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Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Joseph Patituce is one of the 13 board-certified specialists in Ohio state.
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Over 70 Years of Combined Experience
Our Attorneys have taken cases to jury trials over 400 times.
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No-Cost, Confidential Phone Consultations
Call for a free consultation, you will speak to an attorney immediately.
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer
Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys in Cincinnati
Many people who have been arrested or accused of a criminal offense are often unsure of what steps they should take next.
Getting the counsel of a trusted Cincinnati criminal defense attorney is absolutely crucial when it comes to defending your freedom.
Make sure you thoroughly research your options and select the criminal lawyer who gives you peace of mind and confidence in your criminal defense representation.
The team at Patituce & Associates has extensive training, experience, and skills. We never settle when it comes to our client’s cases.
We are trial lawyers who go above and beyond to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our Cincinnati criminal lawyers are former prosecutors and experienced criminal defense attorneys who are ready to fight for you.
We are ready to discuss your case today. Call our office at (440) 771-1175 to schedule a consultation with our experienced defense attorneys in Cincinnati.
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What Makes Patituce & Associates the Right Choice as Your Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cincinnati?
You have many options to choose from when it comes to legal counsel and criminal law representation in Cincinnati.
So what traits should you look for in the right attorney? Having a legal professional who can directly and clearly tell you how they will protect your rights is an important part of criminal defense representation.
No false promises, no vague defense options—just simple truth that puts the client first.
Whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, Patituce & Associates has the resources, skills, and experience to help.
Reasons Our Firm Can Benefit Your Case:
- We’ve spent 70+ years in the legal profession
- We’ve helped hundreds of clients and taken 200+ cases to trial
- We are former prosecutors, so we know how to approach your case
- We never charge for your first consultation — it’s completely free
We encourage you to reach out to our firm to discuss your case. Our goal is to provide our clients with clarity, direction, and assurance.
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Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Cincinnati
Our firm is well-versed in felony and misdemeanor offenses, including federal crimes. We can help you with the following types of cases and many more:
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Crime Statistics in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio’s third-largest city, sees a staggering number of criminal convictions yearly. Ranging from petty theft to internet sex crimes, the charges registered in Cincinnati are numerous. The most commonly reported crimes include:
- Violent Crime: Roughly 28% of reported crimes in Cincinnati fall under this category, including assault, robbery, sex crimes, and homicide.
- Property Crime: 63% of reported crimes involve the destruction of property, larceny, theft, burglary, breaking and entering, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- Financial Crime: Financial crimes may range from offenses such as ATM theft to large-scale operations involving embezzlement and blackmail. These constitute nearly 6% of reported charges in the Cincinnati area.
No matter what you were charged with, you can be confident that just legal representation is only a click or a phone call away. As experienced local attorneys, we understand the types of criminal charges that our clients face and how these cases tend to unfold at both a regional and federal level.
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There is Hope in Every Criminal Case
We understand the worries that people have when they are up against the criminal justice system. No matter how challenging your situation may seem, there is hope.
When you are facing criminal charges, finding the best lawyer in Cincinnati for you is vital to the outcome of your case.
Our lead attorney is a board-certified criminal trial attorney who is trained to handle Ohio criminal charges. Additionally, each member of our team carries a profound understanding of criminal and Ohio state law. Just a brief discussion with a criminal attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Take the first step towards safeguarding your future by reaching out to us. Fill out a quick online form or give us a call today.
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We Handle State and Federal Criminal Cases
Being charged with a criminal offense is a serious matter that requires immediate attention and knowledgeable legal representation.
We handle a comprehensive range of state and federal criminal cases. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the outcome of your case can profoundly impact your life, your freedom, and your future.
With former felony-level prosecutors on staff, we have significant experience navigating all levels of criminal charges.
We are unafraid to go to trial on serious charges in Ohio state courts, US Federal Courts, or the US Supreme Court.
We know how to argue and defend a client in front of a judge and jury and represent defendants in even the most complex cases.
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Common Defenses to Criminal Charges in Cincinnati
Depending on the circumstances of your case, our firm will leverage several strategies to build a defense that’s as strong and impenetrable as a fortress.
The following are some common defenses used to defend people in criminal cases.
- Lack of Evidence: The prosecutor has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime. A defense attorney’s job is to hold the state to its burden of proof by actively identifying inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s case and creating reasonable doubt.
- Actual Innocence: This defense involves claiming that the defendant is innocent of the charges against them. Each crime has elements that must be met. If even one element is missing, you can be found not guilty. This defense could occur in virtually any criminal case.
- Authorization or Consent: This defense applies in certain criminal cases where the offense involves an act that happens against another person’s will or without their consent. For example, the attorney could present evidence that an alleged sex crime was actually consensual or that an alleged financial crime occurred with the proper authorization.
- Constitutional Violations: The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides strict limitations on how the police carry out searches and seizures. Law enforcement officers need probable cause to conduct a search or an arrest. If the police cannot prove they had reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the court could rule that those searches, seizures, or traffic stops are illegal. If your attorney determines the police searched you illegally, we would file a motion to exclude all of the evidence resulting from the unlawful search.
- Insanity: This defense involves admitting guilt but blaming insanity for committing the crime. It is an affirmative defense, meaning that the burden of proof rests on the defendant. This defense could see the defendant institutionalized if it is successful.
- Duress: This defense involves committing a criminal act due to threats of force or violence from another person. You are typically not criminally liable if you are forced to commit a crime. While duress generally involves threats of violence, duress could also be the threat of exposing embarrassing personal information or causing financial harm.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Defending yourself from a violent attack is one of the most common defenses involving any violent crime, including assault or murder. You are allowed to defend yourself when threatened with violence or when you are attacked, although your belief that you are in danger must be reasonable.
- Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations is the deadline by which the state must file criminal charges. If the statute of limitation expires, the state cannot file that particular criminal charge against you. The statute of limitations varies depending on the crime.
- Speedy Trial: Under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to face trial without long, unnecessary delays. Typically, more than one year delay is enough to trigger a speedy trial violation.
Your defenses will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the evidence presented. Start building your defense by contacting the Cincinnati criminal defense law firm of Patituce & Associates today.
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What to Do After You Are Arrested in Ohio
After an arrest, taking certain steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome is important.
Stay Calm and Know Your Rights
First, avoid the use of force, as resisting arrest can lead to additional charges and potential injuries. Instead, fight the charges in court rather than on the street.
Once you’ve been arrested, you will be searched by the police, and any contraband or evidence will be seized, including your phone. Your photograph and fingerprints will also be taken, and there will be a record of the arrest.
Every person who is arrested and questioned by police must be informed of their rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present.
In these situations, do not say anything to the police or investigators and invoke your rights as soon as possible. It is usually best to say, “I wish to remain silent, and I would like to talk to a lawyer.”
After invoking your rights, remain quiet, as even seemingly innocuous statements can be used against you in court.
Prepare to Speak to Your Attorney
You are entitled to a phone call after an arrest. Memorize the numbers of a few people to call in case of arrest, as the police may not let you use your cell phone to make calls.
Keep in mind that many calls made from a police station or jail are recorded, except for those to your lawyer, so be mindful of everything that you say.
Overall, the key to handling an arrest is to stay calm, invoke your rights, and seek legal representation as soon as possible.
A criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati from Patituce & Associates, LLC can help guide you through the process and protect your rights during each stage of your case.


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State v. Steve Gue Reduced Sentence
RECKLESS HOMICIDE
Client was charged with reckless homicide.
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State v. Tevin Biles Acquittal
TRIPLE MURDER/FELONIOUS ASSAULT
Client was identified as one of the alleged shooters at a New Year’s Eve party.
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State v. Beckwith, Cuyahoga County Charges Dismissed
DRUG TRAFFICKING
Student charged with the manufacturing of ecstasy.
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STATE V. BAILEY, CUYAHOGA Plea and Record Expunged
AGGRAVATED THEFT
Client was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of property.
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STATE V. BOSCARELLO, CUYAHOGA COUNTY Significant Reduction, Probation
AGGRAVATED BURGLARY
Client accused of high-level felonies of violence.
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STATE V. J.S. (A JUVENILE) YOUNGSTOWN Case Dismissed
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Local counsel pushed for a plea to one of the sex related charges.
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ROCKY RIVER V. D.F. Not Guilty At Trial
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Client was charged with domestic violence against his wife.
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STATE V. BITTNER, LORAIN COUNTY Charges Dismissed
DRUG TRAFFICKING
Client caught selling drugs.
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CITY OF CLEVELAND V. OLES Evidence Suppressed State Lost the Appeal
DUI/OVI
Client was stopped for what a trooper described as being an illegal lane change.
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CLEVELAND V. AL-NAZER (2012 TRC 040781) Case Dismissed
DUI/OVI
Our client was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
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STATE V. AL-NAZER (CUYAHOGA CASE NO. 13-575491) Case Dismissed
DUI/OVI W. A WEAPON
The trooper in this case went to every possible step to obtain a conviction against our client but we fought for him.
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BAY VILLAGE V. CRIDER Case Dismissed
DUI/OVI
Client was accused of operating a motor vehicle while impaired.
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CITY OF OBERLIN V. BARBER OVI Charges Dismissed
DUI/OVI
Client, a young adult, was pulled over for speeding.
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U.S. V. BREHUN Client Received House Arrest and Probation
FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY FRAUD
Client charged with bankruptcy fraud.
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U.S. V. MUKUNDKUMAR Client Received a One Year Sentence
FEDERAL BRIBERY CHARGERS
Client charged with bribing a city official and faced a significant prison sentence.
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U.S. V. POLING Client Only Received a Five Year Sentence
FEDERAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
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UNITED STATES V. WILLIAMS Sentenced Under the Mandatory Minimum Sentence
FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
Client faced a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison with a federal sentencing guideline range of nearly 20 years.
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U.S. V. LOVE Massively Reduced Sentence
FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING/MONEY LAUNDERING
Client charged with assisting boyfriend in the operation of a multistate drug operation. Faced in excess of ten years in prison.
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STATE V. BRANDON BETLISKEY Not Guilty at Trial
FELONIOUS ASSAULT/ATTEMPTED MURDER
Client was accused with attempted murder and felonious assault for stabbing an individual with a knife during a fight.
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STATE V. MICHAEL ZEINER Not Guilty at Trial, Finding of Self-Defense
FELONIOUS ASSAULT
Michael Zeiner was initially charged with felonious assault, a felony of the second degree under Ohio law.
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STATE V. BAILEY Felonies Reduced to a Misdemeanor
FRAUD
Client faced over five years in prison relating to fraud coming from purchases on certain credit cards.
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STATE V. BANKSTON (CASE 554763) Felonies Reduced to a Misdemeanor
MORTGAGE FRAUD
Client charged in a massive mortgage fraud operation by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office.
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CITY OF CLEVELAND V. OLES Evidence Suppressed
OVI-APPEAL
After our victory in the trial court the City of Cleveland appealed this case to the 8 th District Court of Appeals.
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BAY VILLAGE V. KELLER Prosecutor Dismissed the OVI Charges
OVI
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STATE V. MITCHELL, AKRON Plead to Reduced Charges and Avoided Prison
OVI
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STATE V. SHAVER, ELYRIA Reduction in Charges and Client Avoided Mandator
OVI
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STATE V. BANKS, PORT CLINTON No Charges
RAPE
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STATE V. BUXO, CUYAHOGA COUNTY All Sex Counts Dismissed, Probation
RAPE
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STATE V. CALLAWAY, ZAINESVILLE Not Guilty on All Felony Sex Offenses
RAPE
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STATE V. J. SMITH, CUYAHOGA COUNTY Rape Allegation Dismissed
RAPE
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STATE V. KING Felonies Dismissed
RAPE
Client was involved in a situation with another person his age.
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STATE V. KING, CUYAHOGA COUNTY Charges Dismissed, Reduced to Misdemeanor
RAPE
Client drank too much with a female companion at a party – both were under 21.
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STATE V. MCCLINTICK, PORTAGE COUNTY Case Dismissed
RAPE
Client drank too much with a female companion at a party – both were under 21.
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STATE V. MCCLINTICK, PORTAGE COUNTY Case Dismissed
RAPE
Hired to replace local counsel.
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STATE V. LEVANDUSKI Dismissed
OVI
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UNITED STATES V. PUGH, 1:16-CR-00291-BYP. Sentence Reduced to 55 Months
INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
Client faced possession with intent to distribute LSD 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
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Unindicted
FEDERAL ANALOGUE DRUG CHARGES
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Unindicted
FEDERAL ANALOGUE DRUG CHARGES


Benefits of Hiring an Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney
When you have been charged with a crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney in Ohio is one of the most important decisions you can make. A defense attorney with experience handling similar cases to yours can help protect your rights and your future. Below are just some of the benefits of hiring a Cleveland criminal defense attorney:
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Knowledge of the Legal System
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Protection of Your Rights
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Development of a Strong Defense Strategy
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Mitigation of Potential Consequences


client testimonials HEAR HOW WE'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE
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“I couldn't have made a better choice.”
- Glenn G.I engaged Joe Patituce's services for my DUI case in Rocky River, and I couldn't have made a better choice. He and his team demonstrated excellence throughout, managing my case with remarkable skill and professionalism.
There is no case that is hopeless What to Look for in an Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your freedom is on the line, our attorneys will fight for you.
Choosing the right Ohio criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between
a successful outcome or a conviction with serious consequences. When looking for
an Ohio criminal defense lawyer, there are several factors you should consider. With
the right attorney by your side, you can have confidence in your case and increase
your chances of achieving the best possible outcome. At Patituce & Associates,
LLC, our attorneys bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and resources to the
table. Coupled with an impressive record of successful verdicts, our lawyers have
the skills and expertise necessary to help you navigate the Ohio criminal justice system.
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Has Experience Handling Cases Similar to YoursCriminal law is complex, and a firm that focuses its practice on criminal defense will have a better understanding of the laws and strategies that can help you achieve the best outcome. Your lawyer should be familiar with the court system and judges in the area and have a track record of success in obtaining positive results for their clients.
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Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Joseph Patituce is one of the 13 board-certified specialists in Ohio state.
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- Joseph Patituce | Founder & Partner
"The practice of criminal law is at the heart of what happens every day in our society. I started practicing criminal law as a way of helping people obtain justice for themselves and their families."

