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Experienced Student Defense Lawyers in Ohio

Experienced Student Defense Lawyers in Ohio

A conviction can destroy your student’s future. Help a loved one facing charges by consulting our experienced student defense lawyer in Ohio. We have a 95% success rate in criminal cases.

We offer:

  • Free consultation
  • We’re available 24/7

Call our office in Dayton today!

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50+ years
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Protecting the Rights and Interests of University of Dayton and Miami University Students

College helps students mature. Even mistakes teach college students to make better choices. However, some situations risk ruining their lives.

Whether your student faces false accusations or made an error in judgment, they deserve an aggressive criminal defense. Our lawyers representing college students from the University of Dayton and Miami University advise clients from investigation and arrest through trial.

Our attorneys for students’ rights, both attended the University of Dayton for Law school and one attended Miami University as an undergraduate. Our lawyers UD know these universities. We have extensive experience representing students in UD cases filed in the Dayton Municipal Court in Dayton, Ohio, (Montgomery County) and MU cases filed in the Butler County Area I Courts in Oxford, Ohio, (Butler County).

We are known in these courts and have practiced with the judges and prosecutors in these counties.

When you’re searching “student lawyers near me”, contact us to learn how we will customize a legal defense for your student’s case.

Build a Strong Defense with Us!

A conviction can be a significant obstacle to your education and career. We have the knowledge and skills to fight your charges. Contact Gounaris Abboud to discuss your charges with an experienced college student defense attorney.
Get a Free Evaluation(937) 222-1515
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

Types of University Student Offenses We Handle

Types of University Student Offenses We Handle

We defend college students from all criminal charges. However, young people are disproportionately accused of the following crimes:

  • OVI (operated a vehicle impaired)
  • Drug crimes
  • Sexual assault
  • Assault
  • Public intoxication
  • Underage alcohol possession or consumption
  • Obstructing Official Business
  • Vandalism, criminal mischief, and criminal damaging
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Theft
  • Drug possession or trafficking

These crimes range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Do not assume a court will go lightly on your student because of their age or lack of criminal record. While a court may consider these factors, a conviction could result in more than jail time and fines.

Convictions go on your student’s criminal history. With a criminal record, your loved one might be expelled from school. Even if they graduate, they might be unable to secure a job or professional license.

Possible Penalties for Students Facing Criminal Charges

The possible penalties your student may face will vary depending on the offense as well as other aggravating and mitigating factors. Some offenses can result in imprisonment, even for first offenders.

For example, a student convicted of a first OVI offense faces mandatory jail time or a drug and alcohol abuse evaluation. If a drunk driver causes an accident that seriously injures someone, they may face even more severe punishments.

Students charged with assault, theft, and sexual assault may face felony sentences, including at least a year in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and a felony criminal record.

Our goal in these cases is to fight for a fair process and ensure the court has all the facts, including exculpatory and mitigating evidence.

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* Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Gounaris Abboud.
(937) 222-1515
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Worried About the Consequences of Your Student’s Criminal Charge?

Criminal charges can be intimidating for anyone, particularly young people with their entire lives ahead of them. We fight aggressively to defend your student’s rights. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more.

Schedule a Free Consultation(937) 222-1515
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

Understanding the Court Process for Students Facing Legal Charges

University students 18 or older are treated as adults by the court system. Once the police have probable cause to believe your student may have committed a crime, they will be arrested and booked into jail. The court process after this point includes the following:

Initial Appearance

The judge will inform the student of the charges and ask them to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge may also decide whether to release them on bail. It is important to secure legal counsel PRIOR to this initial appearance to ensure all rights are protected.

Pretrial

A pretrial and especially the time between the Initial Appearance (or Arraignment) is important to request, preserve and review all evidence. It is a time to evaluate the evidence and prepare a defense or to find all mitigating information that can assist in defending a case. The Pretrial is a meeting between the Prosecutor and the Defense Attorney to discuss all these issues.

Preparation for Trial

Both the prosecutor and defense counsel prepare for trial by gathering evidence. This is when we can challenge illegal searches and request that evidence be excluded. We also negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain.

Trial

If prosecutors do not offer a fair plea, we take the case to trial. We execute a defense strategy that may include undercutting the prosecution’s case and presenting affirmative defenses.

What University Students Need to Know About Interactions with Police

Many people have their first interaction with the police as university students. During these interactions, students should keep some principles in mind.

Students Are Not Required to Talk to the Police

The police gather information by talking to people. They are trained in interrogation techniques. Rather than speaking to the police, university students should respectfully decline and assert their right not to answer.

Students Can Have a Lawyer During Questioning

Withstanding police questioning can be difficult for hardened criminals. Rather than facing the police alone, suspects should always assert their right to have a student rights attorney present during questioning.

Arrests Are Not Convictions

An arrest is just the first step in the criminal justice process. Your university student will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case to overcome the charges against them. Talking to a criminal defense lawyer is the first step in building a defense.

How Can Our Student Defense Lawyers Help You?

1.

Creating an Effective Strategy

Our team will thoroughly investigate your case to create a custom-tailored defense to address your charges.

2.

Legal Guidance

We’ll work directly alongside you to provide counsel and advice to help you understand the legal process and what to expect next in your case.

3.

Analysis of Evidence

We’ll gather records for all relevant evidence in your case so that we can analyze the best ways to frame and use that evidence to support your defense.

4.

Negotiation and Plea Bargaining When Appropriate

If it’s in your best interests to press the state to provide an appropriate plea bargain to avoid trial, we’ll advise you on your options and will advocate fiercely on your behalf.

5.

Advocacy Within the Courtroom

In many circumstances, cases are settled out of court. If your case proceeds to trial, we’ll provide vigorous representation, arguing effectively before a judge and jury.

Why Should I Hire a Student Rights Lawyer from Gounaris Abboud?

The attorneys for college students at Gounaris Abboud have over 50 years of combined legal experience and hundreds of positive client reviews on Google. We have the skills and knowledge to provide an aggressive defense tailored to your student’s situation.

Some benefits of hiring us for your University of Dayton or Miami University student include:

Personalized Attention

Personalized Attention

Keeping your student informed at all times about the case.
Record of Success

Record of Success

With a 95% success rate in obtaining positive outcomes.
24/7 Availability

24/7 Availability

To answer questions and guide your student.
Whether your student is facing misdemeanor charges for public intoxication or felony drug trafficking charges, we are the right choice for their defense.
FREE Case Analysis(937) 222-1515
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

Meet OurAttorneys

view our team
Nicholas G. Gounaris

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

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.
Hear What<span class="subtitle">Our Clients Are Saying</span>

Hear WhatOur Clients Are Saying

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4.9
340 Reviews
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5
13 Review
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5
3 Review
5
Attorney Nick Gounaris handled my case and he did a wonderful job. I am very pleased with this law firm. I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my many questions and they were very sympathetic and understanding, always quick to respond when I would call. I am happy with the outcome of my case. If you find yourself in a situation that needs legal help, these are the guys to call!
Melinda Q.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. The fees for their services were worth every cent and superior to any public defendant representation. They both put their hearts into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.
Melinda Q.
5
I found Gounaris and Abboud through good online reviews. Mr. Abboud handled my cases very professionally for two years. He truly takes his cases to heart and cares about his clients. He keeps you informed and has all the answers to all your questions. You really feel safe with Mr. Abboud as your lawyer. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing professional family law representation.
Patty M.
5
I thought I was in a no win situation until I met these gentleman. They are smart, aggressive, dedicated, connected and CAN GET THE JOB DONE.
James O.
5
They did absolutely everything possible to help reduce the sentence and charges faced. They both put their heart into their work and care like nobody else.
Karis F.
5
“They both put their heart into their work and care like nobody else I have ever encountered in the legal system.”
Karis F.
5
I have never been in the situation I found myself in ever before and it was scary and confusing, but Nick and his staff were wonderful with answering my questions.
Melinda Q.
5
“I felt a sense of peace and confidence when I met Tony. He has given me undivided attention in our appointments together.”
Sarah B.
5
Having my wife find herself in a legal situation which required top notch representation, we were introduced to Nick Gounaris of the firm Gounaris, Denslow and Abboud. Throughout the process, Nick provided us with not only his professional law expertise, but also continual reassurance that we would receive a very positive outcome. Nick went above and beyond in advising us regarding our case. We cannot thank Nick enough for his encouragement, truthfulness and belief in my wife. We give Nick and his firm 5 stars. If anyone is in the need of legal representation, the firm of Gounaris, Denslow and Abboud is the only choice.
Todd M.

Are You Facing Legal Trouble as a Student?

Gounaris Abboud has decades of experience helping University of Dayton and Miami University students facing criminal charges. Contact us to learn how an aggressive student defense lawyer in Ohio from our firm can help.
* Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Gounaris Abboud.
(937) 222-1515
Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free

FAQ for Parents of MU and UD Students

How is court representation different from disciplinary administrative hearings?

Disciplinary hearings follow the university’s procedures and may result in suspension or expulsion. Court hearings follow the state’s rules of criminal procedure and may result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Our lawyers for college students focus exclusively on handling criminal court cases. However, a student should NOT ignore any notice from the school. Our lawyers can assist in advising students how best to respond and if legal counsel is necessary for these administrative hearings. It is also important to know that both the University of Dayton and Miami University have a system in place that can cause suspension or expulsion from the school because of too many infractions.

What should I expect during the initial consultation with your firm?

We start by understanding your student’s side of the story. Our lawyers for university students use that information to customize a defense strategy for their unique situation. This discussion will be completely confidential so your student can speak honestly and openly about what happened.

FAQs for University Students

Can I have my criminal record expunged or sealed if I’m a student?

People convicted of certain crimes may be eligible for expungement or sealing after waiting the required period. The number and severity of the convictions will determine your eligibility. If a lawyer for students secures an expungement, the state will seal your criminal history from the public.

How will a criminal charge affect my university life?

Our hope is that our attorney for students can overcome your charges so they do not affect your school life. However, the alleged acts that led to your charges might trigger disciplinary action by the university. The resulting punishment may include suspension, expulsion, and other sanctions.

Can I still attend university if I’m convicted of a crime?

A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from enrolling in classes. However, you may be required to disclose the conviction to your current school and face discipline. If you change schools, the new school may require you to disclose convictions in your applications. It is also important to understand that law enforcement regularly report infractions to the schools.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Every case is unique. Some cases can be resolved in a few weeks if we can persuade the prosecution to dismiss the charges. Other cases may take several months or longer because they require a trial. We will have a better idea of the timeframe for resolving your case after we discuss it.