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Joe Edwards

Criminal defense Attorney at Columbus, OH

5.0   18 reviews

also known as W. Joseph Edwards, William Joseph Edwards

(614) 470-5387
Message Website
  • Licensed for 38 years
    State OH
    Acquired 1985
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Highly recommended
Nathaniel ripley
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
John Pack
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Joe

Learn Joe’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    25%
    Columbus Ohio criminal defense attorney for felony and misdemeanor charges including drug charges (dealing, possession, manufacture, etc), Assault, sex crime charges, White Collar (fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, tax evasion, extortion, etc), OVI (DUI, OMVI, Felony DUI charges, etc) and other criminal charges in courts throughout Ohio and at the Federal level.

    33 years

  2. Federal crime
    25%
    Defense for those facing federal criminal charges charges including mail fraud, banned weapons, federal drug charges, kidnapping, bank robbery, tax evasion, counterfeiting, art theft, etc.

    33 years

  3. White collar crime
    15%
    Defense for those charged with White Collar Crimes such as Money Laundering, Extortion/Blackmail, Embezzlement/Theft, Income Tax Evasion, Federal White Collar, Mortgage Fraud, Fraud.

    33 years

  4. Drug Crime
    10%
    Defense for those charged with Drug Crimes such as Dealing, Cultivation & Manufacture, Felony Possession, Trafficking, and other Misdemeanor & Felony Drug Charges at both the State of Ohio and Federal levels.

  5. Sex crime
    10%
    Defense of charges of Rape, Sexual Assault, Internet Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Drug Related Sexual Charges, Sexual Battery, and other Sex Related Charges at State and Federal levels.

  6. Appeals
    5%
    Appeals attorney to appeal wrongful convictions.

  7. Civil rights
    5%
    Experienced Trial Lawyer and Civil Rights Attorney for Race and Sex Discrimination, Police Brutality, Wrongful Death or Injury, and other civil rights matters.

  8. DUI and DWI
    5%
    Columbus, Ohio DUI Attorney defending those charged with DUI, OVI, Impaired Driving, ALS (Administrative License Suspension) and drug related drug charges. In addition to standard DUI charges, Attorney Edwards defends those facing more severe charges such as vehicular homicide, and other felony DUI charges.

    33 years

Columbus Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney W. Joseph Edwards grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an avid hockey fan, and enjoys learning more about Russia, including speaking the Russian language.

 

Joe is a former prosecuting attorney and started his Columbus, Ohio law practice in 1990. Attorney Edwards has tried over one hundred felonies before a jury, argued over ten cases before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and more than seven cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. He has handled over one-hundred fifty criminal appeals and has represented persons accused in a diverse array of matters, from complex mortgage and securities fraud to civil wrongful death actions.

 

With regard to the Columbus, Ohio OVI/DUI side of the practice:

Attorney Edwards has represented hundreds of clients facing OVI/DUI charges in Franklin and surrounding counties. Not only does he have an intimate understanding of the law involved in OMVI charges, he also understands the very real personal consequences charges of this nature can have for people and works with each and every client to ensure that the outcome reached is the best possible result that resolves both the legal and personal concerns.

 

From his law offices in Columbus, Edwards practices primarily in Central Ohio, focusing his practice in Franklin, Delaware, Madison, Licking, Pickaway, Ross, Fairfield and Muskingum Counties. Additionally, practicing throughout the Sixth Circuit, focusing mainly in the Northern and Southern Federal Districts of Ohio.

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Photos and videos

Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney W. Joseph Edwards handles cases ranging from felony to misdemeanor charges including drug charges, sex related crimes, DUI/OVI, white collar crimes, federal crimes, and other criminal charges.
The Law Office of Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney W. Joseph Edwards is conveniently located on South High Street in the Del Monte building.

Photos and videos

Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney W. Joseph Edwards handles cases ranging from felony to misdemeanor charges including drug charges, sex related crimes, DUI/OVI, white collar crimes, federal crimes, and other criminal charges.
The Law Office of Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney W. Joseph Edwards is conveniently located on South High Street in the Del Monte building.

Contact Joe

Joe Edwards
511 South High Street
Columbus, OH, 43215
columbusdefenselawyer.attorney/
Message Get Directions

Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
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Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Nathaniel ripley | December 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Yes I hired joe Edwards as a attorney for a criminal case and I highly recommend anyone hire him he is great
Posted by John Pack | January 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
Joe Edwards is by far the best Attorney in Columbus! He’s very knowledgeable about the law to get you the help you need and is very professional. I would highly recommend Joe to family, friends or whoever that has a case they need resolved.
Posted by Taleah | August 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My favorite lawyer
Joe is great always willing to help and always understanding and treats you like family and he always fights his hardest for you I recommend him to everyone ...Thank you Joe for everything !!!
Posted by Jack | March 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and very friendly
Joe is extremely friendly and understanding, he will represent you well. I had a misdemeanor for underage drinking and he made me feel very confident with the situation, and all turned out well.
Posted by David | April 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Competent, Compassionate and Fair
I retained Mr. Edwards' firm to manage the abrupt end to a relationship with multiple parties and addiction involved. Mr. Edwards is a known face in the Columbus community and served as a patient, thoughtful partner throughout negotiations, silence and eventual conclusion. I've worked with many attorneys, primarily for business issues, but Mr. Edwards set the bar high and will always be my representative in personal matters. Thanks, Joe.
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Posted by Teresa | April 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
12-pt License Suspension
Joe is amazing! He's professional, kind and very knowledgeable. He helped me get close to full driving privileges for my job in a 12-point license suspension case. I only had to go to court once and he gained me privileges throughout the state of Ohio to drive for my occupation.
Posted by John | February 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Stand up guy
I have used Joe many times on personal matters and will continue to use him. He is the only attorney I that will answer the phone when you call him at 2:30 in the morning and show up 30 to 45 mins later.
Posted by Jack | November 29, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Sharp and hardworking
I'm a business lawyer and have known Joe for a number of years. Joe is sharp, knows his stuff and, I sense, a hard worker. I would hire Joe without hesitating if I were in need of a criminal defense attorney.
Posted by Matthew | November 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Helpful
I hired Joe after receiving two first degree misdemeanor charges. I had no clue on how the legal system worked within the court room before this. Joe really helped guide me through the process with ease. One charge was dropped and the other will be expunged in a year.
Posted by Alexander W | November 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Brilliant attorney! Excellent help at the right time!
I've known Joe for years and I've never gotten such a wisdom from a professional lawyer in strategic planning of case of the matter. He helped me in building my understanding of the rules and laws from the right perspective. Mr. Edward's advise I've gotten this year was of a preventive nature and it soon after saved my life. I WILL ALWAYS recommend Joe Edwards to who I wish well-being. The only thing you will ever regret is that you haven't met Joe Edwards earlier in your life. Thank you Joe Edwards for all your help!
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Posted by Jennica | October 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Columbus, OH
Joe did a fantastic job and I'm so thankful I was referred to him. I highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful
Joe was great. He was able to get my charge reduced to a disorderly conduct and then followed up with an expungement a year later.
Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer!
Joe helped me get a misdemeanor drug charge dropped to a disorderly conduct. Not only did Joe go above and beyond when helping me with my case but he also reassured me and was very helpful explaining the court process. After my charge was reduced, Joe was able to get my charges expunged and sealed. Joe is a great lawyer and I would highly recommend him to anyone!
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Posted by Emily | October 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Served as Co-Counsel with Joe
I had the pleasure of working with Joe on a complex, felony case. His knowledge of the law was invaluable. He worked tirelessly for our client and helped achieve an excellent result. I would absolutely work with Joe again.
Posted by Marie Balling | October 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome lawyer
If I want a good Lawyer you need Joe. He has been my lawyer now for a couple years and has done everything he said he could for every case of mine. I can call him any time day or night and he is always available for me. He is just down right the most concerned,caring, understanding, and flexible man that u will find. Thank u Joe for all that u have done for me and my family.
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Posted by Zach | October 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
2nd Dui
Joe is the man. I have used him many times. I got a 2nd DUI which was a very bad one to say the least and all he did was get it charged at my first one. Should have had jail time which obviously he got me out of. He works very hard for you and always got me the best possible deal that I could think of.
Posted by anonymous | October 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Would recommend without a doubt
Joe was able to assist me in a semi-minor traffic violation resulting in a combined speeding and reckless ops charge. The reckless ops charge was absolutely un-warranted and Joe did his best, and won, in getting this dropped. As for the speeding charge we were able to get the repercussions of this reduced. He has been the easiest attorney I have ever worked with.
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Posted by Travis | September 22, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Joe saved my friend from DUI charges
I was with a friend who was pulled over by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for DUI after a concert. It was after 1 a.m. when I called Joe and he spoke to my friend before the officers could convince him to take the breathalyzer. After the conversation he refused the test and followed whatever other advice Joe gave him. Ultimately, instead of getting a DUI my friend got off with the charges being dropped.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • W. Joseph Edwards, Attorney at Law
  • 1990 - Present
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
  • 1988 - 1990
  • Assistant Attorney General in the federal litigation section
  • Ohio Attorney General's Office
  • 1985 - 1988

Education

  • University of Dayton
  • law
  • 1985
  • Thiel College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1981

Associations

  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • Columbus Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee
  • Chairman
  • 2004 - 2005
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2022
  • Client Reviewed
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2022
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Merit Selection Committee for Re-Appointment Federal Magistrates
  • US District Court
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly
  • Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
  • 2004

Speaking Engagements

  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2013
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2012
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2011
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2010
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2009
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Voir Dire in Capital Cases
  • 2008
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Creative Use of Motions in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2008
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Voir Dire in Capital Cases
  • 2007
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Voir Dire in Capital Cases
  • 2006
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Voir Dire in Capital Cases
  • 2005
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2004
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Voir Dire in Capital Cases
  • 2004
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2003
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2002
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2001
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 2000
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 1999
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Use of Expert Witnesses in Capital Murder Cases
  • 1998
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (1)
Endorse Joe
Elizabeth A. Warren headshot
Elizabeth Warren
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I worked with Joe as my first job out of law school. I went with him to court and also accompanied him in interviewing clients. I remember trying to be prepared and looking up the elements of the alleged crime. Joe blew me away when he could, off the top of his head, go through several complex laws and he seemed to know intuitively what questions to ask. He also had a natural way that eased his clients, but he also informed them of the process. His work with clients showed a competence and experience that one rarely sees in other attorneys. When someone comes into my office and has a criminal issue, he is my first go to attorney to send clients. I know they will be in good hands with Joe."
Emily Elizabeth Mayer headshot
Emily Mayer
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend Joe to anyone charged with a crime at the State, Local or Federal level. Joe has been serving the community for over two decades and knows both the law and legal community extremely well."
Lisa Michelle Tome headshot
Lisa Tome
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Joe Edwards. He is well-respected in the Central Ohio legal community due to his vast experience as both a trial and appellate lawyer. Any client would be well served with Joe as his or her advocate."
Lisa Michelle Tome headshot
Lisa Tome
DUI and DWI

Avvo Contributions

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Columbus Criminal defense Lawyer Joe Edwards
Joe Edwards
Criminal defense Attorney
Columbus, OH
Licensed for 38 years
(614) 470-5387 Message Website