PRO
Charles Matthew Rittgers
also known as Charles M. Rittgers
Virtual Consultation Available
About Charles
Biography
Charles Matthew Rittgers is a lawyer focused on results. Mr. Rittgers was born and raised in southern Ohio. He graduated from Lebanon High School and continued his education at Dartmouth College where he was a starting quarterback in the Ivy League for three years. Following college, Mr. Rittgers worked in the high paced environment of investment banking in New York City at Bank of America before returning home to attend law school at the University of Cincinnati.
During law school Mr. Rittgers worked for the Honorable Michael R. Barrett at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. He was also Law Review. Using Rule II of the Supreme Court of Ohio, which allows law students to represent individuals in criminal and civil cases, Mr. Rittgers gained valuable courtroom and trial experience and won his first trial prior to graduating from law school.
After working for Rittgers & Rittgers throughout his life in various positions, Mr. Rittgers joined the firm as a lawyer immediately after being admitted to practice law in Ohio. Currently at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, he concentrates on personal injury and criminal defense. Mr. Rittgers is devoted to obtaining fair compensation for injured people and committed to protecting the rights of people accused of crimes.
A top rated Ohio attorney with a record of success - numerous multi-million dollar jury verdicts in serious cases, numerous multi-million settlements for severely injured clients, and numerous not guilty jury verdicts in the most serious criminal cases.
A top rated criminal attorney with a record of success in some of the areas most difficult criminal defense cases. Not guilty jury verdicts from DUI and Domestic Violence to Sexual Battery and Murder. Call today for a free consultation.
A top rated Ohio OVI attorney with a record of success resolving cases before trial and winning cases at trial. Charlie is well-known throughout southwest Ohio for getting favorable results for his clients. Call today for a free consultation.
Charlie Rittgers and his firm partners are known throughout the region for their success in serious injury and death cases. He and his partners continue to get jury verdicts 10-20x the amount of the highest settlement offer and have several multi-million verdicts and settlements.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Ohio for 15 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima
Fax
12 East Warren Street, Lebanon, OH, 45036
rittgers.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Charles online.
Charles Matthew Rittgers's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 38 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Steve c | April 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Criminal defense
Charlie has represented me several times in the past and every single time he has come through for me and many others in great fashion. He works super hard for you as if he was the one facing a charge and literally always has got me an amazing outcome. He is an amazing human being and person of the ...
Posted by Julie | October 3, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Amazing attorney DUI
Charlie was an amazing attorney and has a lot of pull in the courts. He is smart, caring, and really tries to help all of his clients. I really appreciate his help and he listened to all of my issues and complaints and really worked with me. I am sooo grateful for my outcome, because it could have be...
Posted by Steve | September 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Strong, Competent & Well Regarded
I hired Charlie for an OVI case, and from the outset it was clear that he is head and shoulders above any other lawyers I have dealt with. I contacted him (and hired him) a day before the initial hearing, and while he personally was not available that day due to pre-existing commitments, he sent ano...
Posted by TJ | March 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
3-13-2017 Reckless Op
I fell asleep at the wheel after being up for 24 hours in which I was charged with a DUI since I admitted to drinking. I contacted several lawyers as this is the first and last time this will happen. I hired Charlie Rittgers due to the fact he took the time to listen to my case, was concerned and car...
Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Amazing law firm and very professional.
I have been wrongly accused at my workplace. Charlie truly is an incredible individual. He listened to my every need & all my concerns. He helped me understand the process & gave me options. I'm very grateful for his knowledge & how he went the extra mile to get things done. Thank you Charlie
Charles Matthew Rittgers's Lawyer Endorsements
"Charlie is without question one of the finest trial lawyers in southern Ohio. If I ever needed a personal injury trial lawyer or criminal defense trial lawyer, I would go to Charlie Rittgers. I highly recommend him."
"Charlie Rittgers is an excellent lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working on several cases with him where we represented co-defendants. In each of those cases, my clients benefitted from Charlie's keen insight and diligent work on behalf of his client. Charlie makes very difficult situations for his clients much easier."
"I endorse this lawyer. Charlie is professional, bright, and an expert in his field."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Charlie and I played football together at Dartmouth College where he was our starting quarterback. He is a hardworking leader and will do everything possible to win. I recently referred a case to him because I know he will look out for the client's best interest and do a great job. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Charlie is without a doubt one of the brightest, hardest-working and passionate attorneys I know. He treats every case as though it is his own and is extremely thorough in handling each case. I enthusiastically endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Charlie comes from a tradition of excellence. Clearly, the apple does not fall far from the tree. He is a hard worker and an excellent advocate. I highly recommend Charlie for your criminal defense."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Rittgers is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients"
"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"There are few lawyers in the criminal defense legal community who are as experienced, trustworthy and knowledgeable as Charles Rittgers. He is as passionate about the practice of law as any lawyer I have seen. Additionally, he is actively involved in educating other lawyers in the legal community and sharing his experiences to make us all better lawyers. If you are considering hiring a lawyer in the areas of criminal defense and DUI defense, let me make your choice simple. Charles Rittgers has the proven track record of success and the field expertise to handle the most important and sensitive matters for clients. I highly recommend Charles!"
"Recognized as one of the best criminal defense attorneys working in and around Lebanon. I endorse this Charles Rittgers talent and hard work."
"Charlie has an excellent reputation in the criminal defense community and he does a tremendous job representing his clients. I give my strongest endorsement to Charlie Rittgers."
"I took a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing DUI seminar with Charles. I can attest first hand how thorough and detailed he handles each case. I would recommend him to anyone."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mr. Rittgers since before he practiced law and his character and integrity have always been of the highest order, which is reflected in his endeavors today as a strong criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Charles has an excellent reputation for his work in criminal law. He is an asset to the legal community."
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Trucking accident lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2018
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2017
Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Top 25, The National Trial Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyers Rising Star, Ohio Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 40 Under 40, American Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Ohio Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Top 40 Under 40, American Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2012
Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
NHTSA Certification for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, La Pier & Associates
2010
Dean's List, University of Cincinnati College of Law
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Cum Laude, University of Cincinnati College of Law
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Law Review, University of Cincinnati
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Partner, Rittgers & Rittgers
1900 - Present
Attorney, Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima
2009 - 2010
Legal Intern, Ohio Justice and Policy Center
2009 - 2009
Judicial Intern, Judge Michael Barrett
2006 - 2007
Investment Banking, Bank of America
Associations
2013 - Present
Million Dollar Advocates ForumMember Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2012 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersCo-Chair Membership Committee
2012 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
2011 - Present
Law Review Alumni Advisory BoardMember
2011 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Warren County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Ohio Association for JusticeMember
2018 - 2019
FindLaw Innovation BoardMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Jury verdict - not guilty agg. murder, not guilty child endangering, not guilty, involuntary manslaughter, (tampering dismissed), and guilty abuse of corpse - sentenced to probation.
Jury Verdict of $3 million - case settled confidentially post-trial
Settled for policy limits of $3 million confidentially.
Settled for $5 million
$400,000 Car Accident Settlement
Not Guilty on all counts after a Jury Trial
All Charges Dissmissed
Settlement
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty - Both Counts
Dismissed
Not Guilty
Settled for $80,000
Not Guilty
Dismissed
Dismissal
Confidential Settlement after $15,000,000 summary jury verdict
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty Verdict
$100,000 Settlement
Jury Verdict in Favor of Plaintiff for just over $16,000
Case Settled for $75,000
Involved in Ryan Widmer I and Ryan Widmer III
Education
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002
Speaking Engagements
2019
Obtaining Large Verdicts
2019
Obtaining Maximum Recovery in Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
2019
Not guilty verdict in Skylar Richardson jury trial
2018
From Novelty To Necessity - Pragmatic Social Media Strategies For Law Firms
2017
Annie's Law; New OVI Law in Ohio
2017
Marijuana OVI Law
2016
2013
Criminal Law
2013
Criminal Defense Law
2013
Technology in a Law Practice
2013
Law Panel
2012
Social Media and the Law
2012
High Profile Legal Cases
2011
Education & Law
2011
UC Law Speed Chats
2011
Moderator - Political Debate
2011
Live Interview
2011
Stacy Schuler / Ryan Widmer
Publications
2019
2018
2013
2012
2011
2010
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
A friend of mine has been charged with felonious assault with gun specifications..no gun was found, can he still be charged?
27 Nov 2012
What's ohio laws for 4th dui and dus.how much jail time?
03 Aug 2012