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White Collar Crime Lawyer in Dayton: Aggressive Defense to Protect
Your Future

White-collar criminal charges threaten your reputation, your livelihood, and your freedom. You need a formidable defense strategy from an experienced criminal defense firm to fight against the life-altering consequences you face with a conviction. Gounaris Abboud is ready to aggressively defend your future. Call anytime, 24/7, for a free consultation.

Your Trusted White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dayton

Gounaris Abboud is a premier criminal defense firm in Ohio with an extensive history of vigorously defending white-collar defendants in Dayton and throughout the state. We use creative strategies along with proven tactics to craft the most effective defenses available.

When you choose Gounaris Abboud, you choose a firm with:

  • Over 50 years of collective experience
  • 10.0 “Superb” rating for each of our partners on Avvo
  • Hundreds of five-star reviews from clients
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation

You also get a firm that is always ready to fight for you, 24 hours a day. When you need us, we are there.

Accused of a White-Collar Crime?

We offer free initial case consultations. Call Gounaris Abboud today to begin building your defense.

Types of White-Collar Crimes We Handle

With our white-collar defense work, we’ve fought for clients and won favorable resolutions in a range of cases. Convictions for some of these crimes can lead to substantial prison time.

Fraud
Embezzlement
Money Laundering
Tax Evasion
Identity Theft
Bribery
Insider Trading
Cybercrime
Environmental Crimes
Signature Forgery
Credit Card Fraud

Fraud

Fraud is theft through the use of deceit. It typically involves a purposeful misrepresentation of fact in order to commit the theft.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves a breach of trust. A common embezzlement situation might involve an employee who has access or control over company funds and steals them.

Money Laundering

Attempts to conceal the illegal source of assets can lead to money laundering charges. While it is frequently associated with drug trafficking, money laundering also occurs in conjunction with other white-collar offenses such as securities fraud, insurance fraud, and wire fraud.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion occurs when a party purposefully seeks to avoid mandatory taxation. Federal and state prosecutions can result from tax evasion. Gounaris Abboud defense attorneys are more than adept at defending clients in state or federal court.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the use of someone else’s identity without their consent. In most identity theft cases, the charge involves an unlawful intent to profit financially.

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Bribery

Bribery is unlawfully providing a benefit to a public official, government agent, or similar party in exchange for something. It need not involve cash or even a tangible item, and a conviction can lead to years in prison. As long as some benefit is conferred or offered, a bribery charge may stand.

Insider Trading

Prosecutions for insider trading target parties who profit from securities due to advance or secret information not available to the public. As the media shows, no one is immune from insider trading charges and related prison time, including celebrities.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime convictions can bring significant prison time. Defendants need formidable defenses against cybercrime allegations, which may include charges for other white-collar offenses.

Environmental Crimes

Environmental white-collar crimes are often referred to as “green-collar crimes.” Charges typically detail actions that defy environmental regulations, such as laws relating to the handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

Signature Forgery

Signature forgery occurs when someone signs another person’s name without authorization, typically to commit fraud or gain financial advantage. It can lead to both state and federal criminal charges, especially when used in financial documents, contracts, or checks.

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Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s credit card information to make purchases or obtain services. It is a serious white-collar crime that can lead to both criminal charges and severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

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Don’t Face White-Collar Charges Alone

Now’s the time to protect your future. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Don’t risk maximum criminal penalties by going it alone. Contact Gounaris Abboud today.

What Are White-Collar Crimes in Ohio?

White-collar crimes include a range of nonviolent criminal acts committed for financial gain. They involve some level of fraud or deceit and frequently involve a breach of public trust. Additionally, they typically occur within a business or corporate environment.

Common examples of white-collar crimes include:

  • Identity theft
  • Tax evasion
  • Ponzi schemes
  • Money laundering
  • Mortgage fraud

This list is but a small representation of the many white-collar crimes chargeable in Ohio. In many cases, defendants face more than one charge due to the nature of their activities. Whether you are looking at one or a dozen white-collar charges, you are strongly recommended to seek qualified representation immediately.

Federal White-Collar Charges in Dayton

White-collar criminal charges can be filed at the state or federal level. Frequently, but not always, the same act is chargeable both federally and at the state level. A close look at the penalties for federal vs. state white-collar convictions shows that federal convictions bring harsher penalties.

Federal white-collar crimes are also often more legally and situationally complex than state charges. They may involve various federal financial agencies with police powers, such as:

  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

If you are facing state or federal charges, you need immediate, effective criminal representation. Gounaris Abboud is here to stand with you. Our white-collar legal team confidently defends Dayton, Ohio, clients from all manner of charges, including:

  • Mortgage fraud
  • Insider trading
  • Bank fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Wage theft
  • Copyright infringement
  • Internet crimes
  • Medicaid fraud
  • Embezzlement

If you have been charged with these or other federal crimes, you can rely on Gounaris Abboud for the aggressive defense your charges require. Year after year, we fight for clients against federal charges and the severe punishments they bring. Our experience with federal law and procedures makes us a strong choice to defend your future.

Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Ohio

In order to deter white-collar criminal behavior like tax fraud and misappropriation of public funds, state and federal governments levy severe criminal penalties for convictions.

As you will note from the table, potential fines and prison time can be extensive. The sentence each defendant receives depends on the crime they are charged with along with other factors. The following will usually lead to harsher sentences:

  • Repeat offender
  • Substantial sum of money involved
  • Multiple victims involved
  • Continuing enterprise or conspiracy
  • Elderly victims

On the other hand, the following factors can result in lighter sentences:

  • First-time offender
  • Low sum of money
  • Few victims
  • One-time incident

In some Dayton white-collar crime cases, defendants may be held to pay restitution for their crimes. Restitution involves returning ill-gotten gains as well as paying costs and losses associated with the crime, such as lost wages and medical expenses. These payments are in addition to fines assessed upon conviction.

For some crimes, probation instead of prison or jail may be possible. When appropriate, you can expect our law firm to push probation over jail time. If you receive probation, it can last for up to five years. During that time, you’ll be expected to appear at regular check-ins with a probation officer and follow other requirements and restrictions.

White-Collar Crimes

White-Collar Crimes

FinesJail/Prison Time
Misdemeanor of the First DegreeUp to $1,000Up to 180 days in jail
Felony of the Fifth DegreeUp to $2,5006 to 12 months in prison
Felony of the Fourth DegreeUp to $5,0006 to 18 months in prison
Felony of the Third DegreeUp to $10,0001 to 5 years in prison
Felony of the Second DegreeUp to $15,0002 to 8 years in prison
Felony of the Third DegreeUp to $20,0003 to 10 years in prison

How Gounaris Abboud Fights White-Collar Charges

Although charges may be similar from case to case, the situation of each defendant who faces criminal charges is markedly different. However, we approach every case with the same high standards. To get the results our clients are looking for, we always engage in:

  • Thorough investigations
  • Detailed evidence analysis
  • Extensive legal research

Details are what’s important at Gounaris Abboud. We are meticulous in our defense of clients and honor their cases by fiercely pursuing every viable strategy. If you have been charged with a white-collar offense, you can expect our team to vigorously advocate for the most favorable outcome, which may include:

  • Dropped charges
  • Dismissed charges
  • Reduced charges
  • Sentence reduction
  • Probation

Your future is our primary concern at Gounaris Abboud. Let our white-collar crime defense lawyers fight to hold prosecutors to account, introduce reasonable doubt, and negotiate for less severe potential penalties. Call today for a free consultation and case review.

Understanding White-Collar Charges

In some cases, you can be held criminally liable for the actions of others. Conspiracy is a well-known example. If you join with someone to engage in fraudulent activity, you can be charged with conspiracy. You can also be held vicariously liable for the actions of your co-conspirator or even subordinates and business partners.

For example, if your business partner has been cooking the books for years, you can face criminal charges even if you were not aware of their activities. If you’re being investigated due to a business associate’s actions, seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

The potential penalties for a white-collar conviction are harsh and certain. Unfortunately, they are not the only consequences you could face. Numerous collateral consequences follow convictions for white-collar crimes — some of them worse than criminal punishments:

  • Inability to continue in your career or to find any kind of work
  • Suspension or loss of your professional license
  • Tarnished reputation
  • Strains on personal relationships

Many organizations and businesses perform background checks on individuals applying for jobs, housing, or schooling. If a background check turns up your criminal record, you could face yet another rejection.

Because white-collar crimes involve a dimension of deceit or fraud, convicted offenders find it extremely difficult or impossible to gain the trust of people and organizations. At Gounaris Abboud, we understand these consequences and their effects on people’s lives, which is why we do everything in our power to protect our clients with the full force of the law.

We’re ready to employ both time-tested and innovative strategies in your defense. Some strategies involve challenging the prosecution’s evidence, such as:

  • Fighting to exclude illegally obtained evidence
  • Discrediting witnesses
  • Finding holes in the state’s forensic accounting analysis
  • Rebutting the prosecution’s arguments with the testimony of expert witnesses

Our defense lawyers are fierce, effective negotiators who can advocate for your best interests. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may fight for a plea bargain that results in reduced charges or less severe penalties.

If your case goes before a judge or jury, our trial lawyers will prepare procedural and substantive defenses to stymie the prosecutor’s case. Our experience in court is extensive and informs our every decision.

If you are charged with a white-collar crime, you may be initially shocked — or you may have been expecting it. In either case, know that your strongest ally is an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Law enforcement will be working to build their case against you, which is why you should always remain silent in the face of police questioning. You should also:

  • Insist on an attorney and contact one immediately.
  • Politely refuse to speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
  • Keep silent about your case except when with your attorney.
  • Gather and organize all relevant documents.

Remember, a charge is not the end of the story but the beginning. By following the above steps, you can help your defense team build a stronger case.

You have the right to request an appeal after a white-collar crime conviction, but only if you were convicted at trial and only if you file a notice of appeal within 30 days of your conviction. If you accept a plea, you will likely waive your right to appeal.

Your attorneys must show valid grounds for the appeal, such as prejudicial error or lack of evidence. The objective is to move the appeals court to invalidate some or all of the previous proceedings. The criminal appeals attorneys at Gounaris Abboud are persuasive, meticulous advocates for our clients.

Watch Our
Quick Legal
Takes

Our YouTube Shorts channel features veteran defense attorneys breaking down everything from Miranda rights to jury duty in under 60 seconds. Stay informed with professional legal insights designed for your real-world protection.

Why Choose Gounaris Abboud for
Your White-Collar Case?

Gounaris Abboud rises above other criminal defense firms because of our passion for defending our clients and because of our results. When we get involved in a case, prosecutors and law enforcement officials know they will have a fight on their hands. Our reputation as effective criminal defenders is well known. As thousands have done in the past, you can trust our team with your defense.

Choosing Gounaris Abboud means choosing a firm with:

Seasoned, Aggressive Defense Attorneys

Years of Successful Criminal Defense Representation

Client-Focused Legal Services and Counsel

Direct, Around-the-Clock Access to Our Attorneys

Extensive Knowledge of Federal and State Criminal Laws

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.

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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.

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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 White-Collar Crime

Can I expunge or seal a white-collar conviction?

In Ohio, it is not possible to expunge a conviction for any crime. However, the state does allow certain crimes to be sealed. Sealing does not completely remove a conviction and associated records like arrests. It does, however, seal it from the view of most potential searchers, such as employers and apartment rental companies.

Is prison mandatory with white-collar convictions?

Prison terms are to be expected with white-collar convictions. In some cases, the law requires mandatory time behind bars for convicted offenders. Part of our defense in these cases involves fighting to get less prison time than the prosecutor is seeking.

Should I reach out to a white-collar crime defense lawyer for representation?

The sooner you reach out for representation from a criminal defense firm, the better for your case, starting when you are simply under suspicion. Every stage presents an opportunity for a strong legal response, from pre-arrest through trial. If you contact our team early on, we can go immediately to work and strive to get a step ahead of the prosecution.

Helpful Resources for White-Collar
Crime in Dayton

You can visit these online resources for general information about white-collar crimes in Dayton. While reviewing them, don’t hesitate to call Gounaris Abboud with
your questions and concerns.

Ohio Revised Code — Chapter 2913

This chapter of the Ohio Revised Code contains the specific wording of white-collar theft and fraud charges at the state level. It also provides definitions of actions, parties, and key legal terminology. The code explains what specifically constitutes a crime and which elements a prosecutor must prove for a conviction.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

The SEC is the premier federal agency for investigating and prosecuting securities-related fraud in civil court. The SEC can also refer cases to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.

FBI White-Collar Crime Division

The FBI handles federal white-collar crime investigations for the Department of Justice, working closely with other agencies like the IRS and the United States Postal Service.

Take
the First Step

Don’t let a criminal charge define your life. The team at Gounaris Abboud is ready to stand up and fight for you. We are available 24/7 to take your call because we know that legal troubles don’t wait for business hours.

Your defense starts now. Schedule a free, completely confidential consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Dayton criminal defense lawyer. There is no obligation. Let us show you how we can help.

(937) 222-1515

Contact

Our Dayton
Defense Team Today

*Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Gounaris Abboud