State Courts

North v. Eichler - Divorce Notice Appeal

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's divorce decree, ruling that the appellant failed to prove he did not receive proper notice of the final divorce hearing. The court found that notice was sent to the appellant's last-known address as required by civil rules.

State v. Hearns - Restitution Order Reversed

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's order for $41,850 in restitution related to a hit-skip conviction. The appellate court found the property damage was not a direct result of the offense and that restitution was capped at $5,000 under state law.

State v. Halderman - Sex Offender Designation Error

The Ohio Court of Appeals vacated its prior judgment and reversed in part the trial court's decision in State v. Halderman. The court found that the trial court erred in designating the appellant a sex offender for a misdemeanor conviction that did not qualify as a sexually oriented offense. The case is remanded for vacation of the sex offender designation.

State v. Wilhite - Driver's License Suspension Scope

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's decision regarding a driver's license suspension. The court found the suspension was beyond the scope of the aggravated drug possession case and that the proper forum for challenging the suspension was not this criminal case. The court also addressed claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and due process violations.

Mesenbrick v. Hartley - Appeal Dismissed

The Ohio Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal and cross-appeal in Mesenbrick v. Hartley. The court found that the trial court's dismissal without prejudice was not a final appealable order, rendering any potential errors harmless as the claims could be refiled.

State v. Jones - Ohio Court of Appeals Opinion

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's conviction of Kiante Jones for obstructing official business. The court found no irreconcilable conflict between the obstructing official business statute and the resisting arrest statute, upholding the State's discretion in charging decisions.

State v. Hurt - New Trial Motion Based on Newly Discovered Evidence

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's denial of a new trial motion based on newly discovered evidence in State v. Hurt. The appellate court found no prejudicial error in the trial court's determination that the defendant was not unavoidably prevented from discovering a codefendant's confession within the required timeframe.

H.A. v. J.A. - Ohio Court of Appeals Domestic Violence Opinion

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a domestic violence civil protection order (DVCPO) against the appellant. The court found sufficient evidence that the appellee feared imminent serious physical harm, upholding the trial court's decision to grant the DVCPO despite a magistrate's recommendation against it.

In re Estate of Troutman - Probate Court Erred Vacating Heirship Judgment

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a probate court's decision to vacate a 2003 heirship judgment. The appellate court found the judgment was potentially voidable, not void, and that the probate court erred in vacating it under its inherent authority. The ruling impacts the administration of the Estate of Roger Troutman.

State v. Rivers - Felony Sentencing Appeal Affirmed

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a felony sentencing appeal in State v. Rivers. The court found that the trial court properly considered sentencing statutes and that the imposed sentence was not contrary to law. The appellant's conviction involved drug possession offenses.