Attorney Kate Bowling

09/23/2025

It happens.

The Oregon State Police forensic lab agreed to pay millions as part of a settlement after failing to disclose DNA evidence in the decades-old homicide of Leah Freeman.

09/16/2024

Came in on a Monday morning to what is maybe my favorite “Thank you” from a client to date: A Louisville Slugger.

08/12/2024

October 28th, 2021 Tyler Wilson was sentenced to a maximum term of 16-20 years in prison for an alleged felonious assault with two firearm specifications. I did not represent him at that time. The case made it all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court on appeal, where we argued that he received ineffective assistance of (former) counsel for errors relating to self defense law and how it should have applied to his case. The Supreme Court reversed his conviction and ordered a new trial.

The State rejected multiple plea offers made by defense, all of which included some term of prison.

Today, Tyler and I sat side by side and tried this case again. This time, he received a FULL, FAIR trial, and we gave it everything we had.

Tonight, a jury found that Tyler was justified in firing a single warning shot at his assailant in self defense, and returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY. Yesterday this man was looking at the next 16-20 years in prison. Now….he’s going home.

This is why we fight.

05/01/2024

Florida Innocence Project fighting the good fight.

Convicted murderer Leo Schofield has been released from prison after spending the last 35 years behind bars.

03/07/2024

Today, the Ohio Supreme Court released a decision in our case, State v. Wilson, which I had the opportunity to argue last September. The Supremes held in favor of our client, vacating his convictions (and his maximum prison sentence of 16-20 years), remanding the case for a new trial.

This case answered the question of whether or not a Defendant can claim self-defense for firing a warning shot, where he has no intent to harm the aggressor. This case marks our most recent win in what has become a years-long focus on advocating for the trial Courts to develop a better grasp on Ohio's Self-Defense laws, so that Ohioans and Defendants may feel secure in their right to act in self-defense.

Full decision available here:

In September, 2023, Attorney Kate Bowling argued on behalf of Defendant Tyler Wilson to the Ohio Supreme Court. The Supreme Court was asked to answer the question, “Is a Defendant entitled to a self-defense instruction for firing a warning shot which was not intended to harm or injure the aggresso...

02/05/2024

Snapchat - My Eyes Only picture vault

Snapchat features a hidden photo vault called "My Eyes Only," where users, especially kids, can conceal pictures and videos from their parents. This vault is often used to hide sensitive content like drug-related photos, explicit images, party snapshots, and more. As parents, it's important to be aware of what your kids are keeping hidden in this vault. Taking a look might just make a positive impact on their safety or the safety of their friends.

Steps to Access Your Kid's Snapchat "Secret" Picture Vault:
Open the Snapchat app on their phone (look for the yellow icon with a white ghost). This will bring you to the main photo-taking screen.

Near the "take a picture" button (a large circle at the bottom of the screen), you'll see a small icon resembling two playing cards. Tap this icon. You'll now be in their "memories photos," which are images they've captured with their Snapchat camera.
At the top of the photos, you'll find labels like "SNAPS, CAMERA ROLL, MEMORIES, and MY EYES ONLY." Press the "MY EYES ONLY" button.

If a PIN entry keypad appears, you'll need to get the code from your child. It's common for them to say they've forgotten it or never set it up. If you're prompted to set up a PIN, your child likely hasn't established one yet.

Once you've entered the secret PIN, you'll be able to view the photos your kids usually prefer to keep private. Note that you still won't have access to the private disappearing messages they exchange with their friends.

Being aware of your child's activities on Snapchat, including their use of the "My Eyes Only" feature, can foster a safer online environment. By understanding how to access this hidden vault, you can better engage in conversations about responsible digital behavior with your child. Remember, open communication and trust are key components of effective parenting in the digital age.

Happy Parenting,

Officer Gomez.

10/18/2023

Follow on Instagram for case updates and our take on commonly asked legal questions. Have a question? Message there as we start rolling (anonymous) Q&A!

10/17/2023

Have Snapchat? Seems like a good time to talk about smart social media and your kids....

Considerations for keeping kids safe on social media.

09/26/2023

Arguing to the Supremes today in an effort to clarify our always complex Self Defense laws.

09/21/2023

October 13th, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is hitting some great topics at this year’s Superstar Seminar.

04/04/2023

Phones down, Ohio

A breakdown of Ohio's Distracted Driving Law

02/15/2023

A jury found a Dayton woman not guilty in a fight where one woman was shot to death and another was injured.