
Franklin Criminal Defense Lawyers
Your Defense, Our Commitment
Facing criminal charges can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. A conviction can threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future. That’s why our team of battle-tested criminal defense attorneys serving Franklin is committed to standing by your side, fighting to protect your rights at every stage of the legal process.
At Patituce & Associates, we have over 70 years of combined experience and have tried more than 200 cases. Our lawyers bring unmatched knowledge, strategy, and dedication to every case we handle. Our legal team includes former prosecutors and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney who know how the system works—and how to challenge it. No matter the complexity of your case, we take a relentless, results-driven approach to pursuing a just outcome.
You need a law firm that won’t back down when your future is on the line. No case is hopeless, and no challenge is too great. Call (440) 771-1175 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.



Arrested in Ohio? Protect Your Rights and Future.
Being arrested is a stressful and often frightening experience, but what you do next can impact the trajectory of your case. Law enforcement officers work to gather evidence that can be used against you, and even a seemingly harmless statement can be twisted to fit their narrative.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, taking the proper steps immediately after an arrest can make a difference:
- Stay silent and request an attorney – You are not obligated to answer police questions. The Constitution guarantees your right to remain silent, which is critical. Instead of engaging with officers, firmly state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and want an attorney present.
- Avoid discussing your case – Beyond law enforcement, you should not discuss your case with anyone—friends, family, or social media connections. Conversations can be misinterpreted, and prosecutors can subpoena messages, emails, and posts to build their case against you. Even well-intentioned discussions can create complications that weaken your defense.
- Call a criminal defense lawyer immediately – Early legal intervention is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against aggressive prosecution. A skilled criminal defense attorney can begin building your defense strategy immediately, challenge procedural errors, secure evidence in your favor, and uphold your rights.
We know the high stakes of a criminal case. With decades of experience, former prosecutors on our team, and a history of successfully defending clients across Franklin and beyond, we are prepared to take swift action on your behalf.
Skillfully Handling Criminal Charges of All Types
Whether dealing with a misdemeanor or a serious felony, our experienced legal team can fight for your rights, protect your future, and challenge the prosecution at every turn. We provide strategic and relentless defense representation across various criminal cases, delivering vigorous advocacy.
Offenses our team handles include the following:
- Violent crimes – Charges involving violence carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and permanent damage to your reputation. We represent clients accused of assault, domestic violence, manslaughter, and murder, crafting aggressive defense strategies aimed at dismantling the prosecution’s case.
- Sex crimes – Sex crime allegations can be life-altering, leading to potential prison time, registration as a sex offender, and social stigma. We vigorously defend clients against charges such as rape, child pornography offenses, and prostitution-related crimes.
- DUI/OVI and boating under the influence – Ohio has strict laws regarding operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). A conviction can result in driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time. Our attorneys challenge the evidence against you, from breathalyzer results to field sobriety tests, to seek reductions or dismissals. We also handle boating under the influence (BUI) cases, which carry similar penalties.
- Drug crimes – Drug-related offenses range from simple possession to large-scale trafficking and manufacturing. A conviction can lead to severe penalties. We fight to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge weak prosecution claims, and pursue alternative sentencing when appropriate.
- White-collar crimes – Non-violent financial crimes can still carry significant penalties, including prison time and substantial fines. Our firm defends clients facing allegations of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other white-collar offenses, employing meticulous investigative tactics to build strong defenses.
- Theft and property crimes – Crimes involving stolen or damaged property, such as burglary, shoplifting, and vandalism, can carry criminal and civil consequences. Our attorneys work to mitigate penalties, negotiate plea deals when beneficial, and challenge wrongful accusations.
- Juvenile crimes – A criminal charge can have lasting consequences for a young person’s future. We provide skilled defense in juvenile cases, including underage drinking, minor drug offenses, and school-related incidents, striving for outcomes that protect educational and employment opportunities.
- Family crimes – Domestic disputes and family-related legal matters can lead to criminal charges such as child endangerment, parental kidnapping, and domestic disturbances. Our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and works to resolve them with minimal long-term consequences.
- Traffic offenses – Even seemingly minor traffic violations can result in fines, driver’s license suspension, and increased insurance rates. We defend clients against charges such as reckless driving, hit and run, and excessive speeding, working to minimize penalties and protect driving privileges.
- Federal crimes – Federal charges are prosecuted aggressively and often have harsh penalties. Our firm has the experience and resources to defend clients against conspiracy, wire fraud, and interstate drug trafficking, carefully navigating the complexities of federal court proceedings.
Misdemeanor cases are handled by the Franklin Municipal Court on Benjamin Franklin Way, while felony charges are transferred to the Warren County Common Pleas Court in Lebanon. We are familiar with the procedures of these courts, allowing us to provide informed, strategic representation tailored to each case.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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How Does a Conviction for Sexual Battery Affect Future Opportunities?
A conviction for sexual battery can have lasting and detrimental effects on an individual’s future opportunities. In addition to the immediate legal penalties, such as imprisonment and fines, individuals may face difficulties in securing employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks and may be unwilling to hire someone with a sexual offense on their record. Furthermore, being required to register as a sex offender can severely limit an individual’s ability to live in certain areas and may lead to social stigma. It is essential for those facing such charges to understand these long-term implications and to work diligently with their attorney to mitigate the potential consequences.
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What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Sexual Battery in Ohio?
If you are accused of sexual battery in Ohio, it is imperative to take the situation seriously and seek legal counsel immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the allegations without your attorney present. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights, the legal process, and the potential consequences you may face. They will work to protect your interests, gather evidence, and develop a defense strategy to contest the charges. Prompt action is crucial to ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal proceedings.
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Can a Sexual Battery Charge be Reduced or Dismissed?Yes, there are several potential avenues for reducing or dismissing sexual battery charges in Ohio. An experienced attorney may challenge the evidence against the accused, arguing issues such as insufficient evidence, lack of consent, or misidentification of the perpetrator. Additionally, plea bargaining may be an option, where the accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Individuals facing such charges must seek legal representation to explore these options and build a robust defense strategy tailored to their circumstances.
Why Our Team Is an Ideal Choice for Criminal Defense
At Patituce & Associates, we are a team of criminal defense lawyers with a reputation for taking on tough cases and winning. Our approach is aggressive, strategic, and rooted in a deep understanding of the criminal justice system.
We do not back down, no matter how difficult or complex your case may seem. We believe that no case is hopeless, and we fight relentlessly, exploring every legal avenue to seek a favorable outcome. Our commitment is unwavering because we know what’s at stake—your freedom, reputation, and future.
If you are facing criminal charges in Franklin or anywhere in Ohio, you need a defense team prepared to go the distance. Contact us at (440) 771-1175 for a free, confidential consultation.


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- Martha L.
Seeking representation for federal charges against my husband led me to engage with an attorney from this firm. Swiftly connected with Joe Patituce, we made the decision to enlist his services that very day, a choice we're grateful for.
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- Cora B.
Their friendly and approachable team provided unwavering support. They worked diligently to build a robust defense, ensuring my side of the story was heard and considered!!!
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- Former Client
Cate Purdum was present, attentive, always returned my calls (I had attorneys before who never call you back), answered my questions and never ignored my calls. If I ever need an attorney in the future I will definitely go back to her.
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- Roberto M.
Catherine Meehan did an amazing job. Very responsive, friendly, and obviously very good with words. She kept me out of jail and home with my kiddo. For that I can't ever repay the favor. Much appreciated hope I never need your assistance again but if so I'll definitely give you a call. Thank you again.
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- Thomas S.
I am very satisfied with Rachelle and Joe they were talking me through my whole case and when I told them I wanted a trial they agreed and said let’s go to trial with out hesitation they were very professional and I couldn’t ask for a better law firm to have my back in my court case thank you Rachelle and Joe I highly recommend them to everybody
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- Levi G.
Joe helped my brother beat a serious RICO charge. He is simply the best criminal defense lawyer out there, and provides a clear-cut path to victory. I am extremely impressed and thankful for the hard work and dedication the team at Patituce & Associates put in on this case. It feels great to come out on the winning side, and not have to sweat a thing during the whole process. I highly recommend hiring Joe and his expert staff if you ever find yourself in any legal trouble. Thank you Joe!
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So kind and helpful! Don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Joe was kind and informative throughout the whole- Maddy P.
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- 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.
