AJLJ Law Secures a Major Win in Portage County DUI Trial
At AJLJ Law, we don’t just show up—we fight. And in our first jury trial of 2025, that fight paid off in a big way. Our team secured a Not Guilty verdict in Portage County Municipal Court on behalf of a client charged with Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (OVI), also known as DUI. The jury returned the verdict in under 40 minutes—an outcome that didn’t happen by chance, but by design.
This victory is a direct result of the relentless preparation, strategic planning, and courtroom skill of our attorneys. We saw the weaknesses in the government’s case, built a defense that exposed them, and presented a compelling narrative the jury couldn’t ignore.
Behind the Case: Where Strategy Meets Skill
Our client was pulled over for a supposed marked lanes violation. The officer claimed to smell alcohol and noted bloodshot eyes—typical cues used to justify further investigation. But when asked to perform field sobriety tests, our client declined. That decision became a crucial piece of our defense.
From the moment we took the case, our attorneys got to work—scrutinizing every report, analyzing video footage, and preparing to cross-examine the officer’s testimony. The prosecution’s case relied on circumstantial claims: an admission of two beers, subjective observations, and no scientific or standardized testing to support impairment.
We didn’t let that stand. Through strategic cross-examination, we exposed inconsistencies in the officer’s account. We leveraged the body camera footage to show the truth—our client remained calm, well-spoken, balanced, and in control throughout the stop. Importantly, the footage and dash cam failed to capture any actual marked lanes violation—a fact that resonated deeply with several jurors.
The Result of Hard-Fought Advocacy
This wasn’t a win because of luck—it was a win because our attorneys refused to settle for less. We believed in our client’s case. We believed the evidence did not support a conviction. And we trusted that if the jury saw what we saw, justice would prevail. That’s exactly what happened.
In less than 40 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. It was swift. It was clear. And it was the result of exceptional legal advocacy.
A Message to Our Clients and Community
This case is a reminder: not every DUI should end in a plea deal. When the evidence is lacking and your rights are on the line, you need attorneys who are willing to fight, to dig deeper, and to stand strong in court.
At AJLJ Law: Cleveland OVI Attorney, that’s who we are. This verdict is more than just a courtroom win—it’s a testament to the power of preparation, the importance of trial strategy, and the impact of an attorney who truly cares.
If you’re facing criminal charges, know this: We will fight for you! Every case. Every time.