Cleveland v. Mathis (1999), 136 Ohio App.3d 41; loitering for prostitution ordinance declared unconstitutional for vagueness and free speech reasons. Cleveland v. Maistros (2001), 145 Ohio App.3d 346; importuning ordinance declared unconstitutional in highly publicized case as violating equal protection rights of homosexual citizens, reversing recent precedent and leading to ultimate reversal of prior Ohio Supreme Court opinion on the issue. Cleveland v. Smith (2001), 115 Ohio Misc.2d 51; weapons possession ordinance declared unconstitutional for vagueness reasons. Cleveland v. Bacho (8th Dist., December 12, 2002), Case No. 81600, 02-LW-5173; established right of citizen to pro bono representation by a public defender. Cleveland v. Kristoff (8th Dist., March 21, 2002), Case No. 80086, 02-LW-1070; defense of citizen charged with obstructing official business dismissed because of applied unconstitutionality and invasion of right to free speech. Multiple successful State appellate decisions at the Ohio Supreme Court and lower appellate courts reversing and remanding sentencing pursuant to Blakely and Foster. State v. Ligon (Nov. 24, 2008), 2008-Ohio-6085; sentence of 24 years reduced to 5-7 years because of verdict form errors. State v. Shurelds (Feb. 17, 2010), 156 Ohio Misc.2d 21; dismissal of weapons charge for due process violations by police. State v. Mullen (Ja. 10, 2011), 2011-Ohio-37; two felonies reduced to misdemeanors for defective indictment. Major appellate litigation in area of final appealable orders.
