David J. Betras

A senior partner at Betras Kopp & Harshman, David J. Betras divides his practice primarily between criminal defense matters, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. He also has a background in business law. Based in the firm's main office in Youngstown, Ohio, his clients come from throughout the state, and he has been certified in criminal trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1999.

In his criminal defense practice, Mr. Betras provides knowledgeable representation to people who have been charged with state or federal misdemeanors and felonies. His cases have included domestic violence, assault and battery, fraud and other white-collar offenses, sex crimes, theft, and violent crimes. His extensive experience in this area has resulted in Mr. Betras being able to obtain acquittals and favorable negotiated plea agreements on many occasions.

Mr. Betras has handled personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Although he is a formidable courtroom advocate, he strives to reach settlements on many of these matters, thereby avoiding the uncertainty and length of a jury trial. His cases have included truck and other motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and medical malpractice.

Majoring in applied science, Mr. Betras attended Youngstown State University and received a Bachelor of Science cum laude in 1982. Remaining in the state, he pursued his legal education at Capital University Law School in Columbus, and he was awarded his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1985. His background includes having served as a special prosecutor in Mahoning County in a widespread corruption probe. Admitted to practice in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Mr. Betras is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States.