Can you face two DUI charges from one stop? Learn what happens if you get two DUIs in Ohio and how to protect your rights. Contact our defense team today.

Facing evidentiary issues or weak proof in your criminal case? Learn how insufficient evidence can lead to dismissal. Schedule your private consultation now.

What differs arrest, charge, and conviction? Contact Gounaris Abboud for free case review and discover what each term means for your case.

Learn how mental culpability affects criminal charges and convictions in Ohio. Understand the definitions of purposely, knowingly, recklessly, and negligently.

Marital sexual assault and spousal rape are serious crimes. Understand Ohio laws on spousal sexual abuse, consent, and legal defenses. Get legal help today!

Learn how a wet and reckless charge in Ohio differs from a DUI, its penalties, and when DUI attorneys in Dayton can help reduce your charges. Free consultation!

Learn what appellate judges review during an appeal, including legal errors and procedures. Understand the appellate process and get a free consultation today!

Learn about Ohio fake ID laws, penalties, and legal consequences. A student defense lawyer in Ohio can help protect your rights. Get a free consultation today!

Learn what a disposed case means, how it affects your record, and explore legal options like expungement. Get answers from Dayton criminal defense lawyers now!

Learn how wrongful convictions are overturned and what steps lead to exoneration. Contact Dayton criminal defense attorneys to fight for your freedom.

Learn about child endangerment laws, penalties, and defenses in Ohio. Protect your rights with the skilled attorneys at Gounaris Abboud. Contact us today!

A conviction for operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) has serious consequences in Ohio. Even first offenders can face mandatory jail time and other penalties. Knowing how to get out of an OVI in Ohio could preserve your freedom and keep your criminal record clear. These charges might seem insurmountable because the state’s evidence often includes...

Learn about the factors that can lead to a false positive on a breathalyzer test from foods to human errors. Get a consultation with Dayton DUI & OVI lawyers.

Learn the crucial differences between robbery and burglary, including aggravated forms. Contact a Dayton theft defense lawyer for expert legal guidance today!

Learn about Ohio gun laws for felons and the potential penalties. If you’re facing charges, contact a Dayton weapons charges defense attorney for a free consultation.

Learn about Ohio's sexual battery laws and potential penalties. Facing charges? Contact our Dayton sex crime lawyer for experienced legal defense.

Learn how breathalyzer tests work, what are common defenses, and how Dayton DUI attorneys can help you. Get expert advice from Gounaris Abboud today!

Ohio gun laws explained! Discover legal ways to transport firearms. Learn about deadly force and self-defense in Dayton. Get a free consultation today!

Facing domestic violence charges in Dayton, Ohio? Learn how it affects child custody and visitation rights. Get legal help to protect your future today!

Learn about differences and peculiarities of Ohio’s medical and recreational marijuana laws for 2025. Get a consultation with a Dayton drug crime attorney today!

Discover the consequences & penalties for felony 5 drug possession in Dayton. Learn about defenses & legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney.

Domestic violence accusations can have immediate and serious consequences. Aside from jail time, people tend to assume the worst, and domestic violence accusations can tarnish your reputation even before you have a chance to fight the charges. Knowing the law about domestic violence in Ohio can help you face the challenges that arise after a...

DUI checkpoints pop up regularly and tend to save lives. However, just because these checkpoints save lives does not mean law enforcement officers have unlimited powers during a checkpoint search. They are required to obey certain rules at DUI checkpoints in Ohio. If they don’t, the evidence they seize may be thrown out. Dayton DUI/OVI...

Intoxicated driving is one of the most common criminal charges in Ohio. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that 19,008 people were arrested on OVI charges in the state in 2018 alone. No matter the specific circumstances, an OVI charge is always a serious matter. Even a first-time OVI conviction could result in a defendant...

Find out how long points stay on your license in Ohio and how many points it takes to suspend your license. Learn about the Ohio point system and its impact on your driving privileges.

Understanding the differences between OVI, DUI, DWI, and OMVI is essential. Learn the distinctions, legal implications, and terminology in our informative guide.

Like every other state, Ohio law criminalizes certain sexual acts. Typically, sex crimes are those sexual acts that violate the rights of others. Often, the rights violated in sex crimes center around a victim’s right to privacy and personal choice. But you are wondering, Is voyeurism illegal? The answer is yes. In fact, voyeurism is...

Ohio law prohibits individuals intoxicated by alcohol or drugs from carrying a firearm. For obvious reasons, Ohio lawmakers doubt the decision-making ability of anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By punishing individuals drunk while carrying a gun, this law aims to deter others from committing the violation. Contact us online or call (937)...

According to the CDC, there were 24,576 homicides in the United States in 2020. Broadly, homicide is defined as the deliberate and unlawful killing of another person. There are many ways people commit murder using objects clearly defined as weapons, everyday objects, or no weapon at all. However, there are three categories of commonly used...

Embezzlement is one of the most commonly prosecuted white-collar crimes in America’s state and federal courts. However, the laws surrounding embezzlement are complex, and those who face these serious charges often lack a full understanding of how they allegedly broke the law. At Gounaris Abboud our dedicated team of white-collar criminal defense attorneys has a...

Your Driving Under Suspension in Ohio Questions Answered In Ohio, OVI means operating a vehicle impaired. It falls under the same umbrella of charges as a DUI (driving under the influence) but applies to both motorized and non-motorized vehicles. In Ohio, you commit driving under OVI suspension when you operate a vehicle with a driver’s...

The charge of Importuning often confuses the accused, as it is a term that is not part of everyday language. The first question many ask in these cases is, What is importuning? If you are facing this charge, you need to know the importuning definition in the Ohio revised code, importuning charge implications, and what...

If you have a child who has run into trouble with the law in Ohio, you are probably worried about what could happen to them. It’s only natural to worry about their well-being. In addition to the many worries a parent has when their child runs into trouble, you are probably wondering about the punishment...

Have you or a loved one been charged with a felony in Ohio? If so, you’ll want to know what to expect from your preliminary hearing. When a defendant is charged with a felony in Ohio, a preliminary hearing will be scheduled in the local municipal court. According to the United States Department of Justice...

By their very nature, extradition cases involve multiple law enforcement agencies, court hearings, and defendants whom the law views as fugitives of justice. But extradition is also a legal process in which the defendant has rights, and the State must follow Ohio extradition laws. For immediate assistance and a free consultation, please call our Ohio...

Having a Dedicated Ohio Criminal Attorney Can Help You Avoid Prison If You Face Charges of Rape in Ohio Ohio rape charges are severe. A conviction under rape laws in Ohio could leave you languishing in prison for years or even for life. Furthermore, you could face life-long secondary consequences arising from the conviction, such...

Solicitation is an Ohio criminal charge that is related to but separate from prostitution. If you have been accused of solicitation in Ohio, you are probably worried about jail time and potential harm to your reputation. Here, we will discuss Ohio solicitation laws and some important information about how to beat a solicitation charge. What...

If you face an allegation of brandishing a weapon, you may be unclear regarding the nature of the charge, the possible defenses, the penalties if convicted, and whether you need an attorney. These are all relevant concerns because Ohio brandishing law makes brandishing a crime in certain circumstances, and you need a strong defense. Contact...

Explore Ohio’s teen driving laws, risks, and consequences of traffic violations. Contact Dayton traffic lawyers for teens to get professional assistance.

Clients frequently ask us, What is the charge for possession of drug paraphernalia? Ohio statutes make this answer simple by labeling the violation “possession of drug paraphernalia.” In many cases, paraphernalia charges arise in combination with drug possession charges. Here, we are going to provide information about the possession of drug paraphernalia in Ohio and...

Incarceration, fines, and probation are the obvious consequences of a criminal conviction. But convictions—especially felony convictions—have collateral consequences too. One of the most significant is the effect a criminal conviction has on the custody of your children. If you have concerns about how your criminal case will affect your custody rights, you need a law...

You might not find out about an outstanding warrant until a police officer informs you that you are under arrest. At that point, it is too late to do anything to prevent you from going to jail. That’s why you should learn how to find out if you have an outstanding warrant. You can formulate...

Shoplifting crimes may seem like minor offenses. However, the shoplifting laws in Ohio fall under the general category of theft. Since theft crimes can either be misdemeanors or felonies, you should be aware of the negative consequences a theft conviction could have on your life. Having a dedicated and experienced Ohio criminal defense lawyer by...

Menacing stalking in Ohio can be a serious charge that can change your life. If the State charges you under Ohio stalking laws, you may not know what to do. However, know that there are ways to defend yourself against such a charge. Contact an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case...

Facing criminal charges is a daunting prospect for anyone. On top of the risk of fines and jail time, having a criminal record can disrupt your life in a number of other ways. If you face second-degree misdemeanor charges, it is vitally important to understand the potential consequences that follow a conviction.  Please contact us...

Have you been convicted of a felony in Ohio and have lost your right to own and carry a firearm? The 2nd Amendment of the Constitution provides the right of the people to “keep and bear arms.” However, a felony conviction can take that right away. If you are interested in restoring your right to...

If you have signed another person’s name without their knowledge or permission, you may be worried about the possible legal ramifications. You may be wondering what forgery is, whether it is a crime, and, if so, what the statute of limitations on forgery signature crimes is. In this article, we will address those matters and...

Are traffic violations criminal offenses? The short answer is that sometimes they are and sometimes they aren’t. If you’re unsure about the implications of a traffic violation, consulting with our Dayton traffic lawyer can provide clarity. Obviously, offenses like vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter are criminal traffic violations. Almost as obviously, violations like running a...

One of the most common sentences in criminal cases is probation. Probation is a method of keeping an offender in the community, rather than behind bars, while they serve their sentence. There are different kinds of probation and various rules for offenders who are on probation. In Ohio, one type of probation is unsupervised probation....

Sexting is a dangerous activity, even if fun or flirtatious. Photos, commentary, video, and other electronically distributed sexual material do not necessarily disappear after selecting the delete button. A digital record remains intact anytime anyone uses the internet or electronic devices to transmit information. The law often lags behind technology. To date, there are no...

The State of Ohio takes drug possession extremely seriously. If police find an illegal controlled substance in your possession, Ohio law necessitates that you be charged. Ohio law also has strict mandatory minimum sentence requirements, which means you could face harsh penalties even if you didn’t know anything about the drugs or are struggling with...

What Is The Difference Between Assault and Battery? In the state of Ohio, assault and battery are two separate offenses that oftentimes go hand in hand. Ohio assault laws define assault as the act of causing or attempting to cause harm to another person or unborn child, while battery involves negligently or intentionally causing bodily harm...

A protection order, which is also known as a restraining order, restricts many of the freedoms you take for granted. Protection orders can be difficult to obey because they can prevent you from seeing or even talking to your loved ones. A violation of a protection order further complicates an already difficult time in your...

Criminal trespass in Ohio can be a serious charge. If you are dealing with a criminal trespass violation in Ohio, you may not know what to do next. Ohio trespass law imposes severe penalties for trespass convictions. Thus, it is crucial to have an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney to help you with your case....

For those arrested for OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) in Ohio, the charges against them are often confusing. Below, we discuss OVI’s in Ohio and if and when they can turn into felonies. Is an OVI a Felony in Ohio? That depends. An OVI is often a misdemeanor, but it may become a felony in...

Your Questions About Ohio Theft Laws Answered Ohio theft law involves two general questions: Has a theft occurred, and if so, what penalty might apply? Because theft is a crime in Ohio, committing theft can lead to criminal penalties. These can include a fine, jail or prison time, or both. If you are facing a...

Slowly but surely, states across the union have been legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use. Today, more Americans than not find marijuana to be acceptable for adults, and more Americans believe it should be legal throughout the country. Even the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal players have softened their stances on marijuana....

Ohio felony sentencing laws classify felony crimes into five categories, or degrees, ranging from most serious to least serious. Felonies can be first, second, third, fourth, or fifth-degree offenses. Felonies can be first, second, third, fourth, or fifth-degree offenses. First-degree felonies are the most serious class of felonies, and fifth-degree felonies are the least serious....

Disorderly conduct is a significant offense in Ohio. Although the charge is either a minor misdemeanor or a fourth-degree misdemeanor, a conviction carries severe implications for the accused. Many people only consider the sanctions imposed by a judge when they think about penalties for violating Ohio’s criminal law. But convictions for criminal charges could also...

Ignoring traffic control devices and exceeding the maximum speed limit can lead to run-ins with law enforcement officials, speeding tickets, a huge fine amount, and, in some cases, a license suspension. Like most drivers, you probably do your best to drive within the posted speed limit. But let’s face it, you probably don’t know the...

Refusing a breathalyzer in Ohio? Learn how the Ohio implied consent law impacts your case. Contact Gounaris Abboud for a free consultation and OVI defense.

Arrested for a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio? Call (937) 222-1515. The United States government is set up to allow each state to create its own criminal law. In most states, including Ohio, most crimes fall into two categories or “grades”— felonies and misdemeanors. While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction can still...

Ohio offers victims of sexually oriented offenses or stalking the ability to obtain a protection order that prevents the alleged offender from taking specific actions, such as: Contacting the alleged victim, Threatening the alleged victim, Going to the alleged victim’s home or workplace, or Physically assaulting the alleged victim. If you are facing a protection...

Make Sure You Appear in Court If You Want to Avoid Additional Consequences Woody Allen allegedly said that 90% of life is just showing up. Judges in Ohio traffic courts require 100% attendance — showing up 9 out 10 times won’t cut it. You could be in a lot of trouble if you miss your...

Unlock the consequences and legal ramifications of DUI Third Offense in Ohio. Protect your rights. Seek legal guidance today. Call now for a free consultation!

Parent and child relationship means the legal relationship that exists between a child and the child’s natural or adoptive parents and upon which those sections and any other provision of the Revised Code confer or impose rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. The “parent and child relationship” includes the mother and child relationship and the father...

Once your divorce is finalized, you might assume it’s over, and you won’t have any further dealings with your ex-spouse. However, that is not always the case—especially if you have minor children and are co-parenting. Sometimes one party’s circumstances change, or someone is not abiding by the divorce terms and needs to be held accountable....

No person who is eighteen years of age or older shall engage in sexual conduct with another, who is not the spouse of the offender when the offender knows the other person is thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age or the offender is reckless in that regard. Under...

The explosion of social networking, online dating, and smartphone apps in recent years has brought along with it a new onslaught of sex crimes. While most interactions on social media are harmless banter between family, friends, and even strangers, some interactions have a darker side. If you have been accused of an online sex crime,...

The federal government authorizes multiple agencies to investigate several areas of federal crime. An enormous quantity of federal crimes exist. Thus, one agency would get overwhelmed if it were responsible for investigating every single allegation of wrongdoing. Instead, various agencies head federal crime investigations for offenses within their expertise. For example, the Internal Revenue Service...

If you have watched a television show about police officers or crime, you have likely heard of Miranda rights. However, most people do not know when Miranda rights actually come into play and what happens if law enforcement violates them. Unfortunately, a Miranda rights violation is not an automatic get-out-of-jail-free card. In some situations, a...

Divorce is notorious for being a draining and confusing process. In states like Ohio, even differentiating between certain legal terminology becomes confusing to people new to it all. If you are unfamiliar with the topics of divorce and dissolution of marriage, let’s start with understanding the basics. Dissolution vs Divorce Ohio law establishes that there...

There is a big difference between a standard breathalyzer and a portable breath test — also called a PBT test or portable breathalyzer. Although both tests measure a person’s blood-alcohol level, the results from the PBT test are not admissible in court. The results from a standard breathalyzer may be admissible in court if the...

Some Federal criminal laws reach outside the boundaries of the country. Section 2260 of Title 18 of the United States Code is one such law. This statute seeks to punish anyone who exploits or imports media showing sexually explicit depictions of a minor. Exploiting children — especially concerning child pornography production or importation — is...

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to own and carry a firearm, subject to certain limitations. Nevertheless, certain qualifications and limitations prevent millions of Americans from owning a gun. In Ohio, these are referred to as disabling conditions. Ohio law restricts the possession of a gun when a disabling...

The federal authorities never let go when they sink their teeth into someone in a criminal investigation. They will use all of the criminal laws found in the U.S. Code to the fullest extent to break up criminal enterprises. One of their favorite tactics involves slapping a federal conspiracy charge on anyone even remotely involved...

We all forget things from time to time; it’s part of life. But sometimes we even forget really important things — including court appearances. If you’ve missed your court appearance, you might be wondering if you have a bench warrant out for your arrest. You might also worry that you could go to jail because...

Choosing an Experienced Ohio Probation Defense Attorney Could Help You Achieve the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case Ohio courts refer to probation as “community control.” Community control means that a judge allowed you to live in the community after a conviction for a criminal offense instead of going to jail. Typically, the court will...

If you face charges for a white-collar crime, it is important you understand exactly what is at stake. While most white collar crimes are non-violent in nature, that doesn’t mean that they are not taken seriously. In many cases, those convicted of a white-collar crime face the possibility of a jail sentence. There are many...

You probably realize that you need the help of a well-qualified and experienced defense lawyer if you have a DUI (also called OVI) arrest in Ohio. Your legal trouble began as soon the police pulled you over. Now, you have a court date, and the police suspended your license administratively because of a breathalyzer failure....

If you find yourself under arrest, you may hear references to bail and bonds. Most people think those words mean the same thing, but they don’t. In fact, they have distinct meanings in the Ohio criminal justice system, and understanding them could mean the difference between waiting behind bars or going home until you go...

The criminal justice process is intimidating and challenging to follow. That’s why you need a highly experienced criminal trial lawyer to protect your rights. There’s simply too much at stake to try to tackle this process on your own. At Gounaris Abboud our criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience fighting for the accused. We...

Growing marijuana in your home is illegal in Ohio. Even though other states are relaxing their marijuana use and possession laws, the Ohio drug cultivation laws remain very strict. So if you get arrested for drug cultivation, meaning that you were caught growing marijuana for personal use or selling it to others — that arrest...

If you suffered personal injuries through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation for your losses. You may be wondering, How much will I get for pain and suffering from a car accident? The amount of pain and suffering in a car accident you endured, plus other factors can determine how much you recover....

Ohio roads can be dangerous places to drive. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1,231 fatal motor vehicle crashes occurred in 2021. Unfortunately, numerous crashes involved aggravated vehicular homicide because the driver was driving recklessly or operating the vehicle while impaired. In an effort to avoid such unnecessary death, Ohio aggravated vehicular homicide laws...

People often ask us, How can you get a DUI/OVI for prescription drugs? The next question you might ask is, How can I have a DUI/OVI for prescription drugs if I took them according to my doctor’s orders? The answer is simple. In Ohio, you can get a DUI / OVI for prescription drugs if...

Prescriptions for medical marijuana help numerous people who suffer from chronic pain and illness. Recognizing the potential health benefits for patients, Ohio joined dozens of other states when it allowed physicians to prescribe marijuana for their patients. However, Ohio has strict rules for using and purchasing medical marijuana. As a result, transporting marijuana across state...

Every once in a while, a slang term makes its way into wider usage. Doxing is one of those rare words.  Many people don’t even know what doxing is. Others who know what it is may ask, Is doxing a crime? At this time, there’s no Ohio doxing laws on the books; but that could...

Ohio OVI laws regarding marijuana are strict because driving while high is dangerous. Even if you don’t feel “high,” any amount of marijuana you consume may affect your ability to drive safely. Like alcohol, marijuana use slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and reduces concentration levels. Some studies suggest that a person driving while high on...

An experienced and knowledgeable violent crimes lawyer from Gounaris Abboud, LPA, can explain how Ohio’s statutes of limitations can save you from a wrongful conviction. Ohio police even cracked a cold case murder that happened in 1974! After 45-plus years, you might think someone committed the perfect crime. However, thanks to persistent investigative work and...

Ohio pornography law is complex and carries serious penalties for violations. Child pornography laws at the state and federal levels are strict. A conviction in an Ohio state court or federal court for possession of child porn could land you in prison for a long time. You may even have to register as a sex...

Imagine being pulled over by police for no apparent reason. Once they pull you over, two police officers come up to your car and open your door. Then, without saying a word, one of them yanks you out of the driver’s seat. The two officers handcuff you and sit you down on a nearby curb...

Short Answer: Yes, CDB oil is legal in Ohio. Long Answer: For CBD oil to be legal in Ohio, It must come from a legal source of CBD. The federal government exempted industrial hemp from its definition of marijuana in the 2018 Farm Bill. Therefore, CBD oil made by a hemp manufacturer licensed in a...

With the rise in popularity of social media platforms, Ohio lawmakers passed statutes aimed to address the harm caused by cyberbullying. Cyberbullying refers to bullying that occurs over the internet or other electronic communication. If you are accused of cyberbullying in Ohio, you could face significant financial consequences. Our criminal defense lawyer in Dayton at...

An Ohio involuntary manslaughter sentence could leave you behind bars for up to a decade or more. However, a skilled Dayton manslaughter defense lawyer from Gounaris Abboud can make a significant difference in your case. Our experienced legal team has helped countless clients who believed they had no chance avoid the severe penalties imposed by...

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides all citizens the right to bear arms. However, despite the language of the Second Amendment, the state and federal governments can impose strict limits on gun rights. Additionally, the constitutional rights of minors are not always coextensive with those of adults. The result is that if...

Sex offense crimes are unique among criminal cases in that they often proceed on very little physical evidence. Instead, many of these cases rely on mere allegations of illegal conduct. While the burden of proof always rests with the prosecution, proving that sexual allegations are false can be a challenge. However, there are certain strategies...

Have you been arrested for “possession of criminal tools”? If so, you might be confused. You are even more likely to be confused if you were arrested for possessing tools such as a hammer, that are legal to possess when not classified as “criminal tools.” Unfortunately, possessing criminal tools is one of those vaguely-worded offenses...

Individuals often look for ways to protect themselves, which may involve carrying items such as pepper spray, personal alarms, or even knives. Some people also use knives as collectible items or practical tools. However, due to the potential harm a knife injury can cause, Ohio has strict regulations on how knives are possessed and used....

If you have been charged with a crime in Ohio, you have certain rights that are guaranteed by the US Constitution and the Ohio Constitution. Many of these rights are reflected in the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, which govern how the criminal justice system must treat you. If you don’t know your rights, you...