A political subdivision’s ability to prohibit firearms is limited.  Everyone knows the Ohio Constitution makes clear “the people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security.”   Likewise, R.C. 9.68 states that unless “specifically provided by the United …

Last week, in State v. Hoffman, 2014-Ohio-4795, the Ohio Supreme Court found the manner in which the Toledo Municipal Court issued arrest warrants “seriously disturbing.”   The Supreme Court admonished the municipal court because the misdemeanor warrants were issued without a probable cause …

Public Records Update – In a case of first impression, the Twelfth District Court of Appeals found a cruiser camera video and impaired driver report were excluded from the definition of public records because they fell “squarely within the statutory …

Last month, the United States Supreme Court established a bright line rule for police officers.   If you want to search a cellphone incident to an arrest – get a warrant.  In Riley v. California, the Court held the police, generally may …

Public Law Update – SCOTUS refines case law governing consent searches, thereby limiting its Randolph decision. On February 25, 2014, the Supreme Court made clear that, under certain circumstances, the Fourth Amendment allows one occupant to consent to a search, even after …

Public Law Update – SB 93 aims to change many things about Ohio’s Open Meeting Act, including when it’s triggered. While supporters of SB 93 believe the bill will close loopholes, others may not so readily agree. Since 1993, meetings …