1. Luftman, Heck & Associates
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including DUI/OVI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, federal charges, and white collar crimes.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/OVI, drug possession and trafficking, sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, weapons charges.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, grand jury representation, appeals, expungement and record sealing, license preservation.
Background: Luftman, Heck & Associates is led by Cincinnati defense attorney Brad Groene. Attorney Groene is a Cincinnati native with extensive legal experience in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. He exclusively practices criminal law for clients in Hamilton County and throughout Southern Ohio. The firm has successfully resolved thousands of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, in courts throughout Ohio. Attorney Groene makes his cell phone available to clients around the clock. The firm has offices in Downtown Cincinnati and in Monfort Heights/Green Township.
Location: Downtown Cincinnati and Monfort Heights/Green Township, Hamilton County, Ohio
Contact: https://www.cincinnaticriminalattorney.com
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation.
2. Joslyn Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense including violent crimes, domestic violence, drug offenses, and federal charges.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, OVI/DUI, drug trafficking and possession, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, weapons charges.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, constitutional rights challenges, breath and blood test challenges, grand jury representation.
Background: The Joslyn Law Firm is led by managing lawyer Brian Joslyn, who has been ranked by Columbus CEO Magazine as a notable criminal lawyer in Columbus. The National Trial Lawyers Association has nominated Mr. Joslyn as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the country. The firm has handled over 20,000 cases in central Ohio courts and has developed relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court personnel throughout the region. The firm maintains that knowledge of each court system, judge preferences, and prosecutor approaches makes a significant difference in case outcomes.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (handling cases throughout central Ohio)
Contact: (513) 399-6289 | https://www.criminalattorneycincinnati.com
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation.
3. James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI/OVI defense with extensive trial experience, including death penalty qualified representation.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OVI, domestic violence, strangulation charges, drug offenses, assault, theft, sex crimes, capital cases.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, capital case defense, OVI administrative license appeals.
Background: James F. Bogen has been working in Cincinnati-area courts for more than 20 years. He is certified in Field Sobriety Testing, which he leverages in court to challenge government DUI/OVI evidence. He is certified by the Ohio Supreme Court to defend clients facing the death penalty. He serves as a regular legal analyst and commentator on the Bill Cunningham Show on 700 WLW, the top-rated talk show in the region, discussing high-profile cases, constitutional issues, legislation, and current events. In July 2024, he successfully defended a client in Warren County Common Pleas Court on felony Strangulation and Domestic Violence charges, resulting in dismissal of all charges. In August 2024, he obtained dismissal of a related Civil Protection Order in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (serving Hamilton County, Warren County, Clermont County, Butler County, and Southwest Ohio)
Contact: (513) 838-2506 | https://www.attorneyjamesbogen.com
Consultation: Contact for consultation.
4. The Wieczorek Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and OVI defense throughout Hamilton County and Southern Ohio, including state and federal courts.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, OVI/DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, administrative license suspension appeals, federal court representation.
Background: Attorney Mark Wieczorek is a former prosecutor who has been handling criminal law cases since 2007. He has represented over 5,000 clients in court and has tried over 175 cases to both judges and juries with successful outcomes. The firm handles cases in State Courts across Ohio and Federal Courts across the United States. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Wieczorek uses his experience to identify and challenge weaknesses in the state’s case, including unlawful traffic stops, flawed breath or blood test results, and administrative license suspensions issued without due process. The firm’s phones are answered around the clock.
Location: Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio (also serving Butler County, Clermont County, Brown County, Highland County, Clinton County)
Contact: (513) 317-5987 | https://thewieczoreklawfirm.com
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available.
5. Ernst & Associates
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including white collar crimes, drug distribution, embezzlement, robbery, felony OVI, murder, and gross sexual imposition.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, white collar crimes, drug distribution and possession, embezzlement, armed robbery, felony OVI, murder, gross sexual imposition.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, cross-examination of witnesses, evidence scrutiny.
Background: Ernst & Associates has over 60 years of collective experience among its attorneys. The firm has an impressive track record of successful case outcomes including favorable settlements in prescription drug distribution cases, reduced restitution in embezzlement cases, and not guilty verdicts in armed robbery, felony OVI, murder, and gross sexual imposition cases. The firm emphasizes a non-biased, neutral, and non-judgmental approach to every criminal case. They scrutinize evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and negotiate with prosecutors while upholding ethical duties to clients. The attorneys have deep understanding of Cincinnati’s legal system, allowing them to develop tailored strategies for each case.
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: https://www.ernstfirm.com
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation.
Criminal Defense Regulations in Ohio
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Ohio Bar Examination or qualify under UBE transfer provisions, complete character and fitness review, and be admitted by the Ohio Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of Ohio Office of Attorney Services maintains public records of attorney licensure, including disciplinary history.
Public Defender System: The Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office provides representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses. Ohio public defender services operate at both state and county levels. Eligibility is determined by income guidelines, typically at or below 125-150% of federal poverty guidelines depending on the jurisdiction.
Specialty Certifications: The Ohio State Bar Association offers a Certified Specialist program, but criminal law is not among the certified specialties. National certifications and recognitions are available through organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Ohio attorneys must comply with Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1 through 7.5 governing advertising and solicitation. All communications must be truthful and not misleading.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Ohio Rule of Evidence 501 and common law protect confidential communications between attorneys and clients made for purposes of legal representation.
Continuing Legal Education: Ohio requires attorneys to complete 24 hours of CLE every two-year reporting period, including 2.5 hours of professional conduct/ethics, 1 hour of substance abuse awareness, and 0.5 hour of mental health awareness.
Arraignment Procedures: In Ohio, defendants are arraigned in the court where charges are filed (Municipal Court for misdemeanors, Common Pleas Court for felonies). At arraignment, charges are read, constitutional rights are explained, bail is set or reviewed, and counsel is appointed if eligible.
Preliminary Hearings: For felony charges, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or within 15 days if released, unless waived. The hearing determines whether probable cause exists to bind the case over to the grand jury.
Discovery Rules: Ohio Criminal Rule 16 governs discovery. The prosecution must disclose witness names and statements, defendant’s statements, documents and tangible objects, expert reports, and exculpatory evidence. The defense has reciprocal discovery obligations.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Ohio Revised Code 2945.71 requires trial within 90 days of arrest for most felonies and within 30 days of arrest for misdemeanors where defendant is in jail (90 days if released). Time may be extended for various reasons including defense motions and continuances.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Ohio uses a bail schedule system with judges having discretion to deviate. Criminal Rule 46 governs bail proceedings. Factors include nature of offense, weight of evidence, defendant’s ties to community, criminal history, and risk of flight. Ohio has implemented bail reform measures in some jurisdictions. OR (own recognizance) release is available for qualifying defendants.
Felony Classification System: Ohio classifies felonies into five degrees:
First Degree Felony carries 3 to 11 years imprisonment (or 3-11 years with possibility of 10 additional years for certain offenses) and fines up to $20,000 (examples: rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery).
Second Degree Felony carries 2 to 8 years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000 (examples: felonious assault, robbery, burglary of occupied dwelling).
Third Degree Felony carries 9 months to 36 months (or 12-60 months for certain offenses) imprisonment and fines up to $10,000 (examples: theft over $150,000, certain drug offenses).
Fourth Degree Felony carries 6 to 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $5,000 (examples: grand theft, domestic violence with prior).
Fifth Degree Felony carries 6 to 12 months imprisonment and fines up to $2,500 (examples: breaking and entering, theft over $1,000).
Misdemeanor Classification: First Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 180 days jail and $1,000 fine. Second Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 90 days jail and $750 fine. Third Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 60 days jail and $500 fine. Fourth Degree Misdemeanor carries up to 30 days jail and $250 fine. Minor Misdemeanor carries no jail time and $150 fine.
OVI Penalties: First offense OVI (Ohio Revised Code 4511.19) carries 3 to 180 days jail (minimum 3 consecutive days or 72-hour driver intervention program), $375-$1,075 fine, 1 to 3 year license suspension, and possible vehicle immobilization. Penalties increase for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses. Fourth OVI within 10 years is a fourth degree felony with mandatory prison time. Refusal to submit to testing results in automatic administrative license suspension.
Death Penalty Status: Ohio retains the death penalty for aggravated murder with specifications. Execution method is lethal injection. Capital cases require specialized defense qualifications. There has been a de facto moratorium on executions in recent years due to challenges obtaining lethal injection drugs.
Expungement and Record Sealing: Ohio Revised Code 2953.31 et seq. governs expungement and sealing of records. Eligible offenses (most misdemeanors and many felonies) may be sealed after waiting periods. First degree felonies, violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other crimes are generally not eligible. Waiting periods: 1 year after final discharge for misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies. Unlimited number of minor misdemeanors may be sealed. One felony and unlimited misdemeanors may be sealed per application. Sealing limits public access but records remain available to law enforcement.
Hamilton County Procedures: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court handles felonies. Hamilton County Municipal Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. The Hamilton County Justice Center houses the jail, courts, and related offices. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office handles all criminal prosecutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens after I am arrested in Hamilton County, and how soon will I see a judge?
A: After arrest in Hamilton County, you will be transported to the Hamilton County Justice Center at 1000 Sycamore Street in Cincinnati for booking and processing. For misdemeanor charges, you may see a judge at the next available court session, typically within 24 hours on weekdays. For felony charges, you will have an initial appearance before a judge within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) where charges will be read, bail will be addressed, and you can request appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney. The Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office provides representation to qualifying defendants.
Q: How does bail work in Hamilton County?
A: Hamilton County uses a bail schedule that sets presumptive bail amounts based on the offense charged. At your initial appearance, you can request the judge reduce bail or grant OR (own recognizance) release. Factors considered include your ties to the community, employment, criminal history, and flight risk. You may post bail by paying the full cash amount (refunded at case conclusion), using a bail bondsman (typically 10% fee, non-refundable), or posting property. For some misdemeanors, you may be released on the bail schedule amount by posting at the jail without waiting to see a judge. An experienced defense attorney can file a motion for bond reduction if bail is set too high.
Q: What is Ohio’s “look back” period for repeat OVI offenses?
A: Ohio uses a 10-year “look back” period for OVI offenses under Ohio Revised Code 4511.19. Prior OVI, OVUAC (underage), or equivalent out-of-state convictions within the past 10 years are counted when determining penalties for a new OVI charge. A second OVI within 10 years carries mandatory minimum 10 days jail, enhanced fines, and longer license suspension. A third OVI within 10 years carries mandatory minimum 30 days jail. A fourth OVI within 10 years is charged as a fourth degree felony with mandatory prison time of 60 days to 30 months. However, OVI convictions remain on your driving record permanently and may affect future employment and insurance.
Q: What is Ohio’s intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) program?
A: Ohio’s Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) program under Ohio Revised Code 2951.041 allows eligible defendants with drug or alcohol dependency or mental illness to receive treatment instead of conviction. If approved, the court stays criminal proceedings while you complete treatment and supervision (typically 12-18 months). Successful completion results in dismissal of charges with no conviction. Eligibility requirements include that the offense must be non-violent, you must be diagnosed with drug/alcohol dependency or mental illness, the offense must be related to your condition, you must not have prior ILC participation, and the prosecutor must not object. Certain offenses (violent felonies, sex offenses) are not eligible. This program can be particularly valuable for drug possession cases where treatment addresses underlying issues.
Q: Can I get my criminal record sealed or expunged in Ohio?
A: Ohio allows sealing (commonly called expungement) of criminal records under Ohio Revised Code 2953.32. Eligible convictions may be sealed after waiting periods of 1 year after final discharge for misdemeanors and 3 years after final discharge for felonies. You may seal one felony conviction plus unlimited misdemeanor convictions on a single application (recent law changes have expanded eligibility). Minor misdemeanors can be sealed without limit. Certain offenses are not eligible, including first and second degree felonies, violent offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, offenses against minors, and offenses committed by public officials. The sealing process involves filing an application with the court, paying filing fees (fee waiver available for qualifying individuals), and a hearing where the prosecutor may object. If granted, sealed records are not accessible to most employers and landlords but remain available to law enforcement and certain licensing boards.