In Cincinnati, the term "DUI" is technically ancient history; the courts here call it OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired). As a legal analyst who has watched Hamilton County judges for years, I can tell you that they are notoriously "old school" when it comes to sentencing. If you are stopped on I-75 or near the Banks, you’re likely facing a mandatory "Administrative License Suspension" (ALS) before you even see a judge. In Ohio, the state can take your license on the spot if you fail a breathalyzer or refuse one. To navigate this, you need a specialist who understands the "hard suspension" periods and how to secure "party plates" (those lovely yellow and red tags) just to keep your job. I’ve vetted these Cincinnati OVI experts based on their technical mastery of the Intoxilyzer 8000 and their ability to dismantle the state’s case in the Hamilton County Municipal Court. These are the defenders I’d call if my own license were on the line.
The Battle of the "Hard Suspension"
Ohio’s ALS rules are designed to punish you before you're convicted. The following lawyers specialize in filing ALS appeals within the strict 30-day window to get you back on the road.
Top 10 OVI/DUI Lawyers in Cincinnati, OH
1. Joseph Patituce - Patituce & Associates, LLC
Joe is a board-certified specialist who has taken over 400 cases to trial. His firm is staffed by former prosecutors who know exactly where the police paperwork usually falls apart.
Website: https://www.patitucelaw.com
Phone: (513) 995-2348
Email: joe@patitucelaw.com
2. Charles M. Rittgers - Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima
With over a century of combined family experience, Charles is a powerhouse in aggressive OVI defense, known for high-stakes litigation in Southern Ohio.
Website: https://www.rittgers.com
Phone: (513) 496-0134
Email: info@rittgers.com
3. John O'Shea - Cohen Todd Kite & Stanford LLC
John is a top-rated veteran in the Cincinnati legal community, specializing in complex criminal defense and protecting driving privileges for professionals.
Website: https://www.ctks.com
Phone: (513) 399-5921
Email: joshea@ctks.com
4. Jack Gatlin - Gatlin Voelker
Jack uses his experience as a former city and county attorney to provide a unique perspective on how the state builds—and loses—OVI cases.
Website: https://www.gatlinvoelker.com
Phone: (859) 535-0155
Email: jack@gatlinvoelker.com
5. James Bogen - James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law
James brings two decades of criminal law experience to the table, with a specific focus on the technicalities of field sobriety testing in Hamilton County.
Website: https://www.jamesbogen.com
Phone: (513) 838-2506
Email: james@jamesbogen.com
6. Brian Joslyn - Joslyn Law Firm
Brian is nationally recognized for his work in OVI defense, particularly regarding the science of blood testing and second-offense penalty mitigation.
Website: https://www.criminalattorneycincinnati.com
Phone: (513) 399-6289
Email: brian@joslynlawfirm.com
7. Scott Rubenstein - Rubenstein & Thurman, L.P.A.
Scott is a seasoned OVI litigator who has spent decades defending residents of Cincinnati and the surrounding Tri-State area from harsh traffic penalties.
Website: https://www.rubensteinlaw.com
Phone: (513) 241-7460
Email: scott@rubensteinlaw.com
8. Thomas J. Larcade - Larcade, Ficker & Khubunaia LLC
Thomas is a "Rising Star" in the Ohio legal scene, known for his modern approach to criminal defense and his dedication to client communication.
Website: https://www.lfklaw.com
Phone: (513) 579-0500
Email: thomas@lfklaw.com
9. Robert Sangha - Ernst & Associates, LLC
Robert focuses on the procedural errors that occur during night-time stops in downtown Cincinnati, often securing favorable reductions for his clients.
Website: https://www.ernstlaw.com
Phone: (513) 548-5544
Email: robert@ernstlaw.com
10. Brad Allnutt - Casper & Casper, LLC
Brad provides aggressive representation with a focus on helping clients avoid the mandatory jail time associated with "high-tier" OVI convictions.
Website: https://www.caspercasper.com
Phone: (513) 425-6901
Email: brad@caspercasper.com
Regional OVI Resources
Compare the legal landscape across the region: Cincinnati OVI Guide, Columbus OVI Help, Indianapolis DUI, Louisville KY Law, Lexington KY DUI, Nashville TN Lawyers, Chicago DUI Guide, Pittsburgh PA Law, Atlanta GA Experts, and Philadelphia PA Guide.
