When it comes to the law, there is not a single area where the ability to craft language, play with prose, or narrate stories, is not essential. Reading the following two passages, which convey the same legal information, which one is more compelling to you? “Defendant, an elderly gentleman, was confused by the legal requirements, but now has …
When I was growing up, I remember an instance where Elder Financial Abuse happened to my Grandmother. My Grandmother was one of the sweetest souls that God created, and I never remember her saying a bad word about anyone. She constantly smiled and talked to everyone and had a way of making people feel safe …
Elder Financial Abuse: Where did Grandma’s Money Go? Read More »
In 2020, I had the privilege of sitting second chair during two jury trials in the Holmes County Court of Common Pleas. One was a civil jury trial involving a business dispute and the other was a criminal jury trial involving several charges. Sitting “second chair” during a jury trial essentially means: a lawyer …
No Matter the Outcome, We Must Act Like Gentlemen Read More »
One of the greatest aspects of being an attorney is conducting consultations with potential new clients. As someone who enjoys talking and meeting with people, I truly enjoy helping, educating, and empowering individuals who seek answers to some of the most difficult and challenging questions and experiences that they will go through in their life. …
What to Expect During a Family or Criminal Law Consultation Read More »
When I served as a judge, one of the most frequent contacts I had with the general public went something like this, “Hey Judge, I received a notice from the Sheriff that I have been selected for jury duty and I can’t serve because (insert excuse here.)” The request would lead to a discussion of …
Most of my career as a prosecutor, judge, and now an attorney in private practice has one common thread woven throughout working with juries. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes frustrating but always fascinating, the ways that juries hear the evidence, consider the law and make their decisions never lose my interest. Recently, I was asked on a …
In Ohio, juries are generally one of two types: Grand or Petit (from the French for small or short) Juries. Grand juries have longer terms of service and consider many cases. Petit juries are called to try only one case. In this article, we look at the history and function of the Grand Jury. In …