Patrick M. Farrell, Attorney At Law

Directions Website

Patrick M. Farrell, Attorney At Law Patrick Farrell is a lawyer representing clients in criminal & civil cases with over 30 years of experience. He works hard for the best possible outcome.

If you need expert Brooklyn Heights, OH Attorneys who understand what you're going through, contact Patrick M. Farrell, Attorney At Law.

Can you be arrested for arguing with a police officer or refusing to answer questions in Ohio?Not every disagreement or ...
10/14/2026

Can you be arrested for arguing with a police officer or refusing to answer questions in Ohio?

Not every disagreement or refusal to cooperate qualifies as obstructing official business. Under Ohio law, prosecutors must prove specific elements before someone can be convicted.

Depending on the circumstances, obstructing official business can result in:

• Up to 90 days in jail for a standard second-degree misdemeanor
• Up to 180 days in jail for certain first-degree misdemeanor offenses
• Felony charges when the conduct creates a qualifying risk of physical harm
• Fines, a criminal record, and other potential consequences

Ohio also updated its obstructing official business law in October 2026, adding provisions involving emergency service responders and a new 15-foot rule.

Our latest article explains what qualifies as obstruction, when charges become felonies, the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest, and potential legal defenses.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio.

Learn what Ohio law says about obstructing official business charges and your available defenses:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-are-charged-with-obstructing-official-business-in-ohio

Do you actually have to pay a speeding ticket from a traffic camera in Ohio?Speed cameras are not completely banned in O...
10/12/2026

Do you actually have to pay a speeding ticket from a traffic camera in Ohio?

Speed cameras are not completely banned in Ohio, but the laws governing them are more complicated than many drivers realize.

Unlike traditional speeding tickets issued by police officers, qualifying camera-issued citations are generally civil violations with different penalties and procedures.

Here's what Ohio drivers should know:

- Legality: Municipal speed cameras are permitted under specific state requirements, including rules concerning police officer presence
- License points: Civil speed camera tickets do not add points to your Ohio driver's license
- Driving record: Qualifying civil camera violations are not reported to the Ohio BMV as moving violations
- Payment: Ignoring a valid citation can result in civil liability and collection proceedings
- Fighting a ticket: Drivers may challenge certain citations based on camera accuracy, required signage, vehicle identification, or enforcement procedures

Ohio's speed camera laws have changed over time, and the rules applicable to your ticket can depend on when and where it was issued.

Our latest article explains whether Ohio speed camera tickets are enforceable, what happens if you don't pay, and how to challenge a citation.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents drivers facing speeding charges, reckless operation allegations, and other traffic offenses throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio.

Learn your rights before paying or contesting an Ohio speed camera ticket:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/can-you-get-a-speeding-ticket-from-a-traffic-camera-in-ohio

Are speeding ticket fines automatically doubled in Ohio construction zones?Not always. Ohio law allows increased penalti...
10/11/2026

Are speeding ticket fines automatically doubled in Ohio construction zones?

Not always. Ohio law allows increased penalties for certain speeding violations in construction zones, but specific legal requirements must be met before doubled fines apply.

If you've received a construction zone speeding ticket in Ohio, here's what you should know:

- Double fines: Generally apply when required signs are posted and the violation occurs during hours of actual construction work
- License points: Speeding convictions can result in 0, 2, or 4 points, depending on the speed limit and how fast you were driving
- Repeat violations: Certain drivers with previous speeding convictions may face more serious misdemeanor charges
- Possible defenses: Speed measurement evidence, construction zone signage, and the timing of construction activity may all be relevant

Even when the doubled-fine enhancement does not apply, the underlying speeding citation may still be enforceable.

Our latest article explains Ohio's construction zone speeding laws, potential penalties, and what drivers should know before paying a ticket or entering a plea.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents drivers facing speeding tickets, reckless operation charges, and other traffic offenses throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio.

Learn your rights and options after receiving a construction zone speeding ticket:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-get-a-speeding-ticket-in-a-construction-zone-in-ohio

Can you get pulled over just for using your phone while driving in Ohio?Yes. Ohio's distracted driving law allows police...
10/10/2026

Can you get pulled over just for using your phone while driving in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio's distracted driving law allows police to stop drivers for certain prohibited phone use, even if they haven't committed another traffic violation.

But not every interaction with your phone is illegal.

Ohio's law includes specific exceptions for certain hands-free calls, GPS navigation, single-touch functions, and phone use while stationary at a red traffic signal.

Here's what drivers should know:

- First offense: Fine of up to $150 and potential license points
- Second offense within two years: Fine of up to $250
- Third or subsequent offense within two years: Fine of up to $500 and a possible 90-day license suspension
- Eligible first-time offenders may complete an approved safety course to avoid the fine and points

Police also face restrictions when searching a driver's phone during a distracted driving stop.

Our latest article explains Ohio's phone laws, penalties, exceptions, and how a criminal defense attorney may help challenge a citation.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents drivers facing traffic violations, reckless operation charges, and related criminal offenses throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Learn what Ohio's distracted driving law actually prohibits and how to protect your rights after a traffic stop:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/ohio-distracted-driving-laws-can-you-get-a-ticket-for-using-your-phone

What happens if you get 12 points on your driver's license in Ohio?Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year peri...
10/09/2026

What happens if you get 12 points on your driver's license in Ohio?

Accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period can result in a six-month driver's license suspension through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Even a few traffic violations can add up quickly. Ohio's point system includes:

- 2 to 5 points: Traffic violations begin accumulating on your driving record
- 6 points: The BMV sends a warning letter
- 8 to 11 points: Additional violations could put your license at risk
- 12 or more points: A six-month license suspension is triggered

If you reach 12 points, the BMV must provide notice before the suspension takes effect. Drivers may have an opportunity to appeal, but strict deadlines apply. Reinstatement also involves additional requirements.

Our latest article explains how Ohio's point system works, how to appeal a suspension, whether driving privileges may be available, and what it takes to get your license back.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. helps drivers throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio navigate traffic violations and license suspension issues.

Learn what happens when you reach 12 points and how to protect your driving privileges:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-get-12-points-on-your-license-in-ohio

Getting pulled over without insurance in Ohio can lead to more than a traffic ticket.Even a first offense can result in ...
10/08/2026

Getting pulled over without insurance in Ohio can lead to more than a traffic ticket.

Even a first offense can result in a driver's license suspension, reinstatement fees, and additional requirements before you can legally drive again.

But what if you actually had insurance and just couldn't find your insurance card? What if your policy expired without your knowledge? And can you go to jail for driving without insurance?

These situations can have very different legal consequences.

Our latest blog breaks down what Ohio drivers need to know, including:

- What happens after a first or repeat insurance violation
- How much reinstatement fees can cost
- When your license can be suspended
- What SR-22 insurance requirements mean
- How to reinstate your Ohio driver's license
- Whether you can challenge an insurance-related violation

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents drivers facing traffic violations and related legal matters throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio.

If you're dealing with an insurance-related traffic violation or license suspension, understanding your options early can help you avoid additional complications.

Learn more about Ohio's insurance requirements, penalties, and reinstatement process:
www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/driving-without-insurance-in-ohio-fines-license-suspension-and-penalties

Caught going 20 mph over the speed limit in Ohio?A ticket for 20 over can be more serious than many drivers expect, but ...
09/29/2026

Caught going 20 mph over the speed limit in Ohio?

A ticket for 20 over can be more serious than many drivers expect, but it does not automatically mean reckless operation. The consequences depend on the posted speed limit, where the violation occurred, your driving history, and whether any additional charges were filed.

In many situations, 20 mph over falls within Ohio’s two-point speeding category. But points are only part of what may matter. Insurance, employment, CDL status, and your existing driving record can make the ticket more significant.

Our latest article explains:
• How many points 20 mph over may carry
• When speeding can become a more serious offense
• Why 20 over is not automatically reckless operation
• How police may prove speed
• When fighting the ticket may be worth considering

Learn more: www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/caught-going-20-mph-over-the-speed-limit-in-ohio-what-happens

Facing a speeding ticket or traffic charge in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, or Northeast Ohio? Call 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) to discuss your case with Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.

🌐 https://www.patfarrelllaw.com/

Got a speeding ticket in Ohio? Paying it may be the fastest way to deal with the citation, but it is not always the end ...
09/28/2026

Got a speeding ticket in Ohio? Paying it may be the fastest way to deal with the citation, but it is not always the end of the consequences.

Depending on the alleged speed, posted limit, and your driving history, a speeding conviction may result in points on your license and could affect insurance, employment, or commercial driving privileges.

Before deciding whether to pay or fight a ticket, it helps to understand:
• How many Ohio BMV points may apply
• Whether the alleged speed is accurate
• How police measured your speed
• Whether the ticket requires a court appearance
• How your existing driving record could be affected

Our latest article explains Ohio speeding tickets, radar and LIDAR evidence, point consequences, and factors to consider before simply paying the citation.

Learn more: www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/speeding-ticket-in-ohio-should-you-pay-it-or-fight-it

Facing a speeding ticket or other traffic charge in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, or Northeast Ohio? Call 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) to discuss your case with Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.

🌐 https://www.patfarrelllaw.com/

A disabled vehicle call in Bay Village recently turned into an OVI arrest after a driver reportedly crashed into a traff...
09/28/2026

A disabled vehicle call in Bay Village recently turned into an OVI arrest after a driver reportedly crashed into a traffic island near Lake and Columbia roads.

But does a single-car crash prove someone was driving under the influence?

Not by itself.

When police arrive after a crash they did not witness, the investigation may depend on other evidence, including the driver's statements, officer observations, field sobriety tests, chemical testing, bodycam footage, surveillance video, witnesses, and the timing of the incident.

Our latest article uses the recent Bay Village case to explain how Ohio OVI investigations work after single-vehicle crashes, including why OVI and failure-to-control charges may be filed together and what evidence can become important when police did not see the crash happen.

Learn more: www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/bay-village-driver-charged-with-ovi-after-crashing-into-traffic-island

If you are facing an OVI or criminal traffic charge in Cleveland, Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, or Northeast Ohio, call or text Pat Farrell Law at 216-661-5050 to schedule a consultation.

🌐 https://www.patfarrelllaw.com/

Police Want to Search Your Trunk or Locked Glove Box in Ohio. Do They Need a Warrant?Not always.Police may sometimes sea...
09/09/2026

Police Want to Search Your Trunk or Locked Glove Box in Ohio. Do They Need a Warrant?

Not always.

Police may sometimes search parts of a vehicle without first getting a warrant, but they still need a lawful basis.

Depending on the situation, that could involve:

Probable cause and the automobile exception
Your consent
A lawful inventory search
A search warrant
Another recognized exception

A traffic stop alone does not automatically give officers unrestricted authority to search your trunk or force open a locked compartment. The reason for the search, what police were looking for, when probable cause allegedly developed, and whether the area searched could reasonably contain that item may all matter.

It is also important to distinguish between different types of vehicle searches. A probable-cause search, arrest-related search, inventory search, and consent search do not all follow the same rules.

If police find something illegal, that does not by itself prove the search was lawful. The question is what legal authority existed before officers opened the trunk, glove box, safe, or other container.

If officers ask for voluntary consent and you do not intend to authorize the search, you can clearly state that you do not consent. Do not physically resist if police proceed anyway.

Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents people facing criminal investigations and charges involving vehicle searches in Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County.

Call or text 216-661-5050 for a free confidential consultation.

www.patfarrelllaw.com/blog/can-police-search-your-trunk-or-locked-glove-box-without-a-warrant-in-ohio

Address

600 E Granger Road, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn Heights, OH
44131

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Patrick M. Farrell, Attorney At Law posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share