Question 1

Can a sticky beer spill be used against me in an Ohio DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but it cuts both ways. An officer may cite the odor of alcohol on your clothes as evidence of impairment, but a defense attorney can argue the smell came from a spill, not consumption. We routinely challenge odor-based probable cause in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, and Clermont county DUI cases.

Question 2

What should I do if police are at my door in Cincinnati?

Accepted Answer

Do not open the door unless they have a signed warrant — and ask them to slide it under or hold it to a window. Politely state: 'I do not consent to a search and I want to speak to my attorney.' Then call James F. Bogen at 513-503-7251.

Question 3

Is it too late to hire an attorney after I've already given a statement?

Accepted Answer

No. Statements can be challenged on Miranda grounds, voluntariness, or coercion. The sooner you stop talking and retain counsel, the more options remain. Mr. Bogen has suppressed statements that prosecutors believed were ironclad.

Question 4

What counties does James F. Bogen defend cases in?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Bogen practices throughout Southwest Ohio: Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Warren County (Lebanon), Butler County (Hamilton), and Clermont County (Batavia). He also accepts select federal cases in the Southern District of Ohio.

Question 5

Will I go to jail for a first-offense felony in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Ohio sentencing law presumes community control for many fourth- and fifth-degree felonies for first-time offenders. But the outcome depends on the charge, the prosecutor, the judge, and the strength of mitigation — all areas where experienced counsel changes the trajectory.

Question 6

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend entirely on the complexity of the case, the court, and the anticipated time to resolution. During your confidential consultation, Mr. Bogen will discuss fee structure transparently. He does not quote prices over the website.

Question 7

Are field sobriety tests required in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

No. You may legally decline field sobriety tests in Ohio without an automatic license suspension. Refusing the chemical breath/blood test, however, triggers Administrative License Suspension under Ohio's implied-consent law. Always speak with an attorney before deciding.

Question 8

Can a death-penalty case really be defended?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it requires certified counsel. Mr. Bogen is certified by the Ohio Supreme Court for death-penalty defense, a designation reserved for attorneys who meet rigorous training, trial-experience, and continuing-education requirements.

What people actually ask at 2 a.m.