Experienced Traffic Violation Defense in Dayton, Ohio
Traffic violations can come with crippling fines or suspensions that may be devastating to a person’s life and livelihood. In some cases, severe traffic offenses could even result in jail time.
Many drivers make the mistake of simply paying the ticket to make it go away. However, paying a traffic ticket is an automatic admission of guilt. It guarantees that points will be added to your license, the conviction will go on your permanent driving record, and your insurance premiums will likely increase for the next three years.
At Gounaris Abboud, LPA, we have represented thousands of clients against traffic charges in Warren County, Montgomery County, and Butler County. We know how to build formidable defenses that stand up against the scrutiny of prosecutors and judges. We are adept at attacking a prosecutor’s arguments until we either get the case dismissed or the defendant’s charges reduced to non-moving violations that carry zero points.
If you are concerned about the impact a traffic ticket could have on your ability to drive, your CDL, or your auto insurance rates, don’t hesitate to seek answers and representation. Dayton, Ohio, has one firm that stands above the rest, and that’s Gounaris Abboud, LPA.
Are you facing traffic charges in Dayton, OH?
Call Gounaris Abboud, LPA today at (937) 222-1515 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our traffic defense team!
Traffic Offenses We Can Help With
We defend clients against various moving and non-moving charges. If it’s in the Ohio Revised Code, we’ll give it a look! Here are some of the most common charges we help with:
What Is the Ohio Driving Point System?
In order to track driving behavior and penalize unsafe drivers accordingly, Ohio has created an elaborate driving point system that assigns a specific number of points to a driver’s license when they commit traffic offenses. The more serious the offense is, the more points the driver will receive on their record.
This system is set up to punish drivers for receiving too many points. Consequences escalate as your points increase.
Some of the infractions and crimes that lead to points in Ohio include:
- Some of the infractions and crimes that lead to points in Ohio include:
- Driving Under a Suspension: 6 points
- Failure to Comply With a Police Officer: 6 points
- Failure to Stop After Experiencing an Accident: 6 points
- DUI / OVI: 6 points
- Street and Drag Racing: 6 points
- Vehicular Homicide: 6 points
- All Other Felony Traffic Offenses: 6 points
- Willful or Wanton Disregard (Reckless Operation): 4 points
- Speeding Over 30 mph of the Speed Limit: 4 points
- Underage Drinking and Driving: 4 points
- Failing to Operate a Motor Vehicle According to BMV Restrictions: 2 points
- Going 6–29 mph Over a Posted Speed Limit of 54 mph or Less: 2 points
- Going 11–29 mph Over a Posted Speed Limit of 55 mph or More: 2 points
- Any Other Moving Violation Not Listed: 2 points
The 12-Point Suspension: If you receive 12 or more points in a 24-month period, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended under a Class D suspension for six months.
Once you have completed your suspension period, you can take the steps necessary to reinstate your license, which include completing a driver instruction course, presenting proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 bond), and taking a driving exam.
How to Remove Points: There is recourse you can take if you begin to accumulate too many points. If you accumulate between 2 and 11 points on your record, you can take a BMV-approved remedial driving course that will give you a 2-point credit. This credit acts as a buffer against future suspensions. You can take this course once every three years, up to a maximum of five times in your lifetime.ns the removal of two points from your record, which will be applied upon completion of the course. However, you can only take the course five times.
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Traffic Violations in Ohio?
Ohio’s penalties for criminal traffic violations can vary depending on the specific offense and your prior driving record. Some common violations and their penalties include:
For a first OVI offense, you face a mandatory minimum of three days in jail (or a driver intervention program), monetary fines up to $1,075, and a license suspension that could last three years.
Reckless operation results in a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine for first-time offenders.
Also known as failure to stop after an accident, this results in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for accidents involving property damage. It becomes a felony if the accident resulted in injury or death.
Offenders caught driving with a suspended license are typically charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for a first-time offense, carrying up to six months in jail.
This criminal offense can result in significant prison time, particularly if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the homicide.
Remember that many of these penalties are guidelines that can depend on your circumstances and the judge assigned to your case. You may also seek non-criminal consequences, such as community service and probation.
Remember that many of these penalties are guidelines that can depend on your specific circumstances and the judge assigned to your case. Our attorneys frequently negotiate for non-criminal consequences, such as community service or diversion programs, to keep our clients out of jail.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Traffic Ticket?
One of the main reasons drivers simply pay their tickets is because they cannot afford to take a day off work to sit in traffic court.
When you hire the traffic lawyers at Gounaris Abboud, LPA, we handle the heavy lifting for you. In most minor speeding and traffic cases, our attorneys can appear in court on your behalf. You do not have to miss work, find childcare, or deal with the stress of standing in front of a judge. We will negotiate with the prosecutor and fight the ticket while you go about your normal life.
How Can Our
Traffic Lawyer Help You?
For a strong defense, call the traffic ticket lawyers at the law firm of Gounaris Abboud, LPA.
We are a firm that:
Tailors Defense Strategies
We customize our service to your needs
Has Effective Negotiating Skills
We negotiate hard to get you a mitigated result
Has Evidence Challenging Strategies
We analyze all evidence against you
Explores Diversion Programs
We can help you enter diversion programs
Safeguards Your Driving Privileges
We protect your right to drive
Fights to Minimize Your Penalties
We fight hard to minimize punishments
Has Years of Experience
We have nearly 60 years of combined experience
Has Demonstrable Results
Our record shows that we are capable
Has a Strong Reputation
Our years of serving Dayton and Ohio have led to a strong reputation in the community
Offers Free Consultations
Tell us about your case and get a free opinion
Is Committed to Your Rights
We fight hard to safeguard your rights
Why Choose Gounaris Abboud for Your Traffic Violation Defense?
Gounaris Abboud, LPA is the right choice to defend you because we offer nearly six decades of collective experience. Our defense team includes former prosecutors who know exactly how the state builds its traffic cases—and exactly how to dismantle them. We are available around the clock for free consultations and are recognized by the top groups in the legal industry, including Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Are approaching six decades of collective experience
Are available around the clock for free consultations
Offer legal services tailored to your needs
Are recognized by the top groups in the legal industry
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ohio Traffic Violations
Will a speeding ticket affect my CDL?
Yes, and the consequences are severe. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are held to a much higher standard than regular drivers. A speeding ticket for 15 mph or more over the limit is considered a “serious traffic violation.” Two serious violations within three years will result in a 60-day CDL disqualification, threatening your livelihood.
What happens if I was caught by a traffic camera?
In Ohio, automated traffic camera tickets are generally treated as civil violations, not criminal moving violations. This means they usually result in a fine but do not add points to your license or affect your insurance. However, the laws regarding traffic cameras frequently change, and not all camera-based stops are equal. Flock Safety ALPR cameras — increasingly used by Ohio law enforcement to trigger criminal traffic stops — raise serious Fourth Amendment concerns that go well beyond a standard civil fine. See how we defend against Flock camera evidence. It is always best to have an attorney review any citation or charge that originated from an automated camera system.
Can I contest a traffic ticket and fight the charges in court?
Yes, traffic charges can be contested. Your attorney can present a strong defense against the prosecution’s case and potentially win a favorable outcome.
How long will a traffic violation stay on my driving record in Ohio?
Most traffic violations in Ohio will remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction, perhaps resulting in limited driving privileges during this time.
Can a traffic lawyer keep points off my license?
Yes. In many cases, an experienced traffic lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to have a moving violation (which carries points) reduced to a non-moving violation, such as an equipment failure or a parking violation. Non-moving violations carry zero points and do not impact your insurance rates.
Traffic Violation Resources in Dayton
Ohio Department of Public Safety
This webpage has general information relating to the point system, license suspensions, and reinstating your driver’s license.
Ohio State Highway Patrol
This website provides detailed information regarding the Ohio Highway Patrol, its safety and enforcement efforts, and the campaigns they run.
Ohio Driving Point System
The Ohio Revised Code provides a comprehensive description of the point system in Ohio. You can also review Title 45 of the Ohio Revised Code for a list of traffic offenses and their penalties.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Through the Ohio BMV, you can access various driving reports, forms, and records — including crash reports and your driving record.