MAHONING COUNTY Local defense lawyers share expertise

The group examines issues pending in local courts and shares trial strategies.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Martin Yavorcik and John B. Juhasz are years apart when it comes to their experience as criminal defense lawyers.
But one thing the attorneys have in common is that each feels he still has much to learn. That's why they are participating in the newly formed Mahoning County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Yavorcik, who became a lawyer in 1999, started the group in late 2003 because he thinks lawyers need a forum in which to exchange ideas, information and trial strategies.
"I think it's very important," said Yavorcik, a former assistant Youngstown city prosecutor. "There are a lot of exciting issues out there and a lot of things we can learn from each other."
The group meets monthly to talk about issues confronting the criminal defense community. At its most recent meeting, two scientists talked to the group about the reliability of a new field-testing system used by police officers to determine whether a suspect has been using cocaine.
"I try to keep our discussions on point," Yavorcik said.
Drawing newer lawyers
The group is still young, but Yavorcik hopes it will catch on, especially among less-experienced lawyers like himself. So far, the bulk of those who attend the meetings are lawyers with more than 20 years of experience.
About a dozen lawyers have attended the four or five meetings the group has held so far, Yavorcik said.
"It's a shame that more of these younger lawyers aren't showing up," Yavorcik said. "One of the reasons I wanted to start this group was that I have a lot to learn from these guys who have been in the business a long time."
Juhasz, who has been a lawyer about 20 years, agreed.
"There should be more younger people involved," he said. "You are always trying to improve the quality of criminal defense and the quality of the criminal justice system."
Juhasz and Yavorcik said there have been similar attempts at unifying defense lawyers in the past, but they died out for various reasons.
"That's why we need to move slowly with this one," Juhasz said.
Touting the benefits
Atty. Don L. Hanni Jr., who has been a lawyer more than 50 years, recalls meeting periodically with a half-dozen other lawyers to talk about trial issues, but never a countywide effort.
Like Juhasz and Yavorcik, Hanni thinks the organization is a good idea that can only help lawyers who choose to get involved.
"Today's laws are changing so constantly, it helps to keep each other up to date," Hanni said. "It's probably going to be a study group more than anything else."
Yavorcik said the group is open to any criminal defense lawyers who actively practice in the county. He schedules the meetings and sends out notices.
He would like to see the group eventually adopt resolutions and bylaws, and elect a slate of officers, to become a formal organization.
bjackson@vindy.com