve seen folks charged with child endangerment in some really questionable circumstances.

An officer encountering the child is likely to take a bunch of stuff into consideration. What’s the neighborhood like? And I’m not just talking about...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: My boyfriend/sons father and I had an argument about 5 months ago. I thought he had taken my phone but I misplaced it

And reported it stolen so he has an F2 for robbery and physical harm but I don’t want to go through with anything

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Sep 26, 2022

Well, you can talk to the prosecutor about it. Occasionally they decide not to move forward with a case based on new info or an uncooperative victim. In this case it would help A LOT if you could show them you found the phone. If you don’t have it, they probably aren’t going to believe you... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.