About My Ohio DUI Defense Experience

I began practicing law in a small city in 1982. My first cases were criminal court appointments, which included representing people charged with DUI/OVI. I saw very early that law enforcement often would not hesitate to exaggerate alleged bad driving or the results of field sobriety tests. Whatever was necessary to justify stopping a car, making an arrest, and trying to obtain a DUI/OVI conviction.

I also knew from being a witness to a DUI/OVI arrest when I was in college, that law enforcement created an intimidating environment, making it extremely difficult for a person to pass field sobriety tests. Bright lights, flashing cruiser lights, officers shining flashlights in the eyes, poor surfaces on which to perform physical dexterity tests, and the accusatory commands and questions of the officer.

Because of the attitude of many law enforcement officers, I was quick to learn that to help my clients, I must be aggressive, creative and zealous in my representation. This includes knowing the law, knowing the facts, understanding the dynamics of the scene of arrest where the initial questioning and field sobriety tests took place, knowing the procedures for blood/breath alcohol testing, and to be willing to go to trial.

I was very fortunate early in my career that both a Deputy Sheriff and a State Highway Patrolman respected that I zealously represented my DUI/OVI clients. They “took me under their wings,” and taught me how to perform field sobriety tests and breath tests. This education has been crucial in successfully defending DUI/OVI clients.

I have successfully tried and/or handled many other types of criminal cases in Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi and New York City. My experiences include cases ranging from traffic offenses, drug cases, conspiracies, thefts and robberies, to murders. In the courts of appeal I have established new law in defining certain crimes, and in determining what is proper testimony for a witness at trial.

I will be honored to put my 29 years of knowledge and experience to work representing you in your DUI/OVI.