Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC

Police misconduct is an issue that has been receiving increased attention throughout the country. It seems as if there are new accusations of police misconduct each week. Protestors and advocates for justice throughout the country call for police reform and accountability.  What is Police Misconduct? Police misconduct covers a wide variety of actions by police officers and law enforcement agents. The conduct in question violates police guidelines for performing their duties or breaks one or more laws.  Police misconduct may involve witness tampering, police brutality, or malicious prosecution. Other examples of police misconduct include false arrest, assault, tampering with evidence, theft, coerced confessions, and many other actions.  If you are…

One of the most widespread myths about operating a motor vehicle in the country is that it is illegal to drive barefoot. The reality, however, is that driving barefoot is legal in all 50 states. The caveat, however, is that it is strongly recommended by many states, including Ohio, to wear proper footwear when driving a car. And like many things, just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should. While there is little evidence to suggest driving barefoot is more dangerous (or safer) than driving while wearing shoes, if you do get in an accident and don’t have shoes on, you are more likely to cut your feet…

As with any examination, the difficulty of the Ohio Bar Exam depends on the person taking the test. According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the passage rate for the July 2019 bar exam was 73.1%. First time test-takers performed better, overall, recording an 82 percent pass rate. The exam is uniform, so its difficulty is the same for each examinee. A person’s abilities, skills, education, and knowledge determine whether the person finds the bar exam difficult. However, preparation is essential if you want to pass the UBE. Many law school graduates spend months preparing for the bar exam. Some dedicate several weeks of uninterrupted, full-time preparation for the UBE. How…

The judicial system is not immune to the effects of COVID-19. The coronavirus shut down court systems in Columbus and throughout the United States. However, the judicial process cannot be stalled forever. People need to have a resolution in their case. Individuals being held in jail awaiting trial cannot wait forever. It is simply not fair, and it is not justice. However, the courts must balance the need to continue hearings with the need to protect individuals from the virus. It is now known that COVID-19 is airborne. It spreads through the air, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, the problem is how to conduct hearings and jury…

Ohioans have been under a Stay At Home order since March 23, 2020. The initial Stay At Home order expired on April 6, 2020. However, a new Stay At Home order in Ohio was issued on April 7, 2020, and continues through May 1, 2020. The chances of martial law being initiated in Ohio are low. Governor Mike DeWine addressed rumors about martial law several times. Gov. DeWine explained that the National Guard was in Ohio to assist in food pantries. The top guardsman in Ohio also confirmed they were not deployed in Ohio to institute martial law. Major General John C. Harris, Jr. confirmed the National Guard would be…