You Need Representation from an Experienced Murder Defense Lawyer Who Is Extremely Knowledgeable in the Law to Provide You with the Best Possible Defense
If you are a suspect in a murder investigation or face murder charges in Dayton, Ohio, today, you and your family probably know how high the stakes are for you.
No charge is more serious than murder. Accordingly, people convicted of murder face the stiffest penalties the criminal justice system in Ohio can impose.
The police and prosecutors will stop at nothing to ensure they capture and convict the person who committed the crime. Their dedication to pursuing justice for the victim and the victim’s family means you need to have a lawyer who will do the same for you.
Therefore, having a Dayton, Ohio murder defense lawyer with a wealth of experience defending serious criminal charges who also possesses an extraordinary knowledge of Ohio law on your side is necessary to ensure you receive the justice guaranteed to you by the Constitution.
Murder Charges in Ohio
Ohio law has created two categories of murder charges: aggravated murder and murder. You should understand the difference if you have charges of murder in Dayton, Ohio, today.
What Is Murder Under Ohio Law?
Murder is the unlawful killing of another or unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy. Ohio law also defines murder as causing the death of another person while committing a felony in the first or second degree, unless those felonies are voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
A conviction or a guilty plea to murder carries a prison sentence between 15 years and life, along with a fine of no more than $15,000. Murder charges can be accompanied by enhanced charges such as:
- The victim was younger than 13;
- The accused had a sexual motivation to commit the crime; or
- The accused is a sexually violent predator and had a sexual motivation to commit the crime.
Murder charges under these circumstances allow the judge to sentence the offender to 30 years to life, or life without parole, depending on the case.
What Is Aggravated Murder According to Ohio Law?
Aggravated murder in Ohio is the purposeful killing of another or unlawful termination of a pregnancy with “prior calculation and design.” The mental element of the charge is often referred to as “malice aforethought.”
Examples of killing with prior calculation and design are lying in wait to kill, poisoning, or drowning the victim.
Ohio law punishes several other killings as aggravated murder as well. A person could face aggravated murder charges for:
- Purposely killing another while committing, attempting to commit, or fleeing from kidnapping, rape, arson, aggravated arson, robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary, trespass in a home when someone is there, escape, or terrorism;
- Purposely killing a person younger than 13;
- Intentionally causing the death of another after escaping detention following the conviction of a felony;
- Intentionally killing a law enforcement officer or killing a law enforcement officer in the line of duty; or
- Purposely killing a military member or first responder because the victim was a first responder or in the military.
A person convicted of aggravated murder in Ohio faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. The court could assess a fine not to exceed $25,000 as well.
What Could a Dayton, Ohio Murder Defense Attorney Do For You?
You need a dedicated advocate who will strive to find justice if you face charges alleging murder in Dayton, Ohio. Having the overworked public defender in your corner means you are just another file.
However, with an experienced Dayton, Ohio murder defense lawyer fighting for you, you will have a zealous advocate who will:
- Prioritize your case;
- Examine every piece of evidence closely;
- Investigate third-party culprits, find independent witnesses, and look for ways to discredit the state’s witnesses; and
- Argue the best defenses to win your case or weaken the state’s case so that you receive a reduced charge.
The potential defenses an experienced Dayton, Ohio criminal defense lawyer could use depends on the circumstances of each case.
Experience the Difference Aggressive Representation Could Make for You
Our dedicated and experienced murder defense attorneys with Gounaris Abboud, LPA, have distinguished themselves throughout their careers. Our murder defense team includes an acting judge, former magistrate, and former prosecutor.
We are aggressive advocates for our clients facing capital crimes like murder. Guided by our extensive experience, our team will assemble the best defense possible guaranteed by the Constitution.
Call our office today at 937-222-1515 or visit our website to learn how we could help you defend your charges of murder in Dayton, Ohio.
Nicholas Gounaris
Nick Gounaris attended Miami University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree and then went on to attend
University of Dayton School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate. In 2011, Mr. Gounaris was awarded a 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo, which is an attorney rating website recognized around the nation. He provides clients of the firm with competent legal representation and focuses his law practice in the areas of DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law Issues, Federal Criminal Law and Personal Injury cases.
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