team-member

Zachary Tidaback

Athens, OH

Licensed for 31 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Dear Potential Client, I've built my practice around taking care of peoples legal problems since 1990 as a prosecutor and then as a criminial defense attorney as well as a general civil attorney since 2002.  My clients find me easy to reach and I promptly return phone calls or email messages usually the same day or sometimes the day after.  I believe in keeping clients informed about their cases and believe that it is important that clients understand the process as much as the results so they can make informed decisions.  I return calls promptly and have regular communication with my clients. On student cases, parents usually have more questions than the client which I am happy to answer.  I also help students with collateral issues with the Ohio University's Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility issues (formerly known as OU Judiciaries). My clients have the benefit of my experience as a former city prosecutor as I have seen well over 20,000 cases over the last 20 years.  I've also been a felony prosecutor handling serious crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, breaking and entering, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and felonious assault.  I've also been  a prosecutor in juvenile court as well.  As a result I  have seen a multitude of cases, defenses and assertions over that time.  So I know what works and what does not in relation to preparing defenses, juries and bench trials over a wide spectrum of cases.  Because of that experience I also represent a  growing number of clients  including OVI/DUI clients as well others for Underage Consumption, Possession of Drugs and speeding cases including truckers with CDLs.  I've attended trainings by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on various topics including speed, accident reconstruction,  and drug interdiction, and been certified by the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy for purposes of presenting instruction. I've presented instruction to officers, deputies and cadets on search and seizure, drug laws, use of force, and updates in the law. I've given many presentations over the years due to my experience  in the area of criminal law including search and seizure, domestic violence, protection orders, obsenity law, OVI/DUI, Fourth Amendment Law, and recent trends in the law.  I was a co-founder of the city prosecutor's section for the Ohio Municipal Attorney's Association. I've been a lecturer at our local bar association annual winter seminars.  I also have taught a paralegal course since 1998.   I previously had experience reprenting clients on behalf of insurance companies in personal injury suits.  So I have 10+ years experience in personal injury cases in seeing how insurance companies evaluate such cases, assess them, and negotiate.  I now represent Plaintiff victims in such cases and am able to put that experience to use for those who are hurt in accidents to successfully negotiate their cases and protect them in court.   I've also had an extensive amount of experience in reviewing, analyzing and presenting evidence in traffic cases based upon my experience as a city prosecutor, insurance defense attorney and personal injury attorney. I have over 10+ years experience in Divorces/Dissolutions/Child Custody Matters (Domestic Relations Court).  I only take so many of these types a cases a year so that I'm sure that I  can devote enough time to them as they are among the most time consuming and emotionial cases to have.  I've been practing law since 1990 in common pleas court,  muncipal court, county court, federal district court and various mayor courts.  I've argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio Appellate Court. I also appeared in the United States Supreme Court.  I've testified in state hearings concerning domestic violence and protection orders.  I've sat on the state committee for the Senate Bill 2 Felony Sentencing restucturing bill. I have volunteered my time as an attorney to the Southeastern Ohio Legal Poverty Clinic for over a decade, as well as to Athens Sandlot Baseball & Softball and the Athens Bulldog Blitz - two youth sports organizations. I also have donated my time as an attorney to the Richland Area Fire Department since 1995. I have served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Athens County Bar Association. I am a Life Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Association. I'm a founding member of a youth baseball/softball organization (Athens Sandlot-2003). I am a Board Member with our  high school football booster organization which helped install a new football/soccer field and track (2008).   I have been a volunteer rescue/firefighter since 1995. If I find time I golf. . .poorly  -  and fish.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Personal Injury

Divorce and separation

DUI and DWI

Speeding and traffic ticket

Language

English

Contact

Mollica Gall Sloan, Sillery & McCarthy Co. LPAP.O. Box 95835 N. College AveAthens, OH, 45701-2529P.O. Box 95835 N. College Ave35 N. College AveAthens, OH, 45701-2529

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Stephen
March 4, 2013

George did everything in his power to effectively serve me as a client. I couldn't be more satisfied with he results he produced and the dedication to the job he showed.

John
February 7, 2013

Recently my son got into some trouble and we needed a lawyer, I was frantic and didn’t know where to turn. I turned to one of my lawyer friend back home and asked if he could recommend a good lawyer in Athens, Ohio. My friend is one of the members of the Ohio Bar Association and I knew he could find the best lawyer possible in the area. That’s when I heard about George McCarthy and do I ever feel blessed for this referral. George was fantastic and helped us in every way possible! I don’t know what would have happened if we had any other Lawyer than George McCarthy. If you’re like me and don’t know where to turn or who to go to all I can say is if you don’t go to George McCarthy you will be making a mistake! I give my highest recommendation to George McCarthy!

anonymous
January 25, 2013

George came recommended to us from a local attorney in another community. It was the best recommendation we could have hoped for. We have a child who attends OU. An evening of college drinking spiraled into unintended behavior that resulted in extremely serious charges. Having never been through such a process and having no real knowledge of the legal system, George was extremely informative, helpful and got us the best possible outcome we could have hoped for. I highly recommend George McCarthy.

anonymous
January 2, 2013

We needed advise from a local attorney regarding a legal issue for our child. After reading the positive reviews Mr. Mccarthy received, we called his office. We found the staff to be very courteous and professional. We appreciated Mr. Mccarthy's timely reply. His background and experience was extremely beneficial in helping us understand the situation and having our questions answered. I would highly recommend calling him.

Steve
November 8, 2012

George was very professional and treated us with respect. He made sure we understood all of our options. He made me very comfortable at a highly stressful time. He was able to resolve our problem with great success.

Marvin
October 16, 2012

Mr. McCarthy and his staff were very professional and handled my case with ease. They kept me updated and provided an excellent outcome.

Brad
October 2, 2012

I live in a different state and was apprehensive on who to represent my case. After a little research I chose George McCarthy. Great choice, I was not dissatisfied with any aspect of his ability. Mr. McCarthy took time to listen and gave me the blunt facts on what we could expect. He pulled no punches and kept me up to date regularly each step of the way. Being from out of state, his staff sent all mailings quickly, and helped anyway they could. I was never left feeling when or what next. George McCarthy and his team are top notch!

Richard
September 17, 2012

If you ever have the misfortune of having your college student get into legal situations in Athens, I suggest you contact George before ever making a plea. George was especially helpful in consideration that we are located out of state and he gave an honest appraisal of our options. OUr son was charged with underage drinking. He gave us the confidence, just over the phone; that we had competent representation; and in the end it was proven out with a favorable sentence. This was no garantee, given the hard line, unreasonable approach to handling students that the prosecutor and judge take in Athens. You see they are making examples of students to clean up there image. Unfair, yes!....and you will need someone who has the experience and longstanding relationships that are necesary in a small town environment. I hope that nobody ever needs to read this review, but if you do; call George.

anonymous
July 30, 2012

George McCarthy has considerable experience, and he used it to his client's advantage. He informed me of my options, provided good advice, but gave me the freedom to make my own choices. I was very pleased with his work, and I would recommend him without reservation.

tom from Buffalo
July 30, 2012

George helped my son, a junior at OU , who had been charge with underage drinking, and fake ID. My son was acutaully charge with a felony ( poseession of a forged Gov't document). He was able to obtain a a great result, and actually pushed back on the prosecutor for some dubious action of the police and get the felony dropped. I would highly recommend George and his team to any one who has a child that gets jammed up with issues in Athens, Oh.

Stephen
March 4, 2013

George did everything in his power to effectively serve me as a client. I couldn't be more satisfied with he results he produced and the dedication to the job he showed.

John
February 7, 2013

Recently my son got into some trouble and we needed a lawyer, I was frantic and didn’t know where to turn. I turned to one of my lawyer friend back home and asked if he could recommend a good lawyer in Athens, Ohio. My friend is one of the members of the Ohio Bar Association and I knew he could find the best lawyer possible in the area. That’s when I heard about George McCarthy and do I ever feel blessed for this referral. George was fantastic and helped us in every way possible! I don’t know what would have happened if we had any other Lawyer than George McCarthy. If you’re like me and don’t know where to turn or who to go to all I can say is if you don’t go to George McCarthy you will be making a mistake! I give my highest recommendation to George McCarthy!

anonymous
January 25, 2013

George came recommended to us from a local attorney in another community. It was the best recommendation we could have hoped for. We have a child who attends OU. An evening of college drinking spiraled into unintended behavior that resulted in extremely serious charges. Having never been through such a process and having no real knowledge of the legal system, George was extremely informative, helpful and got us the best possible outcome we could have hoped for. I highly recommend George McCarthy.

anonymous
January 2, 2013

We needed advise from a local attorney regarding a legal issue for our child. After reading the positive reviews Mr. Mccarthy received, we called his office. We found the staff to be very courteous and professional. We appreciated Mr. Mccarthy's timely reply. His background and experience was extremely beneficial in helping us understand the situation and having our questions answered. I would highly recommend calling him.

Steve
November 8, 2012

George was very professional and treated us with respect. He made sure we understood all of our options. He made me very comfortable at a highly stressful time. He was able to resolve our problem with great success.

Marvin
October 16, 2012

Mr. McCarthy and his staff were very professional and handled my case with ease. They kept me updated and provided an excellent outcome.

Brad
October 2, 2012

I live in a different state and was apprehensive on who to represent my case. After a little research I chose George McCarthy. Great choice, I was not dissatisfied with any aspect of his ability. Mr. McCarthy took time to listen and gave me the blunt facts on what we could expect. He pulled no punches and kept me up to date regularly each step of the way. Being from out of state, his staff sent all mailings quickly, and helped anyway they could. I was never left feeling when or what next. George McCarthy and his team are top notch!

Richard
September 17, 2012

If you ever have the misfortune of having your college student get into legal situations in Athens, I suggest you contact George before ever making a plea. George was especially helpful in consideration that we are located out of state and he gave an honest appraisal of our options. OUr son was charged with underage drinking. He gave us the confidence, just over the phone; that we had competent representation; and in the end it was proven out with a favorable sentence. This was no garantee, given the hard line, unreasonable approach to handling students that the prosecutor and judge take in Athens. You see they are making examples of students to clean up there image. Unfair, yes!....and you will need someone who has the experience and longstanding relationships that are necesary in a small town environment. I hope that nobody ever needs to read this review, but if you do; call George.

anonymous
July 30, 2012

George McCarthy has considerable experience, and he used it to his client's advantage. He informed me of my options, provided good advice, but gave me the freedom to make my own choices. I was very pleased with his work, and I would recommend him without reservation.

tom from Buffalo
July 30, 2012

George helped my son, a junior at OU , who had been charge with underage drinking, and fake ID. My son was acutaully charge with a felony ( poseession of a forged Gov't document). He was able to obtain a a great result, and actually pushed back on the prosecutor for some dubious action of the police and get the felony dropped. I would highly recommend George and his team to any one who has a child that gets jammed up with issues in Athens, Oh.

Stephen
March 4, 2013

George did everything in his power to effectively serve me as a client. I couldn't be more satisfied with he results he produced and the dedication to the job he showed.

John
February 7, 2013

Recently my son got into some trouble and we needed a lawyer, I was frantic and didn’t know where to turn. I turned to one of my lawyer friend back home and asked if he could recommend a good lawyer in Athens, Ohio. My friend is one of the members of the Ohio Bar Association and I knew he could find the best lawyer possible in the area. That’s when I heard about George McCarthy and do I ever feel blessed for this referral. George was fantastic and helped us in every way possible! I don’t know what would have happened if we had any other Lawyer than George McCarthy. If you’re like me and don’t know where to turn or who to go to all I can say is if you don’t go to George McCarthy you will be making a mistake! I give my highest recommendation to George McCarthy!

anonymous
January 25, 2013

George came recommended to us from a local attorney in another community. It was the best recommendation we could have hoped for. We have a child who attends OU. An evening of college drinking spiraled into unintended behavior that resulted in extremely serious charges. Having never been through such a process and having no real knowledge of the legal system, George was extremely informative, helpful and got us the best possible outcome we could have hoped for. I highly recommend George McCarthy.

anonymous
January 2, 2013

We needed advise from a local attorney regarding a legal issue for our child. After reading the positive reviews Mr. Mccarthy received, we called his office. We found the staff to be very courteous and professional. We appreciated Mr. Mccarthy's timely reply. His background and experience was extremely beneficial in helping us understand the situation and having our questions answered. I would highly recommend calling him.

Steve
November 8, 2012

George was very professional and treated us with respect. He made sure we understood all of our options. He made me very comfortable at a highly stressful time. He was able to resolve our problem with great success.

Marvin
October 16, 2012

Mr. McCarthy and his staff were very professional and handled my case with ease. They kept me updated and provided an excellent outcome.

Brad
October 2, 2012

I live in a different state and was apprehensive on who to represent my case. After a little research I chose George McCarthy. Great choice, I was not dissatisfied with any aspect of his ability. Mr. McCarthy took time to listen and gave me the blunt facts on what we could expect. He pulled no punches and kept me up to date regularly each step of the way. Being from out of state, his staff sent all mailings quickly, and helped anyway they could. I was never left feeling when or what next. George McCarthy and his team are top notch!

Richard
September 17, 2012

If you ever have the misfortune of having your college student get into legal situations in Athens, I suggest you contact George before ever making a plea. George was especially helpful in consideration that we are located out of state and he gave an honest appraisal of our options. OUr son was charged with underage drinking. He gave us the confidence, just over the phone; that we had competent representation; and in the end it was proven out with a favorable sentence. This was no garantee, given the hard line, unreasonable approach to handling students that the prosecutor and judge take in Athens. You see they are making examples of students to clean up there image. Unfair, yes!....and you will need someone who has the experience and longstanding relationships that are necesary in a small town environment. I hope that nobody ever needs to read this review, but if you do; call George.

anonymous
July 30, 2012

George McCarthy has considerable experience, and he used it to his client's advantage. He informed me of my options, provided good advice, but gave me the freedom to make my own choices. I was very pleased with his work, and I would recommend him without reservation.

tom from Buffalo
July 30, 2012

George helped my son, a junior at OU , who had been charge with underage drinking, and fake ID. My son was acutaully charge with a felony ( poseession of a forged Gov't document). He was able to obtain a a great result, and actually pushed back on the prosecutor for some dubious action of the police and get the felony dropped. I would highly recommend George and his team to any one who has a child that gets jammed up with issues in Athens, Oh.