On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 21 WFMJ reported that a Trumbull County judge pleaded “not guilty” to multiple charges following a rollover crash.
Judge Ronald J. Rice, 69, was involved in the incident on July 18 at approximately 6:52 p.m. in Vienna Township. The Ohio State Highway Patrol indicated that Rice was driving a 2025 Mini Cooper when he veered off the road, struck two traffic signs, and overturned into a ditch.
According to the criminal complaint, Rice declined to undergo OVI testing at the scene. Additionally, the complaint revealed that he had a loaded handgun in the vehicle at the time of the crash. He faces three charges in total: a felony count for improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, along with misdemeanor counts for driving under the influence (DUI) and failure to control his vehicle.
Rice had a scheduled arraignment hearing on Tuesday at 9 a.m., but opted to submit a written not guilty plea the day before. He has served as a judge since his election to the Trumbull County Common Pleas Court in 2012. Under Ohio law, carrying a firearm while under the influence is classified as a fifth-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
The American Bar Association notes that felony charges against judges generally result in suspension, but it remains unclear if Rice’s situation will lead to his removal from the bench. According to Ohio Supreme Court rules, a judge facing felony charges is disqualified from performing judicial duties while the case is pending.
Source: 21 WFMJ
