When Officers Cannot Testify: Ohio's Marked Vehicle and Uniform Requirements in Traffic Cases
/Ohio law contains powerful but often overlooked provisions that can render law enforcement officers incompetent to testify in traffic and OVI cases. These statutes and evidentiary rules require officers primarily engaged in traffic enforcement to use marked vehicles and wear distinctive uniforms. When officers fail to meet these requirements, their testimony becomes inadmissible, potentially devastating the prosecution's case. Understanding these requirements and their application provides a critical defense tool in misdemeanor traffic cases.
Read More