Seasoned Violent Crime Defense Lawyers in
Dayton, OH
If you are facing a violent crime charge in Dayton or anywhere else in Montgomery County, you need a robust defense to protect your future and freedoms. At Gounaris Abboud, we have extensive experience in Ohio courtrooms. We work diligently to defend our clients and use our knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code to build a client’s defense in criminal cases alleging Montgomery County violent crimes.
Every violent crime defense attorney on our team understands the stakes involved with violent crime charges in Ohio. Prison time and fines are on the table, as well as collateral consequences involving employment, child custody, housing, and other important areas of life.
As you seek a violent crime lawyer, Dayton, remember our five-decade record of success. When we take your case, we work relentlessly to keep you from the consequences of a conviction.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers for a free case review. Time is of the essence in these matters. Call today to let Gounaris Abboud fight for you.
Are You Facing Violent Charges?
Call Gounaris Abboud, LPA today at (937)-222-1515 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our violent crime attorney!
What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Ohio?
Violent criminal offenses involve force or threats. Violent controlled substance crimes, robbery, and sexually motivated violence are also violent offenses. A robbery charges defense may hinge on the violence used or threatened.
Prosecutors can charge an alleged offender even though the victim was uninjured. You may need an assault defense attorney in Dayton because you threatened to injure someone. However, your Dayton assault lawyers can also argue that words are not criminal.
You do not need to intend to cause the victim’s injury to be criminally accused. You may face charges of manslaughter even if you only intended to beat the victim. A manslaughter defense in Dayton will often focus on what you intended.
The stakes are high in these cases. A violent crime lawyer in Dayton fights these accusations.
Common Violent Crimes You Can Be Charged with in Ohio
Ohio has detailed various violent crimes in its statutes, all of which can result in some level of time behind bars and significant fines. Keep in mind that a violent crime conviction can also lead to negative impacts on your future life and livelihood.
Protect Your Future
Fight for your rights. Contact our experienced violent crime defense attorneys in Dayton for relentless advocacy and strategic legal representation.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Violent Crimes
in Dayton, Ohio?
Ohio violent crime penalties can be harsh. If you are facing criminal charges related to violence, you could receive the maximum punishment upon conviction for the charged offense without an experienced criminal defense attorney.
State law classifies these crimes as either felonies or first-degree misdemeanors. Felonies receive far more severe punishments and fines than misdemeanors. Thus, you should look for attorney felony experience when hiring a law firm.
The lowest level charge for a violent crime in Ohio is a first-degree misdemeanor. Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor, leading to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Other violent offenses are felony offenses, with first-degree felonies being the most serious (except for murder and aggravated murder, which fall outside the felony degree structure). A murder charges attorney in Ohio must deal with potential punishments reserved for murder, such as life imprisonment.
The circumstances of each crime determine its degree. A kidnapping defense lawyer can fight for a reduction in charges if there was no force or threat.
For example, the ORC burglary statute lists three levels of potential felony charges. If someone is present during an aggravated burglary, a second-degree felony may be charged. However, if no one was present or likely to be present, only a fourth-degree felony burglary charge may be appropriate.
Furthermore, statutory punishments may increase in Ohio due to aggravating factors, such as:
- Serious bodily injury resulted
- The offender has a criminal record
- The victim’s status
- The circumstances surrounding the incident
Aggravating factors lead to a higher mandatory prison sentence, although your violent crimes lawyer in Dayton can also present mitigating evidence. For example, a resisting arrest lawyer will need to fight hard to protect you from the enhanced sentence for assaulting a police officer.
What to Expect During Your
Violent Crime Trial in Ohio
While violent crime trial Ohio procedures are the same as those for other trials, they are often applied more strictly. Judges, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys want to avoid errors that might trigger a retrial. Additional differences include:
- Trials often receive media attention and require tighter courtroom security.
- Judges are reluctant to grant bail, so you may need to assist your Dayton criminal defense lawyers from jail.
- Discovery in criminal defense cases requires the prosecution to provide your defense law firm any evidence that could produce a favorable outcome.
- During pre-trial motions, the judge reviews possible Constitutional violations and evidentiary issues.
- The Ohio Bureau of Investigation and Identification analyzes forensic evidence.
- Your violent felony attorney’s knowledgeable witnesses also examine the evidence for errors in collection, analysis, and handling.
- Your Dayton criminal defense lawyer will fight to empanel an unbiased jury, although jury selection will be difficult.
- Victims play an enormous role in the Ohio violent crime court process, including providing a victim impact statement during sentencing.
The difficulty and high stakes involved in trials for violent offenses mean you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer or aggravated assault attorney, fighting to preserve your freedom and reputation.
How Can Our Violent Crimes
Defense Attorney Help You?
Defense Plan Strategizing
Investigate the case carefully and thoroughly to develop an effective, tailored defense plan that can be used against your charges.
Legal Counsel and Guidance
Provide specifically tailored advice and counsel throughout your case so you have a basic understanding of what is transpiring and what may come next.
Investigation and Evidence Collection and Analysis
Investigate every aspect of your case and collect all pieces of relevant evidence, allowing us to develop effective defense strategies for your case.
Fierce Negotiation and Plea Bargaining
Press the state for an appropriate plea bargain or sentence deal to avoid trial, but never at the expense of your rights or your interests.
Courtroom Advocacy
Many cases are settled before a court. However, if yours goes to trial, we will vigorously represent you before a judge and jury.
Why Choose Gounaris Abboud, LPA?
Proven History of Success
Decades of combined experience defending against violent crime charges.
Vast Knowledge
Dedicated, seasoned advocates who have developed the proper knowledge and skills to properly defend their clients.
Tailored Legal Attention
Personalized legal guidance and counsel that directly addresses the unique aspects of your case.
Effective Advocacy
Aggressive and effective defenses in and out of court against the charges you are facing.
Client-Centered Efforts
Empathetic and compassionate service with you, the client, as the centerpiece.
The Defenders to
Stand Behind You
Nicholas G. Gounaris
Founding Partner
- With more than 20 years of experience Mr. Gounaris has successfully tried cases in Municipal, State and Federal Courts.
- In the past he’s acted in the capacity of prosecutor, magistrate and acting Judge. As such, Mr. Gounaris is able to understand legal issues from many different vantage points and that experience has proved invaluable in assisting his clients.
Antony Abboud
Founding Partner
- A seasoned lawyer and former prosecutor Antony “Tony” Abboud is named to the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Association Trial Lawyers.
- He has also received a 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo, which is an attorney rating website recognized around the nation.
Our Success Stories
College Student Was Facing Rape and Sexual Assault Charges Pre-Indictment
Client received a diversion program and avoided any felony charges, prison and sex offender charges as Gounaris Abboud was able to begin representation prior to Grand Jury Indictment and was able to provide vital information to show discrepancies in the statement of the complaining witness
Testimonials
Jennifer Dailing
I can’t thank Nick Gounaris and his staff (Especially Kelsea Maxwell) enough for the help my son received. This office is very professional, kind, and nonjudgemental. They go above and beyond to help. When Nick tells you he will do everything he can to help your situation, he does!!! If I ever need an attorney, he will be the person I see without a second thought.
If I could give 10 stars I would!!! Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
Jennifer *
There are simply not enough stars to leave for Tony and his paralegal, Michelle. I found myself in a very scary and unfortunate situation (not something I had ever been in before), and Tony immediately reached back out to take my case. Michelle was so quick to respond and get answers to my many questions. My case was ultimately dismissed – and I can now move on with my life. I can not thank Tony and his team enough. If you are reading the reviews, trying to decide whether to retain this firm- DO NOT HESITATE!!!
Brenda Purdin
Tony and Michelle were great. I felt at ease from my first phone call and conversation with Michelle and Mr. Abboud. He was confident, friendly and reassured me that they would get the best outcome for my situation, and they did. I feel that they genuinely care about their clients and do everything they can to be our voice and represent us in the courtroom.
Violent Crime Defense
Resources in Ohio
Ohio Revised Code
Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code details the precise definition and requirements of violent crimes in Ohio, such as kidnapping, robbery, murder, assault, and aggravated assault and murder.
National Center for Victims of Crime
Crime victims and their families receive support and access to resources through this nationwide organization.
Ohio Attorney General
Valuable information for crime victims can be found on the Attorney General’s website, including information related to crime victim compensation.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department
The Sheriff of Montgomery County has the duty to serve and protect all members of the community fairly.