Attorney Arturo Uzdavinis is the newest addition to Betras, Kopp & Harshman’s impressive, multi-talented legal team. A native of Tampa, Florida, Attorney Uzdavinis graduated from Tampa Jesuit High School before attending Tulane University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Degree. He received his Juris Doctorate from Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School […]
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Society wins not only when the guilty are convicted, but when criminal trials are fair
In his most recent MahoningMatters column, BKH managing partner David Betras, one of the area’s leading criminal defense attorneys, discusses prosecutorial misconduct and the threat overzealous prosecutors pose to every American’s freedom… Prosecutors in the United States wield awesome power and have access to immense resources that dwarf what is available to criminal defendants and […]
M.J. Joseph Development, Corp files complaint for Declaratory Judgment against city of Youngstown, denies default and restates commitment to project
For Immediate Release Monday, May 24, 2021 Contact: Atty. Brian Kopp, 330-502-8825 In response to public statements made by city officials regarding the M.J. Joseph Development, Corp (MJJDC) and the Chill Can project, Attorney Brian Kopp today filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas on behalf of the […]
Libel, slander and why Facebook can’t be held accountable for outrageous statements posted by users
In his most recent blog post/Mahoning Matters column, BKH Managing Partner David Betras defines defamation, libel, and slander and explains why it is virtually impossible for public figures to win defamation suits and the legal shield that protects Facebook and other social media sites from being helped accountable for statements posted by users… As I […]
David Betras: I’ve never filed a frivolous lawsuit…
Frivolous, adjective: not having any serious purpose or value. My decades-long legal career has been filled with interesting cases, challenging litigation, and high-stakes trials. But in all my years as a member of the bar, there is one thing I have never done: file a frivolous lawsuit. That makes me an anomaly in the eyes […]
The George Floyd murder trial: the justice system worked–this time…
As a criminal defense attorney, I watched with great interest the trial of the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd. Here are my thoughts on the case that has mesmerized the nation and the world since May 25, 2020. The visual evidence secured the conviction. Creating reasonable doubt in the mind of at least […]
Can employers ‘out’ unvaccinated employees?
Recently one of our Facebook followers messaged us this important and interesting question: “Can an employer ask workers if they have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and are they allowed to ‘out’ those who have and have not?” Like most employment issues related to the pandemic, the answer to that straightforward question is complicated, multi-faceted, and […]
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS | Can a worker be fired for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
News about the approval of COVID-19 vaccines has raised two things: hope that the pandemic will end in the not too distant future and lots of questions including the one I’ve been asked most: Can a worker be fired if their employer requires them to be vaccinated and they refuse? The answer is, with limited […]
It’s that time of year–time for winter driving tips from Betras, Kopp & Harshman
Just in case you haven’t looked outside yet, our “Three Ps” of safe winter driving tips will be extremely relevant and useful over the next couple of days. Please be careful on the roads, and remember, if someone who isn’t driving safely runs into you or a member of your family, contact Betras, Kopp & […]
Complex deliberative process, legal doctrines drive Supreme Court rulings in controversial cases
This week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down decisions in two closely watched controversial cases: June Medical Services LLC. et al. V. Russo and Seila Law v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Along with being among the most highly anticipated rulings of the term, the opinions in the cases provided valuable insight into both the intricacies […]
Sunshine Laws enable citizens, media to expose government corruption, mismanagement, and malfeasance
Ohio’s Open Meetings Act enacted in 1954 and Public Records Act passed in 1963 known collectively as the state’s “Sunshine Laws,” are based on the belief that government belongs to the people. I couldn’t agree more, and, as a member of the Mahoning County Board of Elections a public body subject to those laws, I […]
Ohio inmates serving time in state prisons ravaged by COVID-19 may file for judicial release
Ohio’s state correctional facilities are COVID-19 hotspots. If you have a relative or friend incarcerated at one of these dangerous facilities Betras, Kopp & Harshman may be able to help by securing their judicial release from prison. Call us today at 330-746-848 or 800-457-2889 to learn more! Under Ohio law, qualifying inmates may ask their […]
BKH’s new procedures for office visits will keep clients, employees safe
As an essential business, Betras, Kopp & Harshman has been open and serving clients during the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to be here for you throughout the emergency. On Monday, May 4 we are instituting the following procedures for office visits: Anyone visiting the office must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 330-746-8484 […]
David Betras, Christopher Knopik, Douglas Titus, Jr. named Ohio, Florida Super Lawyers for 2020
We are pleased to announce that three members of our firm: BKH Managing Partner David Betras, Chris Knopik, Managing Attorney of BKH Florida, and Doug Titus, a member of our Complex Litigation Team, are among the five percent of attorneys in Ohio and Florida named to the “Super Lawyer” list for 2020. This prestigious designation […]
Mahoning Matters shines spotlight on area nursing homes, abuse and neglect of seniors
We would like to applaud Mahoning Matters for its in-depth series on area nursing homes. According to the report, conditions at two area nursing homes, Warren’s White Oak Manor and the Oasis Center for Rehabilitation and Healing are especially troubling. Reporters also found that 11 of the 46 nursing facilities located in Mahoning and Trumbull counties […]
