Zachuary Meranda

D.U.I./Criminal and Traffic Defense

• Burglary
• Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
• CDL Suspension
• Child Abuse
• Computer Crimes
• Conspiracy
• Domestic Violence
• Drugs
• DUI / OVI
• Expungements
• Felony Auto Accidents
• Forfeiture
• Grand Jury
• Homicide and Assault
• Juvenile
• Misdemeanor
• Post-Conviction Habeus Corpus
• Probation Violations
• Search & Seizure
• Sex offenses
• Shoplifting
• Theft and Fraud
• Traffic and Moving Violations
• White Collar

Family Law and Divorce

• Annulment
• Child Support
• Custody
• Divorce
• Domestic Partnerships and GLBT rights
• Family Mediation
• Guardianships
• Joint Custody
• Legal Separation
• Name changes
• Paternity
• Power of Attorney
• Prenuptial/Postnuptial
• Restraining Orders
• Shared Parenting Plans
• Spousal Support
• Stepparent Adoption
• Support

Why did you become an attorney?

Relieving that ever-looming burden of helplessness and despair is the most rewarding experience a person can have. Being an attorney has allowed me to work towards that goal on a daily basis. With each client comes new problems and new challenges. There is one overriding principle at The Meranda Law Firm and that is treating the client as a top priority. Many individuals want to help people. Lawyers have the opportunity to do this on an everyday basis. This is a badge of honor that all of the attorneys at my firm possess. It is demanded not only from myself, but every person in the office including non-attorneys. Hearing a client utter the words thank you with great sincerity and relief after I have guided them through their issue is why I became an attorney.

What experiences (work and personal) help you to be a better attorney?

I do not believe that there is a single experience that has made me into the attorney that I am today. I believe that "life" in itself has honed me and made me into the attorney I am today. I believe that being straight forward and honest has enabled me to get to the heart of people's problems, and those clients know that I am not here to collect a check but to resolve a current life problem. Every attorney and non-attorney at The Meranda Law Firm has this attitude and perspective on life.

What made you choose your primary specialty focus of law?

Criminal Defense and Divorce Law are the two areas of practice that have the biggest impact on people's lives in my view. Most clients come to my office desperate and in need of someone that is just as passionate about their case as they are. Fortunately, all of the attorneys at The Meranda Law Firm take each case personally. For both of these areas of practice, the client has come to our office frustrated, stressed, scared, and in many instances angry. Relieving someone of that stress is one of the most satisfying feelings an attorney or anyone can get.

What makes your law firm unique?

I am the managing partner in the firm. The firm consists of three attorneys and most importantly our secretary/paralegal. The second attorney to be hired at the firm is Rossia Meranda. Mrs. Meranda is a native to El Salvador and is a true asset to the firm with her wealth of knowledge and fluency in Spanish. She primarily practices in the areas of domestic relations, juvenile and criminal law. The third and newest attorney to join The Meranda Law firm is Edward Itayim. Mr. Itayim has an extensive work history, but most notable is Mr. Itayim's eight years serving in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Itayim is using this wealth of knowledge and life experiences to assist clients in the areas of Criminal Defense. Lastly, the firm's secretary/paralegal has a wealth of knowledge and is sensitive to the needs of our clients. She is a valuable asset to my firm and goes above and beyond her job description.

Describe your ideal client.

I am a firm believer that the client and I work together on their case. Because of this philosophy, I always welcome any insight my clients have on their issue. Often times attorneys have a very structured way of thinking and our clients bring a different dimension and point of view to the case. Listening and encouraging clients to school themselves on their legal issue is an essential tool for attorneys, unfortunately it is often overlooked. At The Meranda Law Firm, this is one tool we do not take for granted.

Describe your personal interest and hobbies.

Working out, going to social gatherings, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Free Initial Consultation?

Our firm is proud to offer all of its clients one half hour free initial consultation so that the attorney's at The Meranda Law Firm are better able to understand and assist them in their legal matter.

Typical Retainer Fees

Varies upon the facts of the case and the legal issues involved. Please call today to set up your free consultation and see how we can assist you with your legal matter. Call Now: 614-824-5373

Fees by Hourly Rate

Flat Fee for Criminal cases. Divorce are billed on an hourly basis.

Degrees

School	Degree	Graduated
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law	Juris Doctor (JD)	2007

State Licenses

State	Date Admitted	License #
Ohio	01/01/2008	0083173

Court Admissions

• US District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Bar Association Memberships

• Ohio State Bar Association
• Columbus Bar Association
• Licking County Bar Association
• Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Continuing Education

My associates and I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Family Law, Litigation, and Criminal Advocacy. I also strive to exceed the required number of continuing education hours and encourage the same from all my associates.

Significant Cases

Case Number 2009 CR 00238 Our client was charged with AGGRAVATED TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS (ECSTASY)(F2); AGGRAVATED POSSESSION OF DRUGS (ECSTASY)(F2); AGGRAVATED POSSESSION OF DRUGS (PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS)(F5); POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (MM); and POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (M4). As a result, our client was facing 17 years in prison and a $32,000 fine. Through persistence and aggressive advocacy, The Meranda Law Firm successfully negotiated the sentence to the mandatory minimum of 2 years and a $7,500 fine. Case Number 2009 CR 00005 Our client was charged with BURGLARY (F4); ASSAULT (M1); ASSAULT (M1). As a result, our client was facing 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. After hiring The Meranda Law Firm, our client was granted an Intervention in Lieu of Conviction. Once our client successfully completes this program, she can have her record sealed. The effects of a sealed record are quite substantial and our client will be able to seek employment without having the concern of a tarnished record due to one indiscretion. Case Number 2009 TR C 2500 Our client was charged with an OVI/DUI (high breath test) as well as FAILURE TO CONTROL after he was involved in a single-car accident. This was our clients 3rd OVI/DUI in his lifetime. Through endless negotiation with the prosecutor and judge, The Meranda Law Firm was able to mitigate the facts. The client received the absolute minimum for a high breathalyzer test, as well as the minimum fine.

Previous Employment

I began my legal career at the Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office. My passion for Criminal Defense grew with each moment as I witnessed a system that left me as the last line of defense. This is a responsibility that I take very seriously. My time as a Public Defender allowed me to gain experience essential to the practice of Criminal Law. My career path then took me to Crabbe, Brown & James, LLP, in downtown Columbus, Ohio. This experience required extensive research and writing on complex legal issues. At Crabbe, Brown & James, LLP, I honed two very important legal skills. First, this position polished my writing skills to ensure that I mastered one of the single most valuable skills an attorney possesses, the ability to write persuasively. Secondly, I learned that in order to be a successful attorney you need to pay close attention to detail, mastering this skill has enabled me reach winning verdicts for my clients. In pursuit to gain as much experience and legal knowledge as possible early in my career, I began working for Scotts Miracle-Gro Company as a contract lawyer. At Scotts, I assisted in all facets of Federal EPA investigations and audits of pesticide products manufactured and sold by an $8 billion dollar consumer products company. I was directly involved in reviewing and analyzing information related to pesticide registration. After longing to have more personal relationships with clients, I decided to start The Meranda Law Firm. The two biggest areas of law that I thought directly impacted people's lives was Criminal Defense and Domestic Relations. Therefore, I began a firm completely dedicated to zealous representation in these two areas of law. Now with two other passionate attorney's working at my firm, clients can rest assured that their legal concern is handled by lawyers committed to getting what the clients want. The Meranda Law Firm is always available for our clients 24/7.