Dayton Municipal Court Judge Dennis J. Greaney, who was assigned Ritchie’s case, said he reinstated Ritchie’s license after his attorney made the request while entering a not guilty plea on May 20.
As part of his job description, Ritchie, 40, must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, city spokesman Tom Biedenharn said.
Greaney, a Democrat on the bench since 2006, said on Aug. 14 he asked to be removed from the case.
A visiting judge has since been assigned the case.
Greaney said he made the request because he personally knows and received campaign contributions from Ritchie and his father, Tom Ritchie Sr. — a local labor union field organizer and board member for the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
Ritchie’s attorney, Terry Posey, said his client has been allowed to drive without restriction, but is not driving city vehicles.
Ritchie was arrested about 3 a.m. May 18 after he crashed his 1998 Ford Explorer into a concrete wall at Wayne and Wilmington avenues, according to police reports.
A Breathalyzer test showed Ritchie’s blood-alcohol level at .153 — nearly twice the legal limit — at the time of his arrest.
In his written statement to police, Ritchie said he had been drinking, but a friend named “Tony” offered to drive him home.
Ritchie said Tony fled on foot after the crash and he was trying to chase him.
A witness to the crash said he watched Ritchie try to drive away from the accident, but the truck was immobilized.
From the driver’s seat, Ritchie tossed a beer bottle from the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, according to the witness’ statement.
A woman who recognized Ritchie as the driver, found him nearby in the parking lot of 10 Wilmington Place and told him to return to his truck, the witness said.
Ritchie returned and was arrested for failure to control and operating a vehicle under the influence.
Ohio OVI laws state that first-time DUI offenders must immediately forfeit their license, which could be suspended six months to three years upon conviction.
Greaney said it is not uncommon for a judge to issue a stay of suspension in OVI cases while in pretrial.
“It is certainly not an exceptional case,” said defense attorney Jeff Slyman, who has handled numerous OVI cases in the area. “Some courts will not issue a stay no matter what as part of their policy. But I can’t think of any around here who have that policy.”
Ritchie has not been disciplined by the city, Biedenharn said. His case is still open and he is expected back in court Sept. 30.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2494 or lsullivan@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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