What the Law?
Can you take a real stop sign home as a bedroom decoration without permission?
No! Unauthorized possession of official traffic-control devices can violate Ohio law.
Can online messages or posts lead to legal trouble if they are threatening or harassing?
Yes. Depending on the facts, Ohio's telecommunications harassment law, § 2917.21, may apply.
Do Ohio bicyclists have to obey applicable traffic signals?
Yes. Bicyclists generally must obey applicable traffic-control signals. (Ohio Revised Code § 4511.12.)
If someone takes a classmate's headphones without permission and plans to keep them, what legal issue could arise?
Theft. Ohio Revised Code § 2913.02 covers theft, with details and penalties depending on the facts.
If someone is in immediate danger, what number should you call in the United States?
911. Use it for emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance.
Is throwing trash out of a moving car, walking down the street, or riding on your bike against Ohio law, even if it's just a small wrapper or something as simple as gum?
Ohio Revised Code 4511.82 prohibits littering from a moving motor vehicle. Lockland can fine you $185 for littering.
Should you share a classmates private picture or personal information online just because it was sent to you?
No. Don't share private material without permission. Some kinds of image-sharing may also violate criminal or privacy laws, depending on the content and circumstances.
Can a teenager drive a car alone as soon as they get a learner's permit?
No. Ohio learner-permit holders must follow graduated licensing restrictions, including supervision requirements that depend on age and circumstances.
Is damaging school property 'just a school rule issue' and never a legal issue?
False. Depending on the damage and circumstances, vandalism or criminal mischief laws may apply.
If a police officer gives you a lawful direction during a traffic stop, should you listen and stay calm?
Yes. Follow lawful directions, keep your movements predictable, and ask respectful questions when appropriate.
Under Ohio state laws, how many levels of felonies are there?
There are 5 levels; F1 being the higher felony level.
Can you be charged for repeatedly sending someone threatening messages on Snapchat, Instagram, text messages, or any other form of social media?
Yes. Telecommunications harassment is illegal.
Can the driver refuse to get out of the vehicle when lawfully asked?
No. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a police officer may order a driver out of a lawfully stopped vehicle without violating the Fourth Amendment.
Pennsylvania v. Mimms
Does every argument, rude comment, or swear word automatically count as a crime?
No. Being rude is not automatically criminal. Specific conduct and circumstances determine whether a law has been broken.
What unique patterns on your fingers can help investigators identify you?
Fingerprints
Can someone get an OVI while riding a bike?
Yes
A student creates a fake Instagram or Snapchat account pretending to be another student and uses it to threaten or harass people. What can crime can they be charged with?
Telecommunications harassment or another offense depending on the circumstances.
Bonus fact: Even if the account is anonymous police may be able to investigate it to find out who is behind the account.
Can the passenger refuse to identify themselves during a traffic stop?
No. Under Ohio's traffic stop law, House Bill 492, passengers must provide their name, address, and date of birth.
If two people agree to fight after school, does that automatically make the fight legal?
No. Agreeing to fight doesn't automatically make physical violence lawful. Assault and other laws may apply.
True or False: A police officer can arrest another police officer that is on or off duty.
True.
What is the legal age to buy vapes or any other types of smoking products?
You must be 21 years of age.
Can you legally get in trouble and charged for re-sharing an inappropriate picture of someone when it was shared to you?
YES! Under Ohio Law 2917.211 it is considered Dissemenation of Image of Another Person.... which is a felony of the fifth degree!
What constitutional amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The Fourth Amendment right
Can a person get in legal trouble for pulling a fire alarm as a joke when there is no emergency?
Yes. Knowingly causing a false fire alarm can violate Ohio Revised Code § 2917.32.
What is the name of the warning associated with the right to remain silent?
Miranda Rights