Recent Cases

Whether DUI/OVI cases, unemployment appeals, or criminal cases, Smith's Law Offices' record shows a steady flow of successes for our clients.

Please keep in mind that the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case and we cannot guarantee particular results for future clients based on successes we have achieved in past legal matters.

Successfully Overturning Unemployment Fraud Allegations

ODJFS accused our client of fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits, demanding repayment for alleged overpayments. We appealed this determination, won the case, and had the overpayment claim eliminated.

  
May 13, 2024
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Protecting a Commercial Driver’s License and Career

Our client, a commercial driver, faced losing both his CDL and his job due to an OVI charge. We fought vigorously on his behalf, achieving a dismissal of the OVI, vacating his administrative license suspension, and ultimately saving his CDL and career.

  
May 10, 2024
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Securing Dismissal of High-Tier OVI Charges and Protecting Our Client’s Record

Our client was involved in a minor accident that led to building damage. After his arrest, he declined a breath test and faced a second-in-ten OVI charge with severe penalties. Through thorough investigation, we gathered witness testimony confirming he’d only had two beers over more than three hours. By highlighting the weaknesses in the State’s case and preparing for a jury trial, we secured a dismissal of the OVI charges on the eve of trial. Our client avoided an OVI conviction, jail time, and points on his license.

  
May 9, 2024
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Achieving Dismissal of Third-in-Ten OVI Charges

Our client faced serious third-in-ten OVI charges after a police officer questioned him and a urine test allegedly detected substances over the legal limit. However, our analysis revealed a lack of probable cause—the officer approached our client simply because he’d been parked at a gas station for an hour, deemed “suspicious.” Leveraging this and other issues, we moved forward with a suppression motion hearing, ultimately securing a dismissal of the OVI charges. Our client resolved the case with a non-moving citation, avoiding jail time, license suspension, points, and vehicle forfeiture.

  
May 9, 2024
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Overturning OVI Charges Following a Winter Accident

After our client was involved in an accident on a snowy day, responding police quickly initiated an OVI investigation, and she ultimately provided an over-the-limit breath test. Our thorough analysis uncovered critical issues with both the investigation and test results, which we presented at a suppression motion hearing. As a result, the OVI charges were dismissed, allowing her to plead to a non-moving citation instead—avoiding points on her license, an OVI conviction, and a lengthy suspension.

  
May 8, 2024
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Securing Dismissal of High-Tier OVI Charges and Avoiding Severe Penalties

Our client faced high-tier OVI charges, which would have resulted in mandatory jail time, a year-long license suspension, points on her license, a significant fine, and a lasting OVI record. Through dedicated representation, we achieved a dismissal of the OVI charges, allowing her to plead to a non-moving citation instead and sparing her from these severe penalties.

  
May 7, 2024
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Eliminating Unjust Unemployment Fraud Claims

ODJFS accused our client of fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits and demanded repayment. We appealed the decision, successfully overturned the claim, and eliminated the overpayment.

  
May 6, 2024
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Successfully Eliminating Unjust Unemployment Fraud Claims

Another client faced accusations of fraud and was ordered to repay her unemployment benefits. We appealed this decision, won the case, and eliminated the overpayment demand entirely.

  
May 3, 2024
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Overturning Unjust Unemployment Fraud Accusations

Our client was wrongfully accused of fraud when applying for unemployment benefits. We appealed the decision, demonstrated that no fraud occurred, and successfully secured the approval of his benefits.

  
May 1, 2024
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Securing Unemployment Benefits by Challenging Unjust Denial

To qualify for unemployment, a claimant must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. Our client was denied benefits after ODJFS exaggerated a minor medical issue, wrongly concluding she was unable to work. At the hearing, we demonstrated that she was fully capable of working despite her condition. As a result, we prevailed, and our client received the benefits she deserved.

  
May 1, 2024
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Overturned PUA Overpayment and Fraud Determination

Our client received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits in 2020. She was later shocked to receive a Determination from the unemployment agency that she had been overpaid and had committed fraud. We immediately filed an appeal on her behalf and fought vigorously to protect her rights. We are pleased to report that we prevailed, and our client's benefits were approved!

  
April 26, 2024
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Successful Appeal of Pandemic Unemployment Overpayment

Our client received multiple determinations from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) stating she was required to repay all the pandemic unemployment benefits she had received. These notices arrived long after she had stopped collecting benefits, causing her to miss the appeal deadline. We took immediate action: filing an appeal, representing her at a hearing, and demonstrating valid reasons for the delayed appeal. Our efforts led to a successful reversal of the overpayment decision, ensuring our client did not have to repay the benefits.

  
April 25, 2024
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Securing Unemployment Compensation After Unjust Termination

Our client faced termination based on allegations from co-workers regarding statements she allegedly made. At the hearing, we demonstrated that the employer did not adhere to its own progressive discipline policy, neglected to conduct a thorough investigation, failed to speak with our client prior to issuing disciplinary action, and could not provide credible evidence supporting the allegations. As a result, we successfully won the hearing, securing unemployment compensation for our client.

  
April 24, 2024
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Fraud Allegation Overturned, No Repayment Required

Our client received a notice from ODJFS accusing her of fraud and demanding repayment of all unemployment benefits she had received. We promptly appealed this decision, representing her throughout the process. Our appeal was successful, and as a result, the fraud allegation was overturned, eliminating her obligation to repay any benefits.

  
April 22, 2024
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Unemployment Fraud Claim Reversed, Benefits Reinstated

One of our clients was issued a determination from ODJFS alleging fraud in her unemployment application, with a demand to repay all benefits received. We swiftly filed an appeal and succeeded in reversing the determination, confirming that she was rightfully entitled to the benefits she collected.

  
April 22, 2024
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Fraud Determination Overturned, Overpayment Eliminated

Another client of ours received a fraud determination from ODJFS, resulting in a significant overpayment demand. We filed an appeal on her behalf, successfully contested the determination, and ultimately eliminated the overpayment, relieving her of the financial burden.

  
April 22, 2024
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$16,000 Unemployment Overpayment Eliminated After Successful Appeal

In another case, we successfully appealed an unemployment fraud determination, resulting in the elimination of an overpayment exceeding $16,000. Our efforts relieved our client of a substantial financial burden by overturning the initial decision.

  
April 22, 2024
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OVI Charge Dismissed After Successful Defense

Our client was stopped for alleged speeding, a license plate light issue, and weaving within his lane. This led to field sobriety tests, an arrest, and requests for both breath and urine samples. After thoroughly analyzing his case, we identified significant issues with the field sobriety tests, as well as favorable points related to the breath and urine tests. Our efforts resulted in a full dismissal of the OVI charge. In the end, our client only pled to the minor citations for speeding and a license plate light, with a combined fine of just $75.

  
April 18, 2024
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OVI Charge Dismissed Based on Questionable Traffic Stop

Our client was stopped by a State Trooper for allegedly rolling through a stop sign and red light. This led to field sobriety tests, an arrest, and a breath sample that registered over the legal limit. However, after reviewing the dash cam footage, we found the reasons for the stop were questionable at best. Using this evidence, we secured a dismissal of the OVI charge, with our client instead pleading to a non-moving citation. This outcome spared our client from an OVI on their record, the requirement to complete a driver intervention program, a year-long license suspension, and points on their driving record.

  
April 17, 2024
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Unemployment Benefits Restored After Fraud Determination Overturned

Our client’s unemployment benefits were halted when ODJFS alleged he had committed fraud. We promptly appealed and represented him in a hearing, where we successfully contested the fraud determination. As a result, the fraud allegation was removed, and his benefits were restored.

  
April 16, 2024
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Fraud Allegation Overturned, Overpayment Eliminated

Our client faced a fraud accusation from ODJFS, along with a demand to repay all of his unemployment benefits. We promptly filed an appeal and successfully contested the claim, resulting in the complete elimination of the overpayment requirement.

  
April 16, 2024
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Overpayment Eliminated After Fraud Claim Successfully Contested

Another client of ours faced an impending overpayment demand from ODJFS, which claimed she committed fraud in her unemployment application. We demonstrated that this was unfounded, prevailed in her appeal, and eliminated the overpayment entirely.

  
April 15, 2024
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Fraud Determination Overturned Years After Unemployment Collection

Years after receiving unemployment benefits, our client was confronted by an ODJFS claim alleging fraud due to a supposed failure to verify his identity. We challenged this unfounded determination, filed an appeal, and successfully eliminated the overpayment demand, resolving the matter in our client’s favor.

  
April 15, 2024
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Unemployment Benefits Upheld After Unjust Termination Appeal

Our client was terminated largely due to mistakes made by other employees, yet her employer appealed her unemployment benefits. We represented her at the hearing, where the Hearing Officer sided with us, stating, "Specifically, the expectations were not reasonable. The employer has not established that the claimant was directly responsible for either incident the claimant's supervisor cited at the hearing." Thanks to this ruling, our client retained her right to unemployment benefits.

  
April 12, 2024
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Underage OVI Charges Dismissed Due to Procedural Violations

Our client, under the legal drinking age, was stopped by police, subjected to field sobriety tests, and provided a breath sample over the legal limit. However, our investigation uncovered multiple procedural issues: the police failed to conduct the required 20-minute observation period before administering the breath test, and the unusually high test result was inconsistent with her appearance on video. Additionally, the officer suspiciously turned off his body camera during the breath test. These findings led to a dismissal of the OVI charges. Our client only pled to a speeding and non-moving citation, avoiding any license suspension or OVI on her record.

  
April 11, 2024
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Fraud Allegation Overturned, Unemployment Benefits Confirmed

Long after receiving her unemployment compensation, our client was notified that her benefits were allegedly overpaid and that she had committed fraud. We represented her in a hearing, where we successfully demonstrated her entitlement to the benefits. As a result, the fraud determination was overturned, affirming her right to the compensation she received.

  
April 8, 2024
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Unemployment Fraud Claim Reversed, Overpayment Eliminated and Backpay Secured

Our client, who had been receiving unemployment compensation, suddenly had his benefits denied when ODJFS accused him of fraud. We promptly appealed, successfully overturned the fraud determination, and eliminated the overpayment. In addition, we secured a backpayment for him, ensuring he received the compensation he was rightfully owed.

  
April 5, 2024
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PUA Overpayment Demand Reversed Years After Initial Benefits

Years after receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, our client was confronted with an ODJFS demand to repay all funds due to alleged fraud. We appealed the determination, successfully won the case, and eliminated the overpayment, relieving our client of any repayment obligation.

  
April 4, 2024
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Unemployment Benefits Secured After Unjust Termination Due to Medical Absences

Our client faced termination due to multiple absences; however, she provided medical documentation proving her absences were for legitimate health reasons. In the hearing, we demonstrated to the hearing officer that her termination was without just cause, as she was not at fault for the absences. As a result, our client successfully retained her unemployment benefits.

  
April 1, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed After Questionable Traffic Stop and Testing

Our client was stopped by police for an alleged marked lanes violation, which quickly escalated into an OVI investigation with field sobriety tests. Despite performing well on these tests, the officer proceeded to administer a non-scientific "lack of convergence" test. Ultimately, our client provided a breath sample that was just barely over the legal limit. By highlighting all the issues with the traffic stop and testing methods, we successfully secured a dismissal of the OVI charges, with our client only needing to plead to a minor traffic citation.

  
March 28, 2024
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Another Unemployment Fraud Appeal Won:

Our client received unemployment benefits in 2020, only to find ODJFS demanding all of his benefits be paid back in 2024 due to alleged fraud. We appealed and prevailed, eliminating the fraud determination and the overpayment.

  
March 27, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed After Questionable Stop and Testing Procedures

Our client was stopped by police for allegedly crossing a fog line, which quickly led to field sobriety tests. We challenged both the basis of the stop—questioning whether she actually crossed the fog line—and the manner in which the sobriety tests were administered. This approach resulted in a dismissal of her OVI charges, allowing her to plead to a simple traffic citation instead. She avoided high points on her license and left court without any license suspension.

  
March 27, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed, Plea to Minor Traffic Citations Secured

After being stopped for speeding, our client was subjected to field sobriety tests by an Ohio State Patrol officer, leading to an arrest and OVI charge. We successfully obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges, with our client entering a plea to a non-moving citation and the speeding citation instead. This outcome spared him from the lasting impact of an OVI on his record and avoided the mandatory penalties that typically accompany such a charge.

  
March 26, 2024
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Unemployment Fraud Appeal Won:

Years after receiving unemployment compensation, our client received three notices claiming she was overpaid. They demanded that she repay all of her benefits until we successfully appealed the determinations and eliminated the overpayments for her.

  
March 26, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won:

Our client was terminated and found her employer claiming that she had received multiple prior warnings. She had not. Further, the employer had no documentation to verify any prior warnings were given. As a result, we prevailed at the hearing, securing our client's benefits for her.

  
March 26, 2024
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OVI Dismissed, Client Avoids Major Penalties

Our client was initially stopped for an alleged marked lanes violation, subjected to field sobriety tests, and provided a breath test that registered over the legal limit. Despite this, we successfully achieved a dismissal of the OVI charge, allowing him to plead to a non-moving citation instead. As a result, he left court with his license fully reinstated, no points added, no jail time, and no driver intervention program requirements.

  
March 25, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won - No Just Cause to Terminate:

Our client found his employer throwing whatever they could at him to get his unemployment benefits denied. They claimed he was terminated with just cause for no-call/no-shows, but we showed he actually worked on the dates the employer claimed he was not work, and he called off on two other dates. The employer then claimed that our client quit, but again, we showed that had simply called off for two dates. After shutting down every argument the employer raised, we prevailed at the hearing.

  
March 25, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won:

Our client was terminated for the ridiculous reason of not completing an I9 verification. As it turns out, he provided all of the required documents, and "It was the employer's failure to review and verify those documents that resulted in the separation." As a result, we prevailed at the hearing and obtained the benefits for our client.

  
March 22, 2024
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Another PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

We prevailed with another PUA fraud appeal, keeping back the State's attempt to reclaim thousands of dollars that our client rightly received through the pandemic unemployment system.

  
March 21, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed After Challenging Stop and Testing Procedures

Despite our client’s arrest and a breath test result over the legal limit, we identified multiple issues regarding the initial stop and the administration of field sobriety tests. These challenges led to a dismissal of her OVI charges, with her entering a plea to a non-moving citation instead.

  
March 21, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won:

Our client was receiving benefits while working at a part-time job, which eventually ended. ODJFS insisted that he was still working at that job and denied his benefits. Through a hearing, we set things straight, prevailed, and obtained a release of his benefits.

  
March 20, 2024
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OVI With Breath Test Dismissed:

Although our client was subjected to field sobriety tests and then provided a breath test that was over the legal limit, a thorough investigation revealed issues with the traffic stop and breath test. For example, the evidence showed that the officers failed to properly observe our client for 20 minutes prior to conducting the breath test. As a result, we obtained a dismissal of all of the charges against him, with him entering a plea to a non-moving citation instead. In addition to saving him from points to his driving record, and the impact of an OVI on his record, we helped him escape what would have been a minimum one-year license suspension.

  
March 20, 2024
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Late Unemployment Identity Appeal Won:

Our client received a determination notice claiming that she owed all of her unemployment benefits back because she did not prove she was who she said she was. That determination notice was issued after she collected her benefits, so she missed the 21-day appeal deadline. We accepted her case and first went through a hearing showing she had good cause for submitting the appeal late. We then went through a second hearing proving she was who she said she was. As a result, we prevailed and the overpayment was eliminated.

  
March 19, 2024
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Unemployment Won After Termination For Safety Violation:

Our client was performing work and reported safety concerns. The employer chose to disregard the concerns and then found itself cited by OSHA. The employer terminated our client, attempting to place the blame on him. However, through a hearing we showed the fault rest upon the employer, not our client. As a result, we won the hearing and our client was approved for his benefits.

  
March 19, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won:

After our client was terminated for alleged dishonesty and insubordination, we represented her through a hearing where the hearing officer concluded, "The available record does not support a conclusion that claimant acted in a willful or deliberate manner so as to intentionally disregard the employer's interests." As a result we prevailed at the hearing for our client.

  
March 14, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won Against Federal Government:

Our client was employed through Department of the Air Force, which allegedly conducted a review of her group and then five months later terminated her as a result of that review. We showed that the investigation was faulty, that she had no prior discipline, and that the five month delay was unexplainable. As a result, we won her hearing and her benefits for her.

  
March 14, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won - No Just Cause to Terminate:

After working at his job for more than 10 years, receiving promotions along the way, our client's employer terminated him claiming he was failing to meet performance expectations. Through a hearing, we showed that this was not true and that the performance expectations and job duties changed frequently throughout his career. As a result, he won his hearing and his benefits.

  
March 14, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

We prevailed with another PUA Fraud determination, that would have resulted in our client repaying thousands of dollars.

  
March 14, 2024
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Hit & Skip Charges Dismissed:

Our client was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor hit and skip charge after he left the scene of an accident where he believed there was no damage requiring him to stay. Although he was facing a mandatory license suspension, we obtained a dismissal of the hit & skip charges, with him pleading to a minor misdemeanor traffic citation instead.

  
March 14, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed:

Our client was stopped for speeding and then found himself being put through standardized field sobriety tests, arrested and cited with an OVI. Through an investigation into his case, we raised issued with regard to the field sobriety tests and a general lack of evidence of impairment. As a result, we obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a non-moving citation instead.

  
March 12, 2024
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Another PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

With many people receiving PUA fraud determinations, we are steadily prevailing with our appeals to remove the determinations and overpayments, as we did with another client today.

  
March 8, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

Another of our clients received a determination notice claiming the PUA benefits were fraudulent. The notice demanded all of the benefits, as well as penalties, be repaid. Through the appeal steps, we prevailed - eliminating the overpayment and fraud determination.

  
March 8, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed, CDL Saved:

Our client was at risk of losing his job and his commercial driver's license after he was charged with an OVI. We obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges, with the court vacating his administrative license suspension, in a maneuver that saved his job and CDL. He pled to a non-moving citation instead.

  
March 7, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

Another of our clients received a fraud determination years after they stopped collecting PUA benefits. By catching the determination quickly and taking all steps to get the determination reversed, we obtained a dismissal of the fraud determination within a couple weeks.

  
March 1, 2024
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PUA Unemployment Fraud Determination Won:

Our client received a notice years after she finished collecting PUA unemployment accusing her of fraud. By strategically appealing this determination, we obtained a win, the fraud determination was removed, and the overpayment Ohio was attempting to collect was removed.

  
March 1, 2024
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Unemployment Won After Accusation of Sexual Harrassement:

Our client had a consensual relationship with a co-worker. He had no supervisory authority of the co-worker. The employer also had no rules prohibiting tow employees from having a consensual relationship. However, after the co-worker's significant other learned of the relationship, she resigned. The employer terminated our client claiming he violated a sexual harassment policy. However, during the hearing, no harassment was shown and no rule violation was shown. As a result, we prevailed at the hearing and our client won his unemployment benefits.

  
February 28, 2024
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Underage Possession of Alcohol Charges Dismissed:

Our client was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly being in possession of alcohol containers that were in the toolbox of his truck. However, by demonstrating that the state lacked sufficient evidence of his knowledge of the alcohol in his truck, which he and others in his family used, we obtained a complete dismissal of the charges.

  
February 27, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won for Remote Worker:

Our client was working remotely when his boss started to complain about it. While in the midst of these discussions, the employer suddenly terminated his employment and challenged his unemployment benefits. Through a hearing, we showed that our client did not demonstrate an unreasonable disregard for the employer's interests. As a result, we won the unemployment benefits.

  
February 26, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed:

After our client was stopped for an alleged turn signal violation, he quickly found an officer putting him through field sobriety test despite our client's injured knee. Despite providing a urine sample that tested over the legal limit, we were able to obtain a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a traffic citation instead.

  
February 23, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won After Termination:

Our client worked remotely. She kept track of her hours and the employer's computer systems kept track of some, but not all, of the tasks she was working. Without any prior discipline, the employer terminated her claiming she committed payroll fraud because their tracking did not align. We showed the employer's systems were not reliable and we emphasized the employer failure to follow its own progressive discipline policy. As a result, we prevailed with her appeal, obtaining her unemployment benefits for her.

  
February 23, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

Another of our clients was issued a fraud determination from ODJFS, claiming all of his pandemic unemployment benefits should be repaid, along with a fraud penalty. We prevailed with his appeal, eliminating the overpayment and eliminating the fraud determination.

  
February 23, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

Many people are receiving fraud determinations from ODJFS for their PUA benefits received years ago. We helped another such client get rid of the fraud determination and overpayment demand by processing her appeal, with the knowledge of what ODJFS needed to reverse their decision

  
February 22, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won After Termination During Resignation Period:

Our client provided a 30-day resignation notice at which point the employer accepted the resignation effective immediately and failed to pay her through the notice period. We won the hearing, with the Hearing Officer adopting the following accepted rules for resignations: "When an employee is discharged during a notice of resignation period and the employer does not pay the employee for the balance of hours of that period, the question then becomes whether the employer had just cause in connection with work to support the discharge. In order to constitute a justifiable reason for discharge, the employer must have reasonably communicated the reason for discharge to the employee prior to the employee's submission of the resignation. . . . The employer unilaterally decided not to have claimant work out the 30-days given in her notice. This was the employer's decision and not that of claimant."

  
February 16, 2024
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Unemployment Benefit Appeal Regarding Benefit Amount Approved:

When ODJFS determined the weekly benefit amount for our client, it shorted him credit for all of his employment. We appealed the determination collecting documentation of his actual pay rate, and as a result ODJFS increased his weekly benefit amount. It also issued him a backpayment for the shortages.

  
February 15, 2024
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Unemployment Benefits Won:

After being terminated for allegedly causing a pallet to fall while operating a forklift, our client found his unemployment benefits denied too. Through a hearing, we showed that there was no financial loss to the employer as a result, and that termination was disciplinary overkill. The hearing officer agreed that there was no just cause to terminate and approved our client's benefits.

  
February 15, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed - CDL Saved:

Our client faced a disqualification of his CDL, jail time, points to his license and a year-long license suspension when he was charged with an OVI. We saved him from all of these consequences by obtaining a dismissal of the OVI charges and him pleading to a non-moving citation instead.

  
February 15, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed Despite Accident:

The police charged our client with an OVI after she was in an accident during which her air bag went off and she bumped her head. By showed that perceived clues of impairment were likely clues of a concussion instead, we obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a traffic citation instead. This saved her from a mandatory license suspension, from jail time and even from having to take the driver's intervention program.

  
February 13, 2024
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PUA Fraud Appeal Won:

Our client received a notice years after he received PUA unemployment compensation claiming that he failed to prove his identity and that he committed fraud. By gathering and submitted the correct documentation, we won his appeal.

  
February 8, 2024
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Second in Ten OVI Charges Dismissed:

Although our client had a prior OVI conviction, we investigated her new OVI charges and presented multiple weaknesses in the State's case to the court. By doing so, we obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges with her entering a plea to a non-moving citation instead. She was saved from points to her license, mandatory jail time and a lengthy license suspension.

  
February 7, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won:

Our client was disciplined and asked to write an action plan for herself. When she turned in the action plan, the employer terminated her claiming it was dissatisfied with her plan. We showed the hearing officer that this was insufficient for just cause and as a result, her unemployment benefits were won.

  
February 4, 2024
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Child Endangerment Charges Dismissed:

Our client was charged with child endangerment charges after an incident during which he had drinks. We pulled apart weaknesses in the case against him until we obtained a dismissal of the child endangerment charges.

  
February 2, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed

Our client was charged with an OVI; however, through extensive negotiations we obtained a dismissal of the charges with her pleading to a traffic citation instead.

  
February 2, 2024
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Hit and Skip Conviction Avoided:

Our client was involved in a fender bender and then accused of leaving the scene. If convicted, she would have faced a mandatory license suspension. By strategically presenting her case, we were able to avoid the hit and skip conviction with her pleading to a minor misdemeanor non-moving citation instead. Thus, her license was saved.

  
January 29, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won - No Just Cause to Terminate for Attendance:

Although our client was terminated due to general concerns with her attendance, through a hearing we showed that the employer lacked evidence of prior discipline and lacked evidence of specific policies regarding attendance. We prevailed, winning our client's unemployment benefits for her.

  
January 23, 2024
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Unemployment Hearing Won - Claimant Able to Work:

To qualify for unemployment benefits each week a claimant must, among other things, be able to work. Our client found his benefits denied because he had an outpatient medical procedure. Through a hearing, we showed this procedure did not keep him from being able to work. We prevailed at the hearing, winning his benefits for him.

  
January 23, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won After Termination for Complaints:

Our client had been disciplined at the employer, including a final warning, for alleged complaints against him. He then found himself terminated and his employer appealing his unemployment benefits. Through a hearing, we showed that the employer lacked evidence to support its allegations. It failed to present the alleged complainants as witnesses and failed to provide statements from them. As a result, the Hearing Officer agreed the Employer failed to show just cause for the termination. We won the hearing and our client received his benefits.

  
January 19, 2024
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Client Escapes 3rd in 10 OVI:

Our client was facing a third-in-ten OVI charge; however, by leveraging issues with the charging documents we were able to resolve her case with just a traffic citation. By doing so, she avoided high points to her license, jail time and a forfeiture of her vehicle.

  
January 17, 2024
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OVI Charges Dismissed Despite Priors:

After our client was stopped for a traffic violation, miscommunication occurred over the police department radios such that they believed our client had five prior OVI's, which was not accurate. This resulted in a rushed and incomplete investigation. We argued issues with the investigation and as a result we were able to get the OVI dismissed with our client pleading to the traffic violation.

  
January 10, 2024
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Unemployment Appeal Won - No Just Cause to Terminate for a Bad Mood:

Our client was having a hard day and was in a bad mood while at work. At one point he rolled his eyes. The employer terminated him and his unemployment benefits were denied until we prevailed at his hearing by showing that he had no prior discipline and there was no evidence that his mood caused any specific performance issues. As a result, his benefits were approved.

  
December 28, 2023
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OVI Charges Dismissed

Despite our client having admitted to having drinks and providing an alcohol test result that was over the legal limit, we were able to reveal issues with the State's case that resulted in a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a non-moving traffic citation instead.

  
December 21, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won - No Just Cause to Terminate For General Concerns:

Our client was terminated due to general concerns regarding his job performance, even though had not received any prior discipline or warnings. We prevailed at the hearing, showing a lack of just cause to terminate. As a result, our client won his unemployment benefits.

  
December 20, 2023
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OVI Charges Dismissed:

Our client was stopped by the police, ordered out of her car, subjected to field sobriety tests, arrested and cited with an OVI. Thorough investigation of her case and documentation of her charges helped us to achieve a dismissal of those OVI charges with her pleading to a traffic citation instead.

  
December 20, 2023
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Unemployment Won For Person Unable to Work Due to Medical Reasons:

Our client was placed on light duty as a result of a medical condition. His employer did not allow him to work his physically demanding job while on light duty, so he applied for unemployment. To prevail, we showed (a) that he was unable to work his job due to a bona fide medical reason, but (b) he was able to work other jobs under the same restrictions. As a result, we prevailed at his hearing and he won his benefits.

  
December 15, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won - No Just Cause to Terminate for Quotas:

When an employer terminates an employee for failing to meet performance expectations, they must show that the (a) the expectations were made known at the time of hire, (b) the employee did not meet the expectations, (c) the expectations were reasonable, and (d) the requirements of the job did not change since the date of hire. Although our client was terminated for failing to meet sales goals, we showed that the goals were not reasonable, and as a result we prevailed at his hearing.

  
December 14, 2023
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Vehicular Vandalism Charges Dismissed:

Our client was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for allegedly throwing his rake at a car passing his yard. The driver of the other vehicle was ultimately charged with felonies because he physically attacked our client. By pointing out that the state lacked evidence of the accusations against our client, we obtained complete dismissal of the charges.

  
December 14, 2023
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Marijuana OVI Dismissed:

Our client was stopped for speeding, subjected to SFSTs, provided a breath test that showed that he was under the legal limit for alcohol, and then provided a urine sample that tested positive for THC metabolites. Certain metabolites may show in a person's urine even if they last used THC days or weeks prior; however, under Ohio law simply testing over and operating a vehicle remains an OVI. However, but leveraging information and facts about the traffic stop, we were able to obtain a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a non-moving citation instead. He avoided an OVI on his record, avoided six points to his license and avoided a year long suspension.

  
December 14, 2023
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Unemployment Won After Termination for Saying, "I'm done":

Our client informed his employer that he would be looking for another job. They called him into a meeting as a result and engaged in a heated discussion, during which he said, "I'm done." The employer attempted to argue that this was a resignation. We showed that it was not a resignation. He was simply done with the meeting. A supervisor followed him to his desk, telling him to pack his things and leave. The employer had no other just cause to terminate and therefore we prevailed with the hearing.

  
December 13, 2023
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Golf Cart OVI Charges Dismissed:

Our client was stopped as he was entering a state park on Put-in-Bay, something that we have seen frequently this past year. He ultimately arrested and subjected to a urine test. We were able to obtain a dismissal of the charges, with him pleading to a traffic citation instead.

  
December 13, 2023
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Underage OVI Charges Dismissed:

Our client, who was under the age of 21, received an underage OVI charge after providing a test over the legal limit for individuals his age. We raised issues with respect to the identification of our client as the driver as well as the lack of good evidence of impairment to justify an arrest. We, therefore, obtained a dismissal of the OVI charge with our client pleading to a traffic citation instead.

  
December 13, 2023
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Over-the-Limit OVI Charges Dismissed:

Our client was charged with an OVI after providing a high BAC reading. However, through investigating the evidence we discovered that the testing machine had not been calibrated within seven days of his test - a requirement from the Ohio Administrative Code. As a result, we obtained a dismissal of the OVI charges with our client pleading to a traffic citation instead. We also obtained an order vacating his ALS, which saved his CDL.

  
December 13, 2023
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OVI Charges Dimissed:

We successfully obtained a dismissal of OVI charges brought against our client, with him pleading to a traffic citation instead. This saved him from high points to his license, the impact of having an OVI on his record, and increased auto insurance rates.

  
December 8, 2023
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Unemployment Won - COVID Did Not Bar Benefits:

To qualify for unemployment, a person must be able to work each week that they file claims. Our client experienced a mild case of COVID only to find ODJFS denied all of his benefits after for being unable to work. Through a hearing we showed this was absurd - that our client was able to work despite a mild case of COVID. As a result, he received his benefits.

  
December 7, 2023
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OVI Charges Dismissed:

Although our client was stopped due to alleged marked lane violations and ultimately provided a breath sample above the legal limit, investigation into his case raised several evidentiary issues for the State. As a result, we prevailed in having the OVI charges dismissed with our client pleading to a non-moving citation instead.

  
December 7, 2023
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Unemployment Won - Verified Employment:

Our client, like many, found himself denied unemployment benefits because his employer did not properly report his income. We were able to prevail with his appeal, obtaining his benefits for him.

  
December 4, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won:

Our client found his employer appealing his unemployment benefits through to a hearing. At that hearing, we established that the employer lacked evidence of misconduct and, in truth, was altering its reasons for the termination as it saw fit. As a result, we prevailed at the hearing and our client received his benefits.

  
December 4, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won - ID Verification:

Many people are finding their unemployment claims denied for allegedly failing to meet ODJFS's identity verification requirements. We have been able to help every person who has received such a denial obtain their benefits. It is important to understand and know what documents ODJFS requires. We work with our clients to obtain those documents, we review and ensure they contain the required documentation, and then we pursue their case through the appeal process to obtain a win, as we did today.

  
November 30, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won:

When a person quits a job to accept another job, ODJFS will determine this to be a disqualifying separation that suspends benefits until the person has worked six weeks at a new job, or if they started they new job within 7 days of leaving the first job, they must work the new job for at least three weeks. ODJFS frequently becomes confused about this rule or they do not see records from the new job in their system. As a result, and as with the client we obtained a win for today, we pursue the appeal process showing ODJFS the new employment and educating them about this rule.

  
November 29, 2023
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OVI Charges Dismissed:

Despite having a prior OVI, we saved our client from another OVI conviction by holding firm that the state lacked evidence that our client was impaired at the time he operated his vehicle. As a result, the OVI charges were dismissed with our client pleading to a non-moving traffic citation instead.

  
November 28, 2023
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Unemployment Appeal Won Despite PIP:

Our client was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with goals to meet. She was not told that her job was in jeopardy and at regular meetings about her goals, she was not told that she was failing to meet any of them. The employer ultimately terminated her for failing to meet the goals. The Hearing Officer agreed that the employer lacked just cause to do so. As a result, we won the hearing for our client.

  
November 16, 2023
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OVI Charges Dismissed - License Suspension Avoided - Job Saved:

Our client received an OVI Charge while at Put-in-Bay. He was particularly concerned about the charges impact on his job as a firefighter. We were able to get his OVI dismissed with him pleading to a non-moving citation instead without any license suspension or points on his license. As a result, his job was saved.

  
November 16, 2023
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Please keep in mind that the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case and we cannot guarantee particular results for future clients based on successes we have achieved in past legal matters.