How must Ohio lawyers handle a client’s physical evidence?

The correct approach for Ohio lawyers when dealing with a client’s physical evidence is to take reasonable steps to safeguard the evidence and return it upon the termination of representation. This duty is rooted in the ethical obligation lawyers have to protect their clients' interests, which includes maintaining the integrity of any physical evidence related to a case.

Safeguarding the evidence ensures that it is not tampered with, lost, or destroyed, which could adversely affect the client's position in a legal matter. Additionally, returning the evidence after the representation concludes respects the client's ownership of their property and facilitates a proper conclusion to the legal relationship. This practice upholds principles of professionalism, integrity, and respect for client rights.

The other options reflect incorrect practices: destroying evidence would violate ethical commitments to a client, using evidence for personal gain goes against the fiduciary duty lawyers owe their clients, and presenting evidence personally in court is not a requirement for every situation, as lawyers may introduce evidence through other means or employ experts for testimony.