

We personally tailor a defense for each case and aggressively fight against a system designed to convict you.

Cleveland Criminal Defense Attorneys
We've Taken 200+ Cases to Trial
At Patituce & Associates, we handle criminal matters through all stages of the justice process. Our criminal defense lawyers in Cleveland, OH, have a reputation for getting results, and we are ready to stand by you at every step in your case. Our lawyers have 70+ years of combined experience and are backed by a track record of results.
We have handled numerous criminal cases, including drug crimes, federal crimes, juvenile crimes, sex offenses, theft crimes, violent crimes, and white collar crimes. Through every case, we remain focused on protecting our clients' rights.
Defending Charges of DUI in Ohio
We have extensive experience defending charges of DUI. Our criminal defense team consists of three former prosecutors. We know what the other side needs to prove to obtain a conviction, which means we know how to build strategies to counter them.
We thoroughly review every detail to aggressively fight charges. Our team also assists clients already convicted. In such cases, we pursue every post-conviction relief vehicle available to help clients seek a second chance. We work toward overturning wrongful convictions, seeking early release, and challenging unlawful confinement.
Our team approaches each case with a "can't lose" mentality.

Work with Cleveland's Finest
Meet the Attorneys of Patituce & Associates-
Joseph C. Patituce
Managing Partner / Former Prosecutor
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Megan M. Patituce
Partner / Former Prosecutor
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Catherine R. Meehan
Partner
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Suzanne McCort
Office Manager / Paralegal
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Mallorie Thomas
Senior Associate
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Aaron A. Schwartz
Senior Associate
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Lauren Wazevich
Associate Attorney
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Michelle Witchey
Paralegal
Our Firm in the Media
Recent Cases That Have Garnered Local & National Media Attention-
Attorney Joe Patituce Speaks About Ohio Supreme Court Bail RulingView Article
- Criminal Defense,
- Media
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Cuyahoga County Judge Accidentally Grants Request to Withdraw Guilty PleaView Article
- Media
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Patituce & Associates Lands Acquittal in Tevin Biles-Thomas CaseView Article
- Media



Facing Criminal Charges?
We Have the Experience You Can Count On- Assault
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Federal Offenses
- Juvenile Crimes
- Post-Conviction
- Sex Crimes
- Theft Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
What Sets Us Apart?
The Patituce & Associates Difference-
We Offer No-Cost, Confidential Phone Consultations.
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Our Team Has Over 70 Years of Combined Experience.
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Our Lead Attorney Is A Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney.
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Our Attorneys Have Taken Cases to Jury Trials Over 200 Times.
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We Are the Firm Other Attorneys, Police & Prosecutors Turn To.
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We Are Available 24/7.
Contact Our Firm
We're Available 24/7
Results Matter
Because Your Life & Reputation Matter-
Aggravated Burglary: State v. Boscarello, Cuyahoga County Significant Reduction, Probation
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Aggravated Theft: State v. Bailey, Cuyahoga Plea and Record
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Attempted Murder/Felonious Assault: State v. Brandon Betliskey Not Guilty at Trial
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Child Pornography: State v. J.S. (A juvenile) Youngstown Case Dismissed
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Domestic Violence: Rocky River v. D.F. Not Guilty at Trial
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Drug Trafficking: State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County Charges Dismissed
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Drug Trafficking: State v. Bittner, Lorain County Charges Dismissed
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DUI / OVI: City of Cleveland v. Oles Evidence Suppressed, State Lost the Appeal
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DUI / OVI: Cleveland v. Al-Nazer (2012 TRC 040781) Case Dismissed
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DUI/OVI w. a weapon: State v. Al-Nazer (Cuyahoga Case No. 13-575491) Case Dismissed


No Case Is Hopeless
Our Approach to Criminal Cases
At Patituce & Associates, our main focus is on you, the client. We don’t work for the government. We work for you. Our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys understand that each and every client brings a new set of issues, problems, and difficulties that they need to overcome. Often, these problems can appear to be overwhelming, and even impossible, to deal with. Our law firm does not feel that way.
Depending on the nature of your case, you might worry that even the best criminal defense lawyer can’t help. However, if you are facing a felony or misdemeanor, it is imperative that you contact a skilled legal representative right away. There is no case that is hopeless, and if your freedom is on the line, our attorneys will fight for you.
Call our Cleveland defense lawyers at (440) 471-7784 or contact us online!


The Patituce & Associates team is made up of battle-tested attorneys who are known for their fierce advocacy and rigorous defense of the Constitution.

Client Testimonials
Real People. Real Stories.-
“Joe's team, especially our attorney, Ashley did a great job of defending my son against a serious assault charge. They were with us every step of the way through a very intimidating legal process, ...”
- Patricia -
“I recently was charged with a DUI that could have ruined my career, my relationship with my family, and my personal relationship. I am so thankful that I called Patituce & Associates, and my attorney ...”
- Andrew -
“I am so very glad that I hired them to defend my son. They were prompt, professional, and caring. At first I was a little worried that one of the bigger firms in Ohio wouldn't be personable, they were ...”
- LaToya -
“I hired Joe and his team after consulting with two other attorneys. Joe was fair and I appreciated his honesty in the consultation process. He was able to convince the court to have my breath test ...”
- Banes -
“I was charged with an extreme DUI BAC of over .3. Joe was able to successfully argue that the fault of the BAC was due to the hospital using alcohol on the needles and my arm when drawing my blood and ...”
- Brandon

You Have Questions
We Have Answers-
Will I go back to jail?
This depends on a number of things. First, it depends on the crime you are being charged with. For some, such as a first time DUI, you’ll most likely be released on your own recognizance and will not need to go back to jail. For other, more serious crimes, such as attempted murder, the courts will likely keep you in custody on the charge alone unless you are able to post bail. Second, it depends on the result of your trial. If given a not guilty verdict, it’s almost as if it never happened – you are free to go right then and there. If convicted of a serious crime, you may have to go back into custody. Lastly, it depends on sentencing, as this is another matter entirely. At the point of sentencing, a judge may require a term in jail or alternatives, such as rehabilitation or community service.
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Do I need to hire an attorney?
You have the right to an attorney, and you also have the right to waive that right and represent yourself. This right is as old as the Constitution itself, but it is almost always a mistake to do so. Those who are not trained in criminal trial procedure lack the ability to properly file motions, submit evidence, cross examine a witness, or select a jury. In addition, it’s possible that you may accidentally admit guilt in an effort to defend yourself. Criminal trials are very intimidating settings, and the odds will be against you if you choose to defend yourself. Additionally, simply pleading guilty in hopes of mercy from the prosecution is a bad idea – it is their job to give you the harshest sentence they can, and believe me, they will. It is best to leave your fate not up to luck but to legal skills honed over decades.
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Can I have a conviction removed from my record?
Once convicted, which means either entering a guilty plea or being found guilty by a jury of your peers, it is difficult but not impossible to have a crime expunged from your record. Most juvenile crimes are able to be expunged, and are often sealed on their record when they turn 18, anyway. However, as an adult, your best bet at getting a crime expunged is if the offense is not violent in nature and if your offense is the first and only one you have ever been found guilty for. First time DUIs are quite often able to expunged as long as you complete all of the mandatory classes, community service, and probation in a timely and effective manner. Other crimes, such as armed robbery, will likely not be expunged unless you are found not guilty by a court of law. Additionally, one cannot expunge a crime while they are pending conviction of another crime.
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What is the process for hiring a defense law firm?
The first step in the process is a thorough search for all of the information you can find. Gain a good understanding of what you could be facing if you are actually convicted of the crime. Then, search for a qualified attorney. In this search, you want to look for experience in criminal defense as well as a background in prosecution - this means your attorney can stay ahead of the opposition, You also want to look for previous successful results in cases involving the same charge as yours and any indication that your attorney still possesses a passion for what he or she does. Then, schedule a consultation, where you and your legal team can begin to assess and make a course of action. Initial consultations are usually not binding, meaning that you can still choose another firm after, if you so choose.
Paraprofessional Staff Join Cleveland's Finest
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