Best Drug Possession Lawyers in Cincinnati
Ryan Shafer
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Ryan Shafer spent more than five years in the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office, defending the accused against misdemeanor and felony charges. He brings both that experience and that passion to his work as a criminal defense attorney for Joslyn Law Firm.
Ryan graduated Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati in 2002 with a degree in business and political science. He earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University and became licensed to practice law in Ohio in 2007.
Experience
- Dominic Frank Law Offices
- Franklin County Public Defender’s Office
Education
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, minor in Political Science, cum laude – Cincinnati University
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Ohio Association for Justice
- Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College of DUI Defense
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Columbus Bar Association
- Central Ohio Association for Justice
Tad Brittingham
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Mr. Brittingham is a 2005 graduate of Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology while participating in both football and track at the varsity level.
He is a 2008 graduate of the University Of Dayton College Of Law and was admitted to practice in Ohio that same year.
From 2007 to 2008 he worked with the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office.
He worked at Lexis Nexis doing legal research from 2008 to 2011 and maintained a private practice during that time as well.
In June of 2011 Mr. Brittingham was asked to join the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. He accepted that position and was promoted to Municipal Court Team Leader in April of 2013.
He continued to zealously advocate for his clients in that position until joining The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC in June of 2015.
Hal R. Arenstein
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Hal Arenstein is a 1979 graduate of Case Western Reserve University College of Law. His 35 years of practice has been confined to criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts. He recently was qualified as an expert in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in the Federal District Court in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Arenstein has testified for the defense in a federal criminal case as a witness on the Sentencing Guidelines and the substantial benefit the cooperating co-defendant received in exchange for testifying on behalf of the government. He is a past president of the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and was recently elected to a second term on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers. He formerly served as Co-Chair of the NACDL Membership Committee and through his efforts, membership for NACDL has exceeded 10,000 members. Mr. Arenstein is now Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee.
Mr. Arenstein is a frequent lecturer on various areas of trial practice. His presentations include “Defending Individuals Charged wit Sexually Abusing Children,” “Discovery Issues in Complex Criminal Litigation,” “Miranda and The Pre-Trial Statement,” “Preparing for the Snitch,” “Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and The Battered Spouse,” “Evidentiary Issues in Drug Prosecutions,” “New Developments in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines,” and “Preparing to Cross Examine on Forensic Issues Pertaining to the Crime Scene.”
Mr. Arenstein has defended citizens accused of crimes in Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama.
Recently, Mr. Arenstein traveled to Cuba as a member of an NACDL sponsored delegation which studied their criminal justice system meeting with professors, legislators, criminal defense counsel and prosecutors.
Bradley Clark
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
For eleven years, Brad Clark has focused on advocating for the accused in the Bluegrass state. He started as a state court public defender in Lexington, KY, then transitioned as an appointed counsel in death penalty cases and was recently in private practice. He joined the Suhre & Associates team in 2020 and is dedicated to providing great service to our clients.
Brad received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and attended law school at the University of Kentucky. Brad has tried over thirty cases to juries, on charges ranging from misdemeanors to murder. Practicing law isn’t the only venture he’s pursued. In 2016, he created an app that has helped over 10,000 Kentuckians in the criminal expungement process.
His work on the app, Unconvicted.com, has been featured in USA Today, the Atlantic’s City Beat and the Wall Street Journal. Brad is the recipient of the 2018 Kentucky Bar Association YLD Outstanding Young Lawyer Award and the 2017 UK College of Law Young Professional Award. He also serves as the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (KACDL) President.
When Brad is not representing our clients with the best possible defense, he enjoys outdoor activities like running, hiking and biking. You can also find him building the latest LEGO design with his kids.
Bradley Groene
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer Bradley J. Groene is a compassionate advocate who has been practicing law in the greater Cincinnati area since 2009. He has successfully represented clients charged with offenses ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. He is certified and trained by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration to perform field sobriety tests that law enforcement officials typically conduct. His practice areas include:
- OVI/DUI Charges
- Drug Charges
- Assault Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Theft & Fraud
- Warrants
- Weapons Crimes
- Traffic Tickets
Brad’s interest in becoming an attorney began in during his undergraduate studies, when he took a business law class. During law school, his focus on the criminal system began. He interned at the Hamilton County Public Defender’s office, where learned the complexities of the criminal justice system and handled cases in Hamilton County. Following law school, Brad continued to gain experience in the criminal arena. He has successfully defended clients facing all kinds of criminal charges from drug offenses, to OVIs, to domestic violence.
For Bradley J. Groene, clients come first. It is important that each client has a personalized experience instead of feeling like a number. He gives his cellphone number to clients and makes himself available on a 24/7 basis so that they are able to reach him whenever they need assistance. He understands the urgency of answering questions quickly and promptly, as a client’s freedom is often at stake.
In his spare time, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, watching and attending Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games, playing softball, golfing, spending time with friends, and playing board games with his family.
MATTHEW T. ERNST
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Matt received his B.B.A. in Information Systems and Finance from the University of Cincinnati in 1992 and his J.D. from the University of Toledo in 1996. After passing the bar exam, Matt embraced the challenge of starting his legal career as a solo practitioner, where he limited his practice to the defense of citizens charged with crimes.
After successfully handling several DUI cases early in his career, Matt has worked at narrowing the focus of his practice to the point where OVI/DUI defense constitutes approx. 80% of his practice. Annually, Matt will represent about 100 citizens charged with DUI/OVI. While the bulk of his practice is in Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, and Warren counties, Matt can be found fighting OVI’s in Preble, Montgomery, Adams, Brown, Clinton, and Franklin counties.
Even though Matt attended the University of Toledo for law school, he has continued his legal education by attending scores of national seminars on DUI defense (at least 3 major seminars each year), the Trial Practice Institute at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, GA, and the N.H.T.S.A. Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student Course. He has also lectured at many DUI seminars over his 25-year career.
When it comes to representing his clients, it is without question that Matt is not afraid to take off the gloves and mix it up, whether at motion or trial. Some of Matt’s recent OVI battles have even led to a discretionary appeal before the Ohio Supreme Court and several appellate decisions in the First and Twelfth Districts.
The linchpin of an excellent DUI Defense is being smarter, more prepared, more creative, and conducting a better investigation than the prosecution. This is what you get when you hire The Law Offices of Matthew T. Ernst.
Scott A. Rubenstein
Criminal Lawyer/Drug Possession Lawyer
Scott A. Rubenstein has practiced criminal law for over 20 years in Hamilton County. Mr. Rubenstein has litigated hundreds of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases including murder, robbery, sex crimes, narcotic crimes, white collar crimes, theft crimes, and appellate cases of all varieties. He has represented successfully hundreds of clients at trial and all other stages of courtroom proceedings, including arraignment, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, probation violations, sentencing hearings, and appeals.
Mr. Rubenstein received his BA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1995. He received his JD law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1999. Mr. Rubenstein was admitted to the State Bar of Ohio in 1999 and to the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 2000. He was admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 2003, and to the Supreme Court of the United States in the same year.
Areas of Practice:
100% Criminal Defense
Litigation Percentage:
80% of Practice Devoted to Criminal Litigation
20% of Practice Devoted to Criminal Appeals
Bar Admissions:
Ohio, 1999
United States District Court, 2000
Untied States Court of Appeals, 2003
United States Supreme Court, 2003
Education:
J.D. University of Cincinnati, College of Law, 1999
Honors: Member, Moot Court Honors Board – 1997-1998
B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder, 1995
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Cincinnati Bar Association Member
Ohio State Bar Association Member
Past Employment Positions:
Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Felony Criminal Trial Division, Grand Jury Division, Appellate Division
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, Hearing Officer
Municipal Criminal/ Traffic Division, 2003-2009
Facing Drug Possession Charges in Cincinnati? Why You Need the Best Lawyer in Your Corner
Cincinnati, the Queen City, pulsates with vibrant energy, rich history, and a thriving cultural scene. Yet, for those caught in the web of drug possession charges, the city’s charm can quickly fade. Navigating the complexities of the legal system and protecting your future requires a skilled and experienced lawyer. Here’s why having the best drug possession lawyer in Cincinnati can make a world of difference in your case.
Understanding the Landscape: Drug Possession Charges in Ohio
Ohio takes drug possession seriously, with penalties varying depending on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories:
- Schedule I and II Drugs: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD. Possession of even small quantities can result in felony charges.
- Schedule III-V Drugs: These drugs have a recognized medical use but also a potential for abuse, such as certain prescription pain medications and low-dose marijuana. Penalties for possession typically decrease as the schedule number increases, but can still be significant.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: This charge goes beyond simple possession and suggests the intent to sell or distribute the drugs. Penalties are typically harsher than simple possession charges.
Beyond Penalties: The Collateral Consequences of Drug Possession
A drug possession conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate fines or jail time:
- Employment: A criminal record can make it difficult to secure employment, particularly in certain fields.
- Professional Licensing: Professional licenses can be suspended or revoked due to a drug conviction.
- Housing: Finding housing can be challenging with a criminal record, as some landlords conduct background checks.
- Student Loans: Federal financial aid for education may be jeopardized by a drug conviction.
- Firearm Rights: Drug convictions can restrict your ability to own or purchase firearms.
Why You Need the Best Lawyer: Advantages of Top-Tier Representation
Facing drug possession charges can be stressful and confusing. Here’s why retaining the best lawyer in Cincinnati offers significant advantages:
- In-Depth Knowledge of Ohio Drug Laws: Experienced lawyers stay up-to-date on the intricacies of Ohio drug laws, including recent changes and interpretations. They can assess your specific case and identify potential legal defenses.
- Building a Strong Case: A skilled lawyer will meticulously analyze the circumstances of your arrest, police procedures, and any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. This analysis can include challenging illegal searches and seizures, questioning the validity of field sobriety tests, or negotiating with prosecutors for favorable plea bargains.
- Negotiation and Advocacy: Many drug possession cases are resolved through skilled negotiation. A top lawyer can advocate for you with the prosecutor, aiming for reduced charges, diversion programs, or dismissal of the case entirely.
- Suppression of Evidence: If your arrest involved unlawful search and seizure procedures, your lawyer can fight to have the evidence excluded from court, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case significantly.
- Trial Experience: While most cases are resolved through negotiation, an experienced lawyer with a proven track record in drug possession trials can effectively represent you in court if necessary.
- Understanding Sentencing Options: Your lawyer can explain your sentencing options and explore alternatives to incarceration, such as drug rehabilitation programs or probation.
- Minimizing Collateral Consequences: A skilled lawyer can work to minimize the long-term impact of a drug possession charge, such as exploring options for expungement or record sealing (availability depends on specific circumstances).
- Emotional Support and Guidance: Facing drug charges can be emotionally draining. Your lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the complexities and advocating for your best interests.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Support
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced legal issues and inquire about their lawyers.
- Cincinnati Bar Association: Contact the Cincinnati Bar Association for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys specializing in drug possession charges.
- Legal Aid Organizations: Several legal aid organizations in Cincinnati can provide resources and connect you with qualified lawyers, particularly if you face financial limitations.