Champaign Prosecutor honored by Criminal Defense Attorneys and Ohio Supreme Court

On July 1, 2010, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (OACDL) honored Champaign County Prosecutor Nick A. Selvaggio in Columbus, Ohio with the "Champion of Justice" Award for his efforts in leading the reform of the Ohio Criminal Rule of Procedure that governs how prosecutors and defense lawyers exchange information in a criminal case before trial.

On that same date, Selvaggio also received a "Certificate of Recognition" from the Ohio Supreme Court for contributing "professional services and expertise leading to the adoption of amendments to Ohio Criminal Rule 16 that provide for an expanded exchange of discovery materials in criminal proceedings and the promotion of fair, impartial and speedy adminstration of justice in Ohio courts."

"Although I have promoted 'open file' discovery for years in Champaign County, this rule change will have a monumental effect in how criminal law is practiced throughout the State of Ohio. I am proud to have been part of the leadership team that led Ohio's prosecutors and defense attorneys to adopt a rule that not only permits the accused to have greater access to evidence, but also maintains procedural safeguards necessary to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation before a trial begins," said Selvaggio.

The new rule has an effective date of July 1, 2010.