Bellbrook’s Crime Rate — Don’t Underestimate the Stakes
While Bellbrook enjoys lower crime rates than many communities in Ohio and across the nation, criminal charges still have serious consequences. It’s important to remember that even in a relatively safe environment, a single encounter with the legal system can have long-lasting impacts on your life.
While violent crimes are less common in Bellbrook (with a 1 in 1,476 chance), the risk of property crime, unfortunately, stands at a concerning 1 in 172.
Bellbrook Violent Crimes
| Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report Total | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Rate per 1,000 | 0.0 | 0.41 | 0.0 | 0.27 |
Bellbrook Property Crimes
| Burglary | Theft | Motor Vehicle Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report Total | 5 | 37 | 1 |
| Rate per 1,000 | 0.68 | 5.01 | 0.14 |
No matter the nature of the charges you face, having skilled legal representation on your side from the outset is essential for protecting your future. Gounaris Abboud combines local knowledge of the Bellbrook courts with statewide connections, providing the aggressive defense you deserve.
Charged with a Misdemeanor in Bellbrook? Don’t Underestimate the Consequences.
The law divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor charges usually cover a lower level or degree of more serious crimes.
Some common misdemeanors include:
- Simple assault
- Theft of property worth less than $1,000
- Vandalism and criminal mischief
- Possession of marijuana
Although misdemeanors are less severe, a court can still sentence you to up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. You will have a criminal record that could impair your ability to find employment or housing. You may also get disqualified from certain government aid programs.
With so much at stake, consider at least consulting an experienced lawyer to learn the court process you will face and the law that applies to your charges. You can discuss possible defenses and make an informed decision about whether to hire a law firm for your case.
In many situations, Gounaris Abboud has provided people accused of misdemeanors strong defenses that produced a positive outcome and preserved their reputations in the Bellbrook area.
A Fresh Start in Bellbrook: Expungement & Record Sealing
Employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, and the general public can see any convictions on your record. Only juvenile offenses may be sealed automatically from public scrutiny.
State law allows certain offenders to have convictions expunged or records sealed. Expungement means the conviction is removed from the person’s record. Sealing means the record is closed to the public, but the conviction remains on the record.
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement or sealing, including:
- Sex crimes that require sex offender registration
- Violent felonies
- Crimes where the victim was a juvenile under 13
- First or second-degree felonies
- Violations of the driver’s license law, such as driving on a suspended license
- Third-degree felonies if the offender has one or more additional felonies
Additionally, most domestic violence convictions are ineligible. However, fourth-degree misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can be sealed but not expunged.
We will prepare and file your petition for expungement or sealing with the court. The judge will set a hearing and notify the prosecutor. In many cases, the prosecution will tacitly agree to clear your record by not appearing at the hearing. In other cases, they will oppose it, and we will need to advocate at the hearing for the court to take action.
Gounaris Abboud’s Proven Legal Strategies
We use our five decades of experience, including work as former prosecutors, to employ a strategic, organized approach to analyzing your case and developing a defense, even in straightforward cases.
First, we listen to your side of the story, including adverse facts, so we know exactly what happened. The facts will tell us the defenses we will use.
Next, we gather evidence, including witness testimony and physical evidence. Although prosecutors have the burden of proof for the offense, we have the burden of proof for most affirmative defenses.
Finally, we tailor your defenses to your situation. We present them while negotiating a dismissal or plea deal. We also present them to a jury if your case reaches trial.
