Explanation of Common Offenses
What Are My Rights
What should I do now
How can I avoid a DUI
Do I need a Lawyer


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Joseph E. Scott Co., LPA
35 East Livingston Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-221-9790
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Explanation of Common Offenses

Traffic Offenses (OVI / DUI)

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on a public road or way while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants, or stimulant substances.

Possible Punishments for OVI / DUI include jail time, fines, suspension of the offender�s driver�s license, and immobilization or seizure of the offender�s vehicle.

Drug Offenses

Drug Possession includes having a controlled substance physically on your person (in your jacket, bag, pocket, etc.) or in an area which you control (your house, car, apartment, yard, etc.) without authorization.

Drug Distribution is possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, sell, or transfer the substance to another, without proper government authorization.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence includes committing or threatening physical violence against a person with whom you share a �domestic� relationship.

A domestic relationship is a relationship between spouses, former spouses, persons who are or were living together, persons who are or were related by blood or marriage, parents of a minor child, and persons who are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship.

Murder (Including Capital Murder)

First Degree Murder is a premeditated killing of another person.

Voluntary Manslaughter is a killing of another person which arose from sudden passion which was reasonably provoked, sudden combat, or excessive force in self-defense.

Involuntary Manslaughter is an unintentional killing of another caused while committing an unlawful act (not a felony) or caused by reckless conduct that displays a disregard for human life.

Sex Offenses

Rape is engaging in sex with another person without their consent.

Children under the age of consent (16 in Ohio) cannot consent to engaging in sexual conduct so sex with them is strictly prohibited even if the defendant was not aware that the other person was under age.

Sexual Assault is physically touching another person on their �private� body parts with intent and without their consent.

Assault and Battery

Assault is either an attempted battery or placing another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of an immediate battery.

Battery is an offensive touching of another.

Burglary, Theft

Aggravated Burglary involves trespassing into a structure occupied by another person while inflicting, attempting or threatening to inflict physical harm on another or while having a deadly weapon.

Burglalry involves trespassing into a structure that is either occupied by another or the home of another.

Theft is knowingly obtaining or exerting control over the property or services of another without consent or by deception, threat, or intimidation.

Money Laundering

Money Laundering is disguising proceeds gained from illegal activities.