1. Luftman, Heck & Associates (LHA)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with award-winning attorneys and 200+ five-star reviews
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: Led by prominent Cincinnati defense attorney Brad Groene, Luftman, Heck & Associates stands at the forefront of criminal defense in the region, offering unmatched legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges across Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and beyond. With a legacy built on dedication, integrity, and success across Ohio, the accomplished and award-winning criminal defense attorneys and DUI lawyers at LHA are committed to achieving favorable outcomes, getting justice, and protecting clients no matter what. Brad Groene has been recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. The firm has successfully resolved thousands of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, in courts throughout Ohio. With offices located in Downtown Cincinnati and in Monfort Heights / Green Township, the defense attorneys help clients throughout Cincinnati and the surrounding areas.
Location: Downtown Cincinnati and Monfort Heights / Green Township (serves Hamilton County and Southern Ohio)
Contact: (513) 338-1890 | https://www.cincinnaticriminalattorney.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7
2. Treleven & Klingensmith
Focus Area: Criminal defense with multiple former prosecutors and both state and federal experience
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, white collar crimes
Background: At Treleven & Klingensmith, the attorneys have successfully defended clients throughout Southwest Ohio. With offices in Cincinnati, Amelia, and Oxford, with multiple former prosecutors, both state and federal experience, the team is ready to defend clients. Just because you have been charged with a crime does not mean you will be convicted. The firm has the skills to take cases to trial, the expertise to negotiate plea deals, and the inside knowledge to navigate the system. The attorneys understand a criminal charge carries collateral consequences that can impact employment, education, and even housing. The firm has experience dealing with licensing boards, employers, and college disciplinary councils. Representation is comprehensive, doing everything in their power to mitigate the impact of a criminal charge on clients’ lives inside and outside the courthouse.
Location: Cincinnati, Amelia, and Oxford, Ohio (serves Southwest Ohio, Butler County, and Clermont County)
Contact: (513) 999-5297 | https://www.tkcincinnati.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
3. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of combined experience and former police officers on staff
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft
Background: The experienced Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help with criminal charges. The legal team has decades of combined experience navigating all criminal matters in Ohio. The firm also has a unique perspective of Ohio’s criminal justice system because the lawyers have worked on both sides of the law as police officers and as defense lawyers. The Cincinnati domestic violence attorneys protect rights whether clients are charged with domestic assault, battery, sexual assault, or violating a protection order. The attorneys evaluate the evidence and develop a defense strategy to reduce or dismiss the charges. The Cincinnati drug crimes lawyers know Ohio and federal law inside and out and will examine the circumstances of arrest to determine whether the police violated constitutional rights.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (serves Hamilton County and surrounding areas)
Contact: (513) 333-0014 | https://www.suhrelaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Bleile & Dawson
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years combined experience serving Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, sex crimes, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, white collar crimes
Background: At the law firm of Bleile & Dawson, the attorneys put years of combined experience to work for clients in Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Indiana. In the world of criminal defense litigation and laws, everything can seem quite bleak as the criminal justice system insists you have done wrong and must be punished. At the firm, the outlook is deliberately positive because the last thing clients need is more discouragement. The firm has taken up an intentional focus on prearrest cases, providing proactive defense strategies that not many other defense firms in the country can offer. Benefits of a successful case with prearrest representation include no arrest on criminal record, saving time spent in county jail, eliminating costly court fees, and fast resolution with no stress.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (serves Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana)
Contact: (513) 399-5945 | https://www.bleileanddawson.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Arenstein & Gallagher
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 60+ years experience in state and federal court
Practice Areas: DUI/OVI, drug crimes, theft, assault, white collar crimes, federal crimes, death penalty cases
Background: At Arenstein & Gallagher, the attorneys have more than 60 years’ experience protecting individuals against criminal charges in both state and federal court. They understand the law and understand how to find weaknesses in the prosecution. The firm has earned a reputation for successfully assisting clients in a full spectrum of criminal matters. Attorney William R. Gallagher is a past president of the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and a past member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is the current Chair of the CLE Institute for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 2011, Mr. Gallagher was awarded the Robert Heeney Memorial Award by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, their most prestigious award given to the attorney who provides outstanding contributions to the profession. He is a founding member of the Ohio Innocence Project.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: (513) 651-5666 | https://www.arensteinlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Ohio
Felony Classifications
Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees:
First-Degree Felony: Includes rape, aggravated robbery, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is 3-11 years in prison (indefinite sentencing may apply for certain offenses) and up to $20,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes felonious assault, kidnapping, and burglary of an occupied dwelling. Penalty is 2-8 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes robbery, certain drug possession offenses, and domestic violence (third offense). Penalty is 9-36 months in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Fourth-Degree Felony: Includes grand theft, certain OVI offenses, and domestic violence (second offense). Penalty is 6-18 months in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Fifth-Degree Felony: Includes theft over $1,000, breaking and entering, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 6-12 months in prison and up to $2,500 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes assault, OVI (first offense with high BAC), and theft under $1,000. Maximum 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes obstructing official business and certain drug paraphernalia offenses. Maximum 90 days in jail and $750 fine.
Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes certain traffic offenses and criminal mischief. Maximum 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and minor drug offenses. Maximum 30 days in jail and $250 fine.
Minor Misdemeanor: Includes minor traffic violations and first-offense marijuana possession (under 100 grams). Fine only, maximum $150.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Ohio allows sealing and expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and certain felonies can be sealed. Ohio has expanded eligibility in recent years.
Waiting Periods: 1 year for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies (from final discharge, including completion of probation).
Ineligible Offenses: First and second-degree felonies, most sex offenses, offenses involving violence against children, and offenses with mandatory prison terms generally cannot be sealed.
Effect of Sealing: Sealed records are not available to the public, and the person can legally state that no record exists for most purposes. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still access sealed records.
OVI Laws
Ohio OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries 3 days to 6 months jail (or 3-day driver intervention program), $375-$1,075 fine, and 1-3 year license suspension. High BAC (.17% or higher) increases mandatory minimum jail and license suspension. Second offense within 10 years carries 10 days to 6 months jail, $525-$1,625 fine, and 1-7 year license suspension. Fourth offense within 10 years is a fourth-degree felony. Ohio has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension and can be used as evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Cincinnati?
Criminal cases in Cincinnati are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas handles felony cases and is located at 1000 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The Hamilton County Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Cincinnati also has various Mayor’s Courts in surrounding municipalities that handle minor traffic and ordinance violations. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio handles federal criminal cases. A Cincinnati criminal defense attorney familiar with these courts can better navigate your case.
What is Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) in Ohio?
Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) is a diversion program in Ohio for defendants whose criminal behavior was related to drug or alcohol use or mental illness. If accepted into the program, the defendant pleads guilty but the court does not enter a conviction. Instead, the defendant undergoes treatment and supervision for 1-5 years. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charges are dismissed and can be expunged immediately. If the defendant fails, the court enters the conviction and imposes the original sentence. ILC is available for certain non-violent offenses and can be a way to avoid a conviction on your record. A Cincinnati criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for ILC.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Ohio?
A felony conviction in Ohio carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Ohio law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (restored upon release). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Ohio does allow sealing of certain felony records after the waiting period, but first and second-degree felonies and most sex offenses cannot be sealed. A Cincinnati criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing where eligible.
What is a CQE (Certificate of Qualification for Employment) in Ohio?
A Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is an Ohio court order that lifts automatic bars to employment, professional licensing, and other opportunities that result from a criminal conviction. A CQE does not seal or expunge the record but provides official documentation that the person has been rehabilitated and is worthy of consideration for employment or licensing despite the conviction. A CQE can be obtained 1 year after release from prison or completion of sentence. It can be particularly valuable for occupations requiring state licensure. A Cincinnati criminal defense attorney can assist with obtaining a CQE to improve employment prospects after a conviction.
Can I get my Ohio criminal record sealed?
Ohio allows sealing of many criminal records after waiting periods. The waiting period is 1 year for misdemeanors and 3 years for eligible felonies (from final discharge, including completion of probation). However, certain offenses cannot be sealed, including most first and second-degree felonies, sex offenses, offenses involving violence against children, and offenses with mandatory prison terms. There are also limits on how many convictions can be sealed (generally up to 2 felonies or 4 misdemeanors, with some exceptions). The petition must be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. A Cincinnati criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to seal your record.