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Strangulation Charges in Columbus, Ohio: Don't Face Them Alone

Strangulation Charges in Columbus, Ohio: Don’t Face Them Alone

In April 2023, Ohio implemented Senate Bill 288, establishing strangulation as a distinct felony offense under Ohio Revised Code 2903.18. Previously prosecuted as misdemeanor domestic violence, strangulation charges in Columbus, Ohio, now carry significantly harsher penalties to address the high lethality risk involved.  Today, prosecutors can pursue felony convictions based solely on the impairment of breath or circulation, even without visible injuries, making a precise understanding of these statutory standards essential for a robust defense. What Are Strangulation Charges? Strangulation charges are distinct from general assault and carry specific legal definitions that prioritize the mechanism of injury over the visible result. Legal Definition: Criminal accusations based on impeding normal breathing or blood circulation. Mechanism of Injury: Focuses specifically on pressure applied to the throat or neck, unlike general assault. Felony […]

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What does a criminal defense attorney do? -Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

A criminal defense attorney performs many actions on behalf of their client, many being behind the scenes. So, what exactly does that entail? Analysis of Evidence Upon receiving Discovery documents or evidence against you, the attorney will have to take steps to properly analyze it. This is done by: Thoroughly and meticulously studying the facts and theories presented in the case, Independently testing evidence, sometimes with a third party, Examining evidence to see if there are any legal theories which work in conjunction to stop the conviction or amend the charges brought against the defendant. Investigation The first thing an attorney looks to do in an investigation is acquit their defendant. This process is completed by: Questioning the police about the methods and practices they used, Interviewing eyewitnesses and discussing

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What Happens at the Lawyer’s Office? - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

What Happens at the Lawyer’s Office?

Intake Whether you as the defendant or a close contact calls the attorney’s office on your behalf, first an intake will occur. During this time biographical information and basic background information of the case at hand is given such as location, court, charges, upcoming court dates, and the most important details of the situation. Here, a staff member of the firm will determine if the case is eligible to be taken, give a rough estimate of cost, and then find a time for you or your contact(s) to speak with the attorney. Preparing for the Consultation While it can be intimidating to share all the details of your situation, it is important to remember that the attorney is not there to judge. The actions in a case and your relative

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E-Learning and Truancy: What you need to know before its too late - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

E-Learning and Truancy: What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

The intersection of modern education methods, like virtual and e-learning, with traditional attendance and truancy laws has created new anxieties for parents. While e-learning offers flexibility, it does not exempt students or parents from the State of Ohio’s strict mandatory attendance requirements. This guide clarifies the rules that define truancy in Ohio, the legal risks parents face, and the critical steps required to protect your family’s stability and your child’s future. Defining Truancy: The Thresholds Under Ohio Law Truancy is legally defined by Ohio Revised Code § 2151.011 and § 3321. It focuses on unexcused absences from the required educational setting, regardless of whether that setting is a physical classroom or a mandated virtual session. The law sets clear limits on when a student will be reported as “habitually truant.”

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How do Ohio Courts decide custody? - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

How do Ohio Courts decide custody?

Navigating Ohio child custody laws is one of the most challenging aspects of separation, directly impacting your child’s future. In Ohio, this process is officially termed the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” It is a mandatory judicial review governed by specific statutes designed to achieve a single goal: protecting the child’s future. The Ohio Family Court relies heavily on a strict, nine-factor checklist to remove personal bias from the equation. Understanding these mandatory Ohio custody factors is essential for presenting a strong case focused on the best interest of the child. This guide provides an up-to-date breakdown of the legal standards, the criteria judges must evaluate, and practical steps parents can take to strengthen their position in a child custody dispute in Ohio.   The “Best Interest of the Child”

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Grandparent right in Ohio, know your rights - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

​Grandparent Rights in Ohio, know your rights

The bond between a grandparent and a grandchild is precious, but unfortunately, it is often threatened by parental separation, divorce, or disagreements. While Ohio law strongly respects a parent’s constitutional right to raise their child, it also recognizes the importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. For grandparents seeking to maintain or establish contact, navigating Ohio’s specific statutes and court procedures requires experienced legal guidance. This guide provides an overview of the legal pathways for grandparent visitation and custody in the state. What Are Grandparent Rights in Ohio? Grandparent rights refer to the legal concept that a court may order parents to permit a grandparent to spend time with their grandchild, even against the parents’ wishes, but only under certain, limited circumstances. When Ohio Law Allows Grandparents to Seek Visitation A grandparent’s

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How is child support calculated in Ohio - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

​How is child support calculated in Ohio?

Child Support Calculation in Ohio: Formula, Factors, and Deviations Child support in Ohio is not determined by a judge’s arbitrary decision but by a specific, mandatory formula codified in the Ohio Revised Code. Understanding this calculation is essential for any parent involved in a divorce, dissolution, or custody case, as the result profoundly impacts both financial stability and the child’s standard of living. A miscalculation, a lack of documentation, or failure to argue a key deviation factor could cost you or your child thousands of dollars annually. The final figure, known as guideline child support, is presumed by law to be the correct amount. The Ohio Child Support Guideline: How the Basic Support is Determined The core of the process involves combining the gross incomes of both parents to determine

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Parenting Schedules in the time of COVID-19: What to do and What to Expect - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

Parenting Schedules in the time of COVID-19: What to Do and What to Expect

The state of the world we currently find ourselves has not been seen in our lifetimes, possible never before seen. It is perfectly natural to feel out of your depth, especially when your children become involved. Many parents are asking questions, and we at Parks and Meade are here to help! ​Do I need to follow my custody agreement or parenting time order during the Stay-at-home order? The short answer to this question is yes. Ohio’s stay-at-home order states that one purpose for essential travel is to transport children to comply with a custody agreement. You are allowed to leave your home to transport your child to their other parent, and vice versa. Even with this being the case, what happens when one parent is deemed an essential worker? In

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COVID-19 and Your Estate: What you Need to Know - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

​COVID-19 and Your Estate: What You Need to Know

Life has changed very rapidly for America over the last couple of months. Many have been affected: illness in family, loss of family members, loss of work, and almost every other facet of our lives. Having an estate plan is a safety net for your family. Protect yourself, your family, and your finances by preparing an estate plan. ​Having a will ensures that your property is given to your family in a manner that you wish and may have discussed with your family. It allows you to leave property to persons other than your spouse or children, name a personal guardian for minor children, and to name an executor, someone you trust, to ensure that your will is carried out according to the terms you decided upon in your will.

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Divorce or Dissolution: What’s the Difference? - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

Divorce or Dissolution: What’s the Difference?

Divorces and Dissolutions are legal actions to end a marriage in Ohio. There are key differences between the two that can help you decid which method of ending your marriage is best for you. Every situation has a unique set of circumstances and variables that can make a separation complicated. Divorce law can be difficult to navigate on your own due to the high level of stress caused by the emotional toll often found in domestic relations cases, so it is important to start your case with the correct legal decisions. ​Why would I choose a divorce? Divorce is the option best suited for spouses that are unable to reach an agreement on the terms of separating a marriage – asset and debt division, parental rights, and support. Divorce actions

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