Bruce Boerst

What sets Bruce apart from the rest? How is law done differently?

You’ll know exactly why he is the “Best of the Best” and a NTL “Top 100 National Trial Lawyer” and “Top 40 Under 40” the moment you step foot into this Firm. At The Boerst Law Office, you’re not treated like a “client”. Rather, you’re treated like a close friend and are immediately overcome with the feeling of security and importance. Bruce displays everlasting energy, unmatched competitiveness, and an innate passion to helping people.

For over 15 years, Bruce has successfully represented thousands of clients. As a Nationally Ranked Top Trial Attorney, Bruce’s unparalleled achievements are in serious Personal Injury Litigation and Criminal Defense (including OVI/DUI Defense). Bruce began his legal career at the age of 22 yrs. old. While he doesn’t want to admit it, he now way, way past 22.

In 2009, after working many years for a large law firm and having come to the conclusion that working in a large law firm is not fun, Bruce started The Boerst Law Office, Inc. With the modestly stated ambition of completely changing the way law is practiced, Bruce has changed the lives of countless clients.

When it’s “David vs. GOLIATH“, Bruce chooses to represent David every time. When the government or big insurance companies try to take advantage of good, honest, hardworking people (as they so often do), Bruce gets to work.

"Bruce W. Boerst Jr. is a powerhouse in the field of personal injury and OVI/DUI defense, renowned for his client-centered approach and unwavering commitment to justice. With a deep dedication to those he represents, Bruce has garnered stellar client reviews and earned a reputation for achieving impactful results, both in and out of the courtroom."

Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, DUI/OVI Defense, & Products Liability (Mass Torts).

The Boerst Law Office
413 N. Michigan St.
Toledo, OH 43604
P: (419) 930-5858
F: 1(888) 221-4062
www.legaltoledo.com

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees

Ohio

Since 2008

Federal Circuit

Attorney

The Boerst Law Office, Inc.

2009 - Current

Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney

Behnke, Martin & Schulte, LLC

2007 - 2009

Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney

University of Dayton School of Law

J.D. (2008) | Law/Doctorate of Law

2005 - 2008

Ohio University

B.S. (2005) | Sociology & Pre-Law

2002 - 2005

Honors: National Honors

Activities: National Honors, Club Baseball & US Army Reserved Officer Training Corps

Best of Toledo - Attorney/Lawyer

Toledo City Paper

2020

The Toledo City Paper invites the community to cast a vote for the "Best of Toledo" in a wide variety of professions. Attorney Bruce Boerst was voted by the public as The Best "Lawyer/Attorney".

Best of Toledo - Attorney/Lawyer

Toledo City Paper

2019

The Toledo City Paper invites the community to cast a vote for the "Best of Toledo" in a wide variety of professions. Attorney Bruce Boerst was voted by the public as The Best "Lawyer/Attorney".

National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40

National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40

2019

Best of Toledo - Attorney/Lawyer

Toledo City Paper

2018

The Toledo City Paper invites the community to cast a vote for the "Best of Toledo" in a wide variety of professions. Attorney Bruce Boerst was voted by the public as The Best "Lawyer/Attorney".

Best of Toledo - Attorney/Lawyer

Toledo City Paper

2015

The Toledo City Paper invites the community to cast a vote for the "Best of Toledo" in a wide variety of professions. Attorney Bruce Boerst was voted by the public as The Best "Lawyer/Attorney".

YMCA of Greater Toledo

AW Board Member

Current

National Alliance of Mental Illness

Board

Current

Ohio Association of Justice (Ohio Association of Trial Lawyers)

2008 - Current

Toledo Bar Association

2008 - Current

Ohio Bar Association

2008 - Current

Q. While backing out of driveway at night got broadsided dead-center. Who is at fault?

November 14, 2024

A: 'm sorry to hear about your accident. Determining fault in such situations involves understanding Ohio's traffic laws and the specifics of the incident.

Ohio Traffic Laws:

According to Ohio Revised Code § 4511.44, when entering or crossing a highway from a place other than another roadway (such as a driveway), the driver must yield the right-of-way to all approaching traffic. This means that as you were backing out of your driveway onto a rural highway, you were required to yield to oncoming vehicles.

Citation Details:

The citation you received for "Right of Way At Through Highways, Stop Signs, Yield Signs" aligns with this statute. If the officer determined that you did not yield appropriately, this could be the basis for the citation.

Assessing Fault:

While the law requires you to yield, fault isn't always clear-cut. Factors that could influence fault include:

Visibility: Was the other vehicle's approach visible to you?

Speed: Was the other driver exceeding the speed limit?

Lighting: Were your vehicle's lights on, and was the area well-lit?

Obstructions: Were there any obstacles that impeded your view?

Should You Contest the Ticket?

If you believe that you exercised due caution and the other driver contributed to the accident (e.g., by speeding or not having headlights on), it might be worth contesting the ticket. However, if evidence suggests you failed to yield as required, paying the ticket might be the more straightforward option.

Next Steps:

Review the Citation: Ensure you understand the specific violation cited.

Gather Evidence: Collect any photos, witness statements, or other evidence from the accident scene.

Consult an Attorney: Especially if there are significant damages or injuries, legal advice can help you navigate the situation.

Remember, traffic laws are designed to promote safety. Ensuring you have a clear view and yielding appropriately when entering a highway can help prevent future incidents. ... Read More

Q. My grandson is 17 and been acused of aggravated robbery and he said he didnt do it,so I will like legal advise .

November 14, 2024

A: t’s understandable that you want to support your grandson through this challenging situation. Aggravated robbery is a serious charge, especially for a young person, and it's crucial he has strong legal representation to ensure his rights are protected. Here are some steps to consider:

Confirm the Court Date: If you're unsure about the pre-trial date, contact the court directly to confirm it, as timely appearance is essential. This is especially important if you haven't received a formal notice by mail yet.

Seek an Experienced Defense Attorney: Given the severity of an aggravated robbery charge, your grandson will benefit from a lawyer experienced in juvenile and criminal defense. An attorney can assess the case details, evaluate any evidence against him, and work to protect his future, especially if he maintains his innocence.

Gather Information: Ask your grandson for as much information as possible, such as where he was at the time, any witnesses who can support his alibi, and any details he recalls about the accusations. This information can be valuable for his defense.

Understand the Process: The pre-trial hearing is a preliminary stage, typically involving discussion of charges, evidence, and possible plea options. It’s crucial to attend this hearing and understand any agreements or developments proposed by the prosecution.

Since time is short before the pre-trial, I’d recommend contacting a qualified attorney as soon as possible to start building a strong defense strategy. An attorney can explain the process and options to both you and your grandson, helping to protect his rights every step of the way. ... Read More

Q. If I open my door, to answer police who are knocking at the door, can they push they're way in w/o search warrant?

November 14, 2024

A: In Ohio, opening your door to police officers does not automatically grant them permission to enter your home without a warrant. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and entry into a residence typically requires a warrant or the resident's explicit consent.

Entry Without a Warrant: Police may enter your home without a warrant under specific circumstances, such as:

Consent: If you explicitly invite them in.

Exigent Circumstances: Situations where immediate action is necessary, like preventing harm or the destruction of evidence.

Hot Pursuit: Chasing a suspect who enters a residence.

Simply opening the door does not constitute consent for entry. Officers must have clear permission or a valid legal reason to enter without a warrant.

Search Warrant Presentation: If officers have a search warrant, they are generally required to present it upon request. Ohio law mandates that when executing a search warrant, officers must provide notice of their authority and purpose before entering. If refused entry after such notice, they may use force to enter.

OHIO LAWS AND RULES

Identification of Officers: While there isn't a specific Ohio statute requiring officers to provide their names and badge numbers upon request, law enforcement agencies often have policies encouraging transparency. Requesting this information is reasonable, and officers typically comply to maintain trust and accountability.

Body-Worn Cameras: Ohio does not have a statewide mandate for police to wear body cameras. Policies on body-worn cameras vary by department. For instance, the Toledo Police Department has implemented body camera usage, but specific protocols, such as activation during the execution of bench warrants at night, depend on departmental guidelines. It's advisable to consult the local police department's policies for precise information.

Bench Warrants: A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual and bring them before the court. While it permits entry into a residence, officers must still adhere to legal standards, including announcing their presence and purpose. The execution of a bench warrant does not inherently grant the right to search the premises beyond what is necessary to locate and apprehend the individual named in the warrant.

Conclusion: Opening your door to police does not imply consent for them to enter without a warrant. Officers are generally required to present a search warrant upon request and should identify themselves when asked. The use of body-worn cameras during such operations depends on local departmental policies. If you have concerns about a specific incident, consulting with a legal professional is advisable to understand your rights and any potential legal implications. ... Read More