Charles Matthew Rittgers

PRO

Charles Matthew Rittgers

also known as Charles M. Rittgers

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Lebanon, OH
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

12 East Warren Street, Lebanon, OH

Virtual Consultation Available

About Charles

Biography

Charles M. Rittgers is a battle-tested trial lawyer who takes on high-stakes criminal defense and serious injury cases—and wins. He prepares every case for trial and isn’t afraid to take it there. While others look to settle, Charlie pushes forward.

Serious Charges Demand a Serious Defense. Call For A Consultation!

Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Representation. Call For A Consultation!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

When Everything Is on the Line, We Fight to Win. Call for a Consultation!

50%
Personal Injury 50%

We Fight. You Recover. Call for a Consultation!

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015 2014 2012

Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 15 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

12 East Warren Street, Lebanon, OH, 45036

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

3734 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45226

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

121 West High Street, Oxford, OH, 45056

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

9078 Union Centre Blvd. Suite 350, West Chester, OH, 45069

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

401 Scott St., Covington, KY, 41011

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

4555 Lake Forest Drive Suite 650, Cincinnati, OH, 45242

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

3805 Edwards Road Suite 550, Cincinnati, OH, 45209

Charles Matthew Rittgers's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 38 reviews

Posted by anonymous | July 04, 2014

Not guilty on all counts!

Mr. Rittgers was on the ball from the get go. He kept us informed. He took the time to listen and make sure that he understood the facts. He made us feel safe and taken care of. He led the charge in every way. He spoke confidently and was very knowledgeable. We never wavered in our trust with him. ...He worked hard and as a team with us. We would highly recommend working with Mr. Rittgers in any way. He has a natural ability and clearly loves his job. The entire staff at Rittgers & Rittgers was easy to work with. Mr. Rittgers was highly recommended to us and he did not disappoint. We really couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Posted by Nick | March 21, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Hands down the best experience/representation I have ever had with a lawyer.

I was referred to Charlie by a family member whom he represented, that talked very highly of him and whom he had worked magic for. My experience with Charlie and his firm was simply AMAZING (the good kind of amazing)! Had it not been for Charlie, I know I would not have gotten the same amazing out...come. Charlie is very knowledgeable about what he does, and was great about keeping me in touch with me. When I would call his office and leave him a message, he would return my call that day and address any questions or concerns I had with my case. Charlie and his staff were great about responding to my inquiries in a very timely manner, as well as keeping me informed and up-to-date about what was going on in my case and when. Charlie is the BEST in the business. I know I could not have done this by myself or with any other lawyer and had a better experience/outcome than I did with Charlie. My previous experiences with lawyers were not horrible, most of them pretty good actually, but none could compare to how magnificent my experience was with Charlie. Charlie achieved for me the best outcome I could have received, asked for, or what I even thought was possible in my case. He did everything and more than I ever thought was possible. He is by far the most caring lawyer I have ever worked with. Not only did he care about myself and my case, but also proved he cared about my father who is going through some major medical issues. I never thought I would meet a lawyer who cared about me, my case, and my family, more than they cared about getting my money, getting the case behind them as quickly as possible and moving on, until I met Charlie. I have the utmost respect for Charlie and his staff. They, without hesitation, go the extra mile so their client can be awarded the best outcome of their case. Charlie and his staff is the most professional law firm I have ever worked with, as well as the nicest. They don't talk AT YOU, or listen to only what they want to. They talk TO YOU, and listen to everything you have to say, so they can steer you in the best direction, and give you the best advice possible. When I first walked into Charlie's office I was scared, pessimistic, confused, lost, uneasy, timid, insecure and just very unsettled. Upon leaving his office, after having given him all of the details, I felt extremely confident, optimistic, comfortable, so much more at ease, and felt like I actually had a chance, a good chance at not having the book thrown at me. If I ever need another lawyer for ANYTHING, I will without hesitation call Charlie first. I would highly recommend Charlie to anybody.

Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Outstanding, Knowledgeable and Commendable

I was referred to Charlie from a different attorney in Ohio and was more than happy with Charlie's expertise, knowledge, help and caring personality. He made me feel confident in the case and his informative response time was exceptional. Regardless of day or time, I was getting updates and advice.... Knowing that I had a well-known, exceptional lawyer on my side eased my mind and the situation. Charlie represented me with such proficiency, the outcome was phenomenal. It was so relieving to have someone listen and be on your side knowing that he is consistently updating and providing you confidence throughout the entire process. I would refer Charlie M Rittgers to anyone as his services and expertise are commendable.

Posted by wenyi | April 21, 2013 | Criminal Defense

shoplifting charge acquitted after jury trial

Charlie is really a good lawyer, from any perspective. He always keeps contact with me and let me acknowledged about the progress of my case. My shoplifting charge really bothers me for a whole year, and force me cannot focus on my family and career. Charlie offers me valuable advices, and even helps... me with my immigration issues facing this criminal charge. My case finally went to a jury trial, and got a “NOT GUILTY” verdict. Charlie has prepared pretty good for the defense and cross-examinations. I really appreciate I get Charlie as my lawyer. He is very responsible and very patient, and, most importantly, really devotes a lot of time to his client’s case individually. He is an exceptional, compared with the other lawyers I have contacted with in the Cincinnati downtown area. He can listen to you without any presumptions, and go through any evidence very carefully. The other lawyers just wanna end each case they have quickly, without putting your right on the first place. If you do want find a lawyer really care about your case and help you made the optimum decision, but not to push you to take some plea offers you do not deserve, you should employ Charlie. I promise it will be the wisest decision you are going to made in your whole life.

Posted by anonymous | March 12, 2013 | DUI & DWI

I highly recommend his services and would use him again if needed!

I had a very good experience with Mr. Rittgers. When I had questions about my case he always replied very quickly. Communication was very easy as he will respond both on the phone and through email. In utilizing his services I was able to get a very positive outcome, and we were able to plea down ...to Reckless Operation from my original charge of DUI. Mr. Rittgers worked very hard to get my driving privileges reinstated as quickly as possible and was very compassionate about my personal situation. I highly recommend his services and would use him again if needed!

See All Client Reviews

Charles Matthew Rittgers's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Charles
Craig Anthony Schlapprizzi headshot
Craig Schlapprizzi

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

John Leo O'Shea headshot
John O'Shea

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Zachary Peter Lutz headshot
Zachary Lutz

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Charlie hustles and earns excellent results for his clients."

Courtney Diane Bhatt headshot
Courtney Bhatt

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Charlie is professional, bright, and an expert in his field."

Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Milone Presti headshot
Michael Presti

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Charles Stephen Michael Kilburn headshot
Charles Kilburn

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Louis Karavias headshot
Jason Karavias

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Scott Aaron Rubenstein headshot
Scott Rubenstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Michael Stephen Probst headshot
Michael Probst

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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!"

Charles Melville Rowland II headshot
Charles Rowland

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Recognized as one of the best criminal defense attorneys working in and around Lebanon. I endorse this Charles Rittgers talent and hard work."

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Brad Joseph Groene headshot
Brad Groene

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Kelly M. McKoy headshot
Kelly McKoy

Unknown lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nathan James Elter headshot
Nathan Elter

General practice lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Robert William Dziech headshot
Robert Dziech

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Juliette Gaffney Dame headshot
Juliette Dame

Family lawyer

Jessica Lea Beauchamp headshot
Jessica Beauchamp

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kara Hagen Lyons headshot
Kara Lyons

Estate planning lawyer

Michael Milone Presti headshot
Michael Presti

Trucking accident lawyer

Renee Louise Crist headshot
Renee Crist

Family lawyer

Charles Stephen Michael Kilburn headshot
Charles Kilburn

Criminal defense lawyer

Shane Herzner headshot
Shane Herzner

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Leo O'Shea headshot
John O'Shea

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason Louis Karavias headshot
Jason Karavias

Immigration lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Stephen Probst headshot
Michael Probst

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Melville Rowland II headshot
Charles Rowland

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

Criminal defense lawyer

Brad Joseph Groene headshot
Brad Groene

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kelly M. McKoy headshot
Kelly McKoy

Divorce and separation lawyer

Nathan James Elter headshot
Nathan Elter

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert William Dziech headshot
Robert Dziech

DUI and DWI lawyer

Gary Evan Gerson headshot
Gary Gerson

Criminal defense lawyer

Rock Christopher Lee headshot
Rock Lee

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark Jon Wieczorek headshot
Mark Wieczorek

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Forum

Member Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2012 - Present

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Co-Chair Membership Committee

2012 - Present

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board Member

2011 - Present

Law Review Alumni Advisory Board

Member

2011 - Present

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

Warren County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Ohio State Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Ohio Association for Justice

Member

2018 - 2019

FindLaw Innovation Board

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Ohio v. Brooke Skylar Richardson

Jury verdict - not guilty agg. murder, not guilty child endangering, not guilty, involuntary manslaughter, (tampering dismissed), and guilty abuse of corpse - sentenced to probation.

Lynda Sadowski v. Jack Casino

Jury Verdict of $3 million - case settled confidentially post-trial

Commercial vehicle crash

Settled for policy limits of $3 million confidentially.

Semi-Truck Crash Wrongful Death (Confidential)

Settled for $5 million

Donna Banks v. Theodore Owens

$400,000 Car Accident Settlement

State of Ohio v. Levi Montgomery

Not Guilty on all counts after a Jury Trial

State v. Cheatham

All Charges Dissmissed

Harry Parker v. Todd Adams

Settlement

City of Cincinnati v. Wenyi Lu

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. Byrd

Not Guilty - Both Counts

21 Year Old Charged with Second Degree Felony

Dismissed

Juvenile Charged with F2 Burglary

Not Guilty

Car Accident Case

Settled for $80,000

City of Cincinnati v. Poulter

Not Guilty

State v. Ciul

Dismissed

State v. Warrix

Dismissal

Rich v. John R. Jurgensen Company

Confidential Settlement after $15,000,000 summary jury verdict

State v. Tiernan

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. Ingham

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. White

Not Guilty Verdict

State v. Osborn

Not Guilty Verdict

Motorcycle Crash Injury

$100,000 Settlement

Ries v. Gillespie

Jury Verdict in Favor of Plaintiff for just over $16,000

Juvenile Personal Injury Claim

Case Settled for $75,000

State v. Schuler

State v. Widmer

Involved in Ryan Widmer I and Ryan Widmer III

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

University of Cincinnati College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

Dartmouth College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

2002

Lebanon High School

Speaking Engagements

2019

Ohio Association for Justice - Cleveland

Obtaining Large Verdicts

2019

Montgomery Inn Boathouse - The Lawyers Club of Cincinnati

Obtaining Maximum Recovery in Injury and Wrongful Death Cases

2019

Court TV

Not guilty verdict in Skylar Richardson jury trial

2018

Marketing Partner Forum 2018 - Los Angeles, California

From Novelty To Necessity - Pragmatic Social Media Strategies For Law Firms

2017

Warren County Bar Association CLE

Annie's Law; New OVI Law in Ohio

2017

Cincinnati Bar Associatoin CLE

Marijuana OVI Law

2016

Bonds, Bail & Arraignment: Civil and Criminal Legal Issues Criminal Bail and Bonds

2013

UCLAA Moot Court Alumni Forum

Criminal Law

2013

Mason High School Law Class

Criminal Defense Law

2013

Law School Class

Technology in a Law Practice

2013

Dater High School Law Day

Law Panel

2012

Social Media: Fish Where the Fish Are

Social Media and the Law

2012

FOX45 Morning News

High Profile Legal Cases

2011

Xavier Masters Program

Education & Law

2011

University of Cincinnati Law School

UC Law Speed Chats

2011

Lebanon Ohio Telivised Political Debate

Moderator - Political Debate

2011

Dr. Oz Show

Live Interview

2011

Bill Cunningham

Stacy Schuler / Ryan Widmer

Publications

2019

The Vindicator (OACDL) False Confessions and the Skylar Richardson Case

2018

Ohio Super Lawyers Family Recipe

2013

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (OACDL) The Constitutionality of Ohio's Death Penalty

2011

Western Star Newspaper Vote Yes For Lebanon School Levy

2010

Cincinnati Personal Injury Blog Information Concerning DePuy Hip Replacement Recall

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution