Brownstein, Ariel C.

Thomas C. Brown was licensed to practice law in 1981.  Initially affiliated with William M. O’Neill as O’Neill and Brown Law Office, he continued as a sole practitioner after O’Neill’s election to the Appellate Court.  In 2006, Mr. Brown joined the Kenneth L. Piper Law Office as an associate.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brown has practiced in Geneva, Ohio, appearing in courts at all levels in Ashtabula County and adjacent counties.  His areas of practice have included both criminal defense and civil litigation.  In addition, Mr. Brown has served as Special Counsel to the Ohio Attorney General’s office under Anthony J. Celebrezze Jr., Lee Fisher and Richard Cordray.

In the criminal defense area, the most significant volume is serious traffic offenses, such as DUIs.  The procedures and penalties for DUI cases are amended and increased almost every year, and even reduced amended convictions can have astronomical effects on auto insurance premiums.  Also, immediate legal representation is crucial because the consequences have an immediate impact with an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) before your first court appearance.  Mr. Brown has extensive experience in gaining timely relief from these suspensions.

In civil litigation, Mr. Brown has represented his clients in several diverse areas well as providing assistance to Attorney Piper in his cases.  These areas include domestic relations, election contests, commercial business litigation, collections and representation before governmental boards.

In domestic relations, Mr. Brown is experienced in agreed dissolution as well as contested divorces.  In the related area of child custody, Mr. Brown has experience in tailoring standard visitation rights for clients with particular needs and priorities.

Most civil litigation now involves an initial step of mandatory mediation, which can be an avenue to solutions without the costly courtroom procedures.  Mr. Brown has received formal mediation training and has successfully resolved matters to the client’s satisfaction short of the courtroom.

In summary, over a period spanning more than thirty years, Mr. Brown has represented clients at all levels of litigation throughout Ashtabula and adjoining counties.  This experience in the general practice of law provides a solid foundation from which Mr. Brown can provide advice and assistance in all areas normally encountered by local residents.