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 Patrick DiChiro
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: If I am a witness for the defense can the prosecutor add me as a witness to their side?

I was a witness in a criminal trial for the defense. I went and spoke to law enforcement to advise them of what happened just prior to the alleged crime At the trial the defense attorney asked for a separation of witnesses. I was subpoenaed in the courtroom, forced to leave, and then never called... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Feb 15, 2024

The Answer to your question is yes. If you are a defense witness and the prosecutor knows about you and thinks there is something that you can add to his or her case, then they can add you to their witness list. The opposite is also true. Many times as a defense attorney, I put a witness that is... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Ohio on
Q: I am 25 and was stopped for speeding and had been drinking . This was my first DUI and my arraignment is in the morning

I’m currently not working , but should I plea not guiltily or guilty .

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Nov 24, 2023

I always recommend pleading not Guilty. The OVI is a high level misdemeanor. A first OVI carries 6 points on your license, which will definitely affect your insurance rates. You will also get a 1-3 year license suspension. So, this is something not to take lightly. It will have an impact on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: If someone being charged with a felony 5, will they be sent to jail on theur summons to appear date?

The person was arrested and released in march. Was told the court had 6 months to prove their case and the individual hasnt heard anything until almost 10 months later.

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Dec 27, 2023

On your summons date, you will appear and a bond will be set. So, as long as you are able to post a bond, you will not be arrested.

Best wishes,

Pat DiChiro

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Can marshals get involved if I have not had my judicial proceedings?

I have felony charge I was accused of....the cops put open warrant on me after talking to alleged victim...since I havent been arraigned or been to court at all, are marshals legally able to investigate and look for me?...or would i have to violate judge order to not leave the state before marshals... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Nov 24, 2023

If there is an active warrant, the Marshall's could be looking for you. They will not stop until you show up to court.

Best wishes,

Patrick DiChiro

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: First degree misdemeanor serve all 180 days can I be sentenced to jail for violating community control

I have served 179 out of 180 days on a first degree misdemeanor I violated my probation can I be sentenced to more than one day for the violation

Butler county Ohio

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jun 15, 2023

You should only have 1 more day hanging over your head if you served 179 days. However, they could extend your probation.

Best wishes,

Pat DiChiro

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Can West Virginia subpoena a witness from Ohio in a criminal case
Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jun 15, 2023

Yes, as long as the procedures are followed for an out of state subpoena. 43 states are part of a program that follow the procedures for out of state service of subpoenas. I believe that Ohio and West Virginia are part of that program.

I would check with an attorney to determine if the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: If I was handcuffed and put in back of police car do they have to read my Miranda rights before asking me questions
Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jun 15, 2023

If you are not free to leave, then you are considered in custody. Thus, prior to any custodial interrogation, they should give you a miranda warning (your rights).

Best wishes,

Pat DiChiro

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Ohio on
Q: When a child is assaulted does the cops HAVE to prove maliciousness in order to prosecut the attacker?

My 13 yr old son was physically attacked by a Walmart employee, when the cop got there he said he sees what happened but it was not enough to prove the attackers maliciousness and advised me just to file a claim with Walmart. I wanted the employee charged because my son is a minor, he's... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on May 17, 2023

Maliciousness is not an element of an Assault case. All that is necessary is that you prove that a person knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another without the other person's consent. So, malice is not an element.

I hope that answers your questions. Without...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: What does prosecutors designation of nondisclosure of evidence or for counsel only mean??
Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on May 12, 2023

This is a Designation allowed under Ohio Criminal Rule 16(C), which states as follows:

"(C) Prosecuting attorney’s designation of “counsel only” materials. The prosecuting attorney may designate any material subject to disclosure under this rule as “counsel only” by stamping...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Hi my name is Tiffany I am currently on probation for a covaence felony 3 charge I am going to court for my 2nd violatio

Hi my name is Tiffany I am currently on probation for a covaence felony 3 charge I am going to court for my 2nd violation I have been to lots of programs on this charge already I have a job and been paying my fines I was supposed to get off probation this month but I messed up my job wrote me a... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Apr 10, 2023

I believe you have done well by being clean, paying your fines and obtaining a job. But, it is concerning that this is a second violation. I am not sure you how you messed up, but the judge can: continue/extend your probation; terminate probation; or send you to jail. Since this is a second... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Can the cops keep my money if I’ve not been charged with anything?

I was driving a friends car and got pulled over, they found narcotics in a jacket not belonging to me. In my hoodie I had $6800 still in the key bank envelope from where I had sold my home, I have paperwork from the house selling and bank statements from where they had just cashed a payment. I have... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Apr 10, 2023

If you are not charged, they should not keep your money. You may have to file a replevin (return of property) action to get the money back. However, it is possible that they are still contemplating charges. So,I would gather whatever information you have, bank statements and the like, to show... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Ohio on
Q: Currently on probation and OVI court. I recently started my car and it read .014, second time was .011 and then 000.

I understand there's false positives sometimes. Unless it's a warning or fail is this something I need to worry about ?

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Apr 7, 2023

I am not sure of the mechanics of a inter-lock system. However, I would not take anything for granted. I would contact the inter-lock company and have your unit checked, and document it some way. Last thing you need is to be violated for a false positive.

I wish you the best.

Patrick DiChiro

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: If 2 or more people assault a single person is that consider felonius assault?
Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Mar 24, 2023

The charge of Felonious Assault is not based upon the amount of individuals assaulting the person. It is based upon the severity of the injury.

I hope that answers your question.

Pat DiChiro

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: If someone tried to file a restraining order against me and it was denied, does it go on my record?

I had many issues with my neighbor in the past and have multiple emails with my apartment complex stating that. I called the police multiple times for noise complaints and they never did anything, recently she kicked my door multiple times and had a guy friend with her, i felt threatened so when I... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Mar 22, 2023

NO. IT WOULD NOT GO ON YOUR RECORD. THIS GOES FOR A RESTRAINING ORDER OR CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER. IT MUST BE GRANTED IN ORDER TO GO ON YOUR RECORD.

GOOD LUCK.

PATRICK DICHIRO

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: I recently had my motion for intervention in lieu of conviction granted. Am I a convicted felon because I plead guilty?

I had a felony drug possession charge and I asked the courts to grant my motion for intervention in lieu of conviction. They granted it and I was placed under supervision by my counties probation department and my case has been stayed. I've been complying with all court orders and this case... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Mar 22, 2023

You are not convicted of this offense until you are sentenced. So, what happens in an Intervention In lieu case, in most courts, is that you plead to the offense. You are set for sentencing at a later date. Your case is then stayed until you complete whatever treatment or programs are required of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: I was charged with an F5drug possession, before indictment came back I did a year rehab, completed it, got a job, car

Got my license, got married been clean 2 years, do I need to hire a lawyer to get this taken care of or is it something I can do myself

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jan 13, 2023

You Could. The Judge may not like you representing yourself pro se. I think it is risky considering all your WONDERFUL accomplishments. What happens if you make a mistake because you don't know the law, and that causes you to suffer a setback? Plus, I want you to consider the following,... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: Custody battle turned nasty. Can I get help for this situation?

In a custody battle. I’m close to getting my kids due to their mother being abusive. Yesterday my ex’s mother posted a video to Facebook playing a song about murdering the man who hurts her daughter. I was then sent a video of her mother saying if I got custody that basically she knows a guy... View More

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jan 12, 2023

It seems threatening. But that it to be determined by police or prosecutor. Due to the serious nature of this communication, I would report it to the police. Even if they decide not to pursue it, you will have something on file. Plus, I would print/document/copy the threats. You may be able to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: Must all plaintiffs , who file a case in commom pleas courts in ohio , have standing ..??

Standing requires an injured party as complaintant so if the state of ohio filed criminal charges in common pleas if there is no injured party would the state lack standing ???

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Jan 12, 2023

If this is a criminal case, and the crime occurred within the State of Ohio, then venue is appropriate. The fact that there is no injured party does not make a lack of standing. For example, traffic tickets, speeding and the like, there is no injured party. But, there is a violation of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Ohio on
Q: So in the state of Ohio on a fourth degree misdemeanor they only have 30 days from a not guilty plea to have your trial?
Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Dec 7, 2022

AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT WAIVE SPEEDY TRIAL.

BEST WISHES,

PAT DICHIRO

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Communications Law for Ohio on
Q: How do I present evidence to the court that proves I'm innocent?

Telephone harassment

Patrick DiChiro
Patrick DiChiro
answered on Mar 27, 2022

This is not an easy question to answer. Presenting evidence to court is something that you learn in law school and through the practice of law. There are different types of evidence and different ways to present it. May I suggest, for a starting point, that you review the Ohio Rules of Evidence.... 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.