In a jury trial, 12 of your peers, or 8 in a misdemeanor case, determine whether you are guilty or not of the crime you are accused of.

In a bench trial, the judge determines whether you are guilty or not, and there is no jury present.

Have you recently been accused of a crime and are expected to go on trial?  If so, contact Dayton Criminal Lawyer Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for assistance during this sometimes confusing legal process.

A bindover hearing in juvenile court is a hearing conducted in front of a judge to determine if a juvenile accused of a serious offense, such as rape or murder, should be bound over to the adult court system and tried as an adult.

If you or someone you know have questions regarding legal actions for minors, or any other aspects of the court system, contact criminal attorney Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for a free consultation.

Yes.  A dismissal for want of prosecution is considered a dismissal without prejudice.  As such, the State can refile its case against you if it so chooses.  However, oftentimes the State elects not to do so.

Are you having difficulties with a criminal case and need some expert advice on where to proceed next?  If so, call the Law Office of Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for a free consultation.

Once a Grand Jury indicts you on a felony offense, you will either be issued a summons to appear in court or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.  The first court appearance after you are indicted is the arraignment, at which you will enter a plea and the judge will assign you a bond.

If you or someone you know has questions regarding a felony indictment or any other aspect of criminal law, feel free to contact Dayton Criminal Attorney Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for answers.

Yes.  If an intruder trespasses in your home or vehicle, you are entitled to use deadly force against them.  As your home or vehicle is private property, you have the right to defend yourself against an intruder.

If you would like to speak to someone about your legal rights with regard to personal property or personal protection, contact Dayton Criminal Lawyer Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for a free consultation

No. In Ohio, Possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana has been decriminalized, meaning that a conviction for possession of marijuana does not result in a criminal record.

So, if someone asks if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you can legally tell them “no.” However, possession of marijuana carries up to a $150 fine and a mandatory 6-month license suspension, so there are serious consequences to getting caught with marijuana in the state of Ohio.

If you or someone you know have questions regarding Ohio’s drug and alcohol laws, feel free to call Dayton Criminal Lawyer Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for answers to any of your questions.

Yes. The Federal Wiretap Act and its Ohio counterpart require the police to obtain a wiretap warrant before listening to your phone conversations.

The warrant must be supported by a probable cause as well as a showing of necessity, meaning that the police have exhausted all other investigative methods. There are also restrictions on how long they can listen to your conversations if criminal activity is not being discussed.

If you have questions regarding any types of police procedures, call experienced Criminal Lawyer Patrick Mulligan at 937-228-9790 for a free consultation.

Yes, in most situations. There are, however, some exceptions.

In order to search your home, the police are required to obtain a warrant signed by a judge unless you or a person who lives in the home consent to the search. One other exception is if exigent circumstances, meaning an emergency, make obtaining a warrant impractical.

If you or someone you know have questions regarding police search warrants, contact Dayton Criminal lawyer Patrick Mulligan at 1-937-228-9790 for a complimentary consultation.

Yes. You are always entitled to refuse to consent to the police searching your house and demand that they produce a search warrant. If they do produce a valid search warrant, however, they are entitled to search your house without your consent.

If you have any questions regarding your legal rights, contact the Law Office of Patrick Mulligan at 1-937-228-9790 for a free conversation.

No. Ohio law prohibits individuals from getting OVI convictions expunged. That is why it is so important to beat the charge.

If you or someone you know has questions regarding an OVI in Dayton or surrounding areas, contact Patrick Mulligan & Associates at 1-937-228-9790 for a free consultation.