Friedman Nemecek's blog

Rapid advancement in technology requires that the law evolve at the same pace to maintain a digital landscape that works to the benefit of all American citizens. The light-speed expansion of AI presents, and will continue to present, legal questions and challenges that must be developed with the utmost sense of urgency. An example of this need is found in the area of AI generated erotica. Sam Altman, the boss of ChatGPT-owner OpenAI, recently indicated that it will begin allowing users who have verified they are adults to access “erotica”.

After a one-week trial, Attorneys Eric Long and Tyler Walchanowicz secured a full acquittal for their client, who was charged with two counts of Gross Sexual Imposition involving a minor in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

There is a general misconception when members of the public hear that a criminal defendant has pled “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity,” also known as “NGRI.” Many reasonably confuse the term to imply that a person is attempting to use a mental illness or a disability to escape criminal liability. However, NGRI is much more complex, and carries significant legal issues in and of itself.

On June 30, 2025, Governor DeWine signed Ohio H.B. 96 into law. The 3,156-page budget bill, which outlines the state’s financial appropriations for fiscal year 2026-27, includes a provision establishing an age-verification requirement for Ohioans seeking to access online pornography. This mandate can be found in Section 1349.10 of the bill, which goes into effect on September 29, 2025. Ohio will join 24 other states who have enacted or passed similar legislation.

Attorneys Ian Friedman, Eric Long, and Lucas Trott represented a husband and wife who were indicted in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas for violations of Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.22, to wit: Endangering Children. The violation is a felony of the second degree, which is punishable by a prison term of up to eight (8) years in an Ohio penitentiary.

Smartphones, social media and secret chat apps have contributed to a substantial increase in the dissemination of child pornography materials, with more than 60 million photos, videos and files reportedly in circulation over the past year.

On May 19, 2025, the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act, or the Take It Down Act, was officially signed into federal law by President Donald J. Trump. The Take it Down Act makes online publication of nonconsensual sexual images—including AI-generated content (commonly known as deepfakes) and identifiable images of real individuals—is a federal crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.

On the morning of trial, Eric and Tyler secured a $2.375 Million Dollar settlement with defendants’ insurance company, which was more than double the highest reported award for a trigeminal neuralgia lawsuit in the State of Illinois. We are honored that our colleagues placed such trust in us to represent the interests of the Plaintiff. Most of all, we are thrilled that our client has obtained a degree of accountability and can now move ahead with her life.

Attorneys Eric Long and Madelyn Grant secured a Not Guilty verdict from a Cuyahoga County Jury on April 8, 2025, after more than one week of trial in an Aggravated Vehicular Homicide case. The charge arose from an accident between the defendant’s automobile and decedent’s minibike that was being illegally driven on the road.

Beginning April 8, 2025, Ohio will enforce new theft-related laws aimed at curbing organized retail crime and mail theft while also imposing harsher penalties for repeat theft offenders. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges related to theft, we encourage you to call us at [custom:phone} or contact Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C. We will ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of your case and can help you approach this daunting process with confidence.