Yonas & Phillabaum, LLC Attorneys at Law

05/29/2026

The process after a felony arrest in Hamilton County looks different than most people expect.

Unlike misdemeanors, felony cases must go before a grand jury. This panel reviews the evidence and decides whether there's enough to formally indict. If they don't indict, the felony charges may not move forward at all.

Here's what matters: The time between your arrest and a potential indictment isn't dead time. A defense attorney can use this window to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and start building your defense before formal charges are even filed.

If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Cincinnati, call Yonas & Phillabaum at 513-427-6100.

This is not legal advice; this is a legal advertisement.

05/26/2026

Think you're safe from OVI charges because you weren't driving? Ohio law says otherwise.

Many don't realize that falling asleep in your vehicle after a night out, engine running, keys in the ignition, can result in criminal charges. Ohio distinguishes between "operating" and "driving," and courts interpret this broadly.

Two legal theories apply: prosecutors may argue you were "operating" the vehicle, or cite Ohio's "physical control" statute covering impaired individuals who could set a vehicle in motion.

Don't assume a parked car means an open-and-shut case against you.

Contact Yonas & Phillabaum at 513-427-6100 for a case evaluation.

This is not legal advice; this is a legal advertisement.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸❤️
Their courage allows us to serve our community, stand for justice, and help protect what matters most.
From all of us at Yonas & Phillabaum LLC, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect on the true meaning of this day.
Join us in honoring our heroes—feel free to share a message of remembrance below.

05/21/2026

🚔 Facing an OVI charge in Ohio? Prior convictions can have a major impact on your case. Ohio uses a 10-year lookback period to determine penalties for repeat OVI offenses — and understanding how it works could make all the difference.

Our latest infographic breaks down:
✔️ How prior OVI convictions are counted
✔️ When the 10-year period begins
✔️ How repeat offenses increase penalties
✔️ Why timing matters in your case

Read more here:https://ypattorneys.com/what-is-ohios-10-year-lookback-period-for-ovi-cases/

05/21/2026

⏰ The first 72 hours after an accident can make or break your personal injury claim in Cincinnati.

Evidence disappears fast. Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses forget details. Under Ohio's comparative negligence system, insurance adjusters will use any gap in your timeline against you, including delays in seeking medical care.

If you've been injured, the clock is already running. Call Yonas & Phillabaum at 513-427-6100 for a free consultation.

This is not legal advice; this is a legal advertisement.

05/20/2026

🎙️In case you missed Jason this morning 700WLW, check it out here!

Time Stamp: 1:12:10

Scott talks with pollster Kevin Burton about last nights Kentucky primary results. Also Eve Bolton makes the case a new school levy for CPS. Finally Jason Phillabaum explains the reasoning behind the sentencing for the Fountain Square attackers from last summer.See

05/20/2026

🎙️ Tune in for Legal Insights!
Catch Y&P attorney Jason Phillabaum live on 700WLW WLW at 11:05 AM as he breaks down the recent sentencing of two rioters from last summer.
Don’t miss this timely discussion—listen in and stay informed. 📻

05/18/2026

Ohio's legal limit for drivers under 21 isn't 0.08%. It's 0.02%.

For college students across Cincinnati, that's a critical distinction. Even a single drink could put an underage driver over the limit and lead to an OVUAC charge, which stands for Operating a Vehicle after Underage Alcohol Consumption.

The consequences include license suspension of three months to two years and mandatory remedial driving courses. These outcomes can follow you into job applications and background checks.

If you're under 21 and facing charges in Cincinnati, call Yonas & Phillabaum at 513-427-6100.

This is not legal advice; this is a legal advertisement.

05/18/2026

Property easements can affect everything from access rights to where you’re allowed to build on your property. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply reviewing your property rights, understanding easements is important before closing a deal.

Learn about the most common types of easements and how they may impact homeowners in our latest article.

Read more here:
https://ypattorneys.com/understanding-easements-how-they-affect-your-property-rights/

05/15/2026

Fraud can happen faster than most people realize — from phishing emails to identity theft and online scams. Knowing the warning signs is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your finances. ⚠️💳

Our latest infographic breaks down:
✔️ What fraud is
✔️ Common scams to watch for
✔️ Red flags that shouldn’t be ignored
✔️ Simple ways to protect yourself

Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay protected.

Read more here: https://ypattorneys.com/what-is-fraud-in-simple-terms-a-legal-guide-to-protecting-yourself/

05/15/2026

A past OVI conviction doesn't disappear from your record after a few years in Ohio.

The state uses a 10-year lookback period when calculating penalties for repeat offenses. Get convicted again within that window, and mandatory jail time increases, ignition interlock requirements kick in, and judges have less discretion to reduce your sentence.

Worth noting: Out-of-state convictions that are substantially equivalent to Ohio's OVI may count toward your total. Don't assume a prior from another state will be ignored.

Facing repeat OVI charges in Cincinnati? Call Yonas & Phillabaum at 513-427-6100.

This is not legal advice; this is a legal advertisement.