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Charles Henry Rittgers

Criminal defense Attorney at Lebanon, OH

4.7   12 reviews
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  • Licensed for 45 years
    State OH
    Acquired 1978
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

Absolute best! Felt like family
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
THE BEST
anonymous
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About Charles

Learn Charles’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    30%
    Charlie Rittgers knows the system. He is a former prosecutor and has been practicing law in Southern Ohio for more than thirty years. Mr. Rittgers is proactive in representing his clients. He was selected again as an Ohio Super Lawyer and is Past President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Founding Member of the National College of DUI Defense, and Past President of the Warren County Bar Association.

    45 years, 3,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%
    Mr. Rittgers is a respected DUI attorney that is known for results. He is a Founding Member of the National College of DUI Defense. Because of his experience, Mr. Rittgers has been a speaker to area attorney groups and law enforcement groups and has been asked to teach at a major university. Ninety percent of his clients are referred by other lawyers and former clients.

    45 years

  3. Wrongful death
    20%
    Charlie Rittgers and the firm of Rittgers and Rittgers can use its extensive network of experts, ranging from grief specialists to accident reconstruction experts to help families in all types of wrongful death cases. In the last year alone, the firm has successfully settled multiple multi-million dollar wrongful death suits on behalf of its clients.

    27 years

  4. Car accident
    10%

  5. Domestic violence
    10%

  6. Personal injury
    10%
    Charlie Rittgers and the firm of Rittgers & Rittgers has a strong history or success in personal injury cases. The firm uses a large network of resources toget just compensation for its clients.

    45 years, 600 cases

Charlie Rittgers is an Ohio Native.  He and his wife, Ellen, settled in southern Ohio after attending the University of Cincinnati Law School. Charlie and his wife raised two children and currently practice together.

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Reviews

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4.7 / 5.0
  12 customer reviews
5 Star
 
92%
4 Star
 
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1 Star
 
8%
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolute best! Felt like family
Recently worked with lawyer Matt Nakajima and his paralegal Suzie after being seriously injured in a car accident. Working with these two was absolutely the best. Extremely fast responses to everything and treated my family like it was their own. I felt like they truly cared about me through the entire case. Matt was quick to get things moving and was excellent counsel through the whole process. I can’t say enough good things about them.
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Posted by anonymous | October 22, 2012
THE BEST
I was unjustly accused of a crime, and retained Mr. Rittgers as my defense attorney. I had never been in trouble in my life and was quite upset and nervous. Charlie walked me through the process and assured me that I would come out fine. He kept me informed during the entire process and we won the case. I felt like he really was emotionally involved in my case, and that he was completely confident in our defense, which in turn, made me confident that the outcome would be favorable. If you need a good attorney, I would highly suggest hiring him, or anyone from his firm.
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Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2012
A Genuine and Caring Lawyer Who Exceeded Our Expectations!
We hired Charlie to represent our juvenile child who made a very poor decision that could have had a major negative impact on our child's life. Charlie was honest and straight forward with us and shared with our child how lives can be ruined by the wrong choices. For all of the parents out there that may face this awful time in your child's life, remember it's not just about hiring the best lawyer ( which we have no doubt Charlie is) but also taking action yourselves immediately with consequences, no car, counseling, etc. We breathed a big sigh of relief after court that day after months of a lot of stress. Thank you to Charlie and your staff!
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Posted by Delores | November 30, 2011
Personal injury
My husband was hit by another driver which resulted in the death of our granddaughter. Rittgers & Rittgers handled our claim very professionally and with much compassion. Mr. Rittgers and his staff worked very hard on our claim. We would recommend Rittgers & Rittgers very highly.
Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2011
Excellent Criminal Defense
He gave me my life back. I can think of no higher praise. He knows the law and he listens and fights for his client. His advise is sound and in the client's best interest. Thank you Mr. Rittgers.
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2011
Charlie saved us
The day we received the call that our son who, was away at college, was arrested for resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, and thus charged with 2 felonies, we knew we needed knowledgeable, legal, counsel. Charlie Rittgers met us for the first time, in his office, on a Sunday afternoon. Immediately, we knew we had selected the best counsel for our son, a first time offender. Charlie and his office were able to bring our son’s charges down to a misdemeanor level II, with a possibility of expunging it from the record within two years. We are extremely pleased with the results of Rittgers and Rittgers.
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Posted by Casey | August 3, 2011
Excellent Representation
Charlie Rittgers and his firm did an excellent job in representing me in my personal injury case. The case settled prior to having to file a lawsuit for more than I had anticipated. I felt I was in good hands the entire process and was kept totally informed about what was going on with my case. I would highly recommend this firm.
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Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2011
Candid, Hardworking, and Brilliant Lawyer
I cannot thank Mr. Rittgers and his son enough for their hardwork and due diligence in my case. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Mr. Rittgers's outstanding work saved my career and prevented me from unjustly going to prison. He kept me well informed and was completely straightforward throughout the matter. Mr. Rittgers is absolutely the best.
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Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2009
Best Result Because of a Great Lawyer
Charlie and his entire staff are caring and focused on good results. I cam to the law firm to find a good injury lawyer for a friend of mine. The firm was the best firm we interviewed and the result they obtained was greater than either of us expected. The case was settled before trial.
Posted by anonymous | July 1, 2009
Excellent Lawyer
Mr. Rittgers exceeded all my expectations. I have used Mr. Rittgers twice. Once to consult him prior to any criminal charge and once after I was charged. In the first instance, I was never charged and in the second, I was charged and facing legal penalties for immature and stupid behavior and worried that the penalties would affect my driver's license, car insurance, and future job prospects. Thankfully, Mr. Rittgers resolved my matter so that I did not face any consequences. He was vigilant in his representation and focused on my concerns. His firm and staff are great to deal with. I highly recommend Mr. Rittgers for any criminal matter.
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Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2009
Best lawyers get the best results!
Charlie did an outstanding job collecting and analyzing the facts surrounding the case and setting the expectation of the possible outcomes we would need to consider. His ability to position the case effectively with the court resulted in an optimal outcome.
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2009
Crooked Lawyer
I hired this guy to fight a very serious charge, and gave him 10,000$ cash. He never showed up for court, sending another lawyer from his firm who was fresh out of law school in his stead. This lawyer did not know what she was doing and lost the case. I am being sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Response from Charles Rittgers May 9, 2014
I do not believe this review was posted by a former client. It was likely a competitor or someone who does not like me. At the time the review was posted I did not have a female attorney at my firm working in criminal defense. Therefore, the statement that a female attorney appeared in court on my behalf is false.
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Cost

Rates
  • Contingency 30%-40%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Rittgers & Rittgers
  • 1980 - Present

Education

  • University of Cincinnati College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • State v. Shindler
  • The Ohio Supreme Court unanomously ruled in favor

Associations

  • Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • The DUI Group
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Association for Justice
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Board Member
  • N/A
  • Warren County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • President
  • 2003 - 2004
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Founding Member
  • 1995 - 1995
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Listed
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Listed Top 100 in Ohio
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Listed Top 50 in Cincinnati
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Listed
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Listed
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • N/A
View all awards

Publications

  • The Vindicator
  • President's Message
  • 2004

Speaking Engagements

  • Warren County Bar Association
  • DUI Defense
  • N/A
  • Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Moderator for Defending DUI Clients
  • N/A
  • Annual Mason Police Officer Banquet
  • Police Testimony in Criminal Cases
  • N/A
  • Annual Conference for Ohio Civil Trial Lawyers
  • Alcohol Consumption and Driving
  • N/A
  • Annual Conference for Ohio Civil Trial Lawyers
  • Alcohol Consumption and Driving
  • N/A
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (7)
Endorse Charles
John Leo O'Shea headshot
John O'Shea
Unknown Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Charlie Rittgers is someone to whom I refer clients and with whom I have worked as co-counsel. I have seen first-hand the excellent, tireless work he does for clients. Charlie is the only lawyer I consider when referring someone for representation in Warren County."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Charlie is a pillar of the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Dayton legal communities. He is an excellent advocate for his clients."
Robert William Dziech headshot
Robert Dziech
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Gabriel Phillip Moorman headshot
Gabriel Moorman
Unknown Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Rittgers is a great guy and an outstanding lawyer. He is always willing to share his knowledge with younger attorneys in the community and offer helpful guidance. His reputation as a litigator is superb."
Louis Rubenstein headshot
Louis Rubenstein
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Charlie Rittgers more than 30 years. He embodies all that is good and right with a criminal defense practioner. Well educated, well respected and at the top of his game."
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Very experienced lawyer."
Jeffrey Charles Meadows headshot
Jeffrey Meadows
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Charlie is an excellent attorney who is very well respected in the community by both lawyers and judges alike. Charlie has a great courtroom presence and temperment and is always current with our ever-changing laws."
Jon Saia headshot
Jon Saia
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Rittgers is an outstanding lawyer with a reputation for being tough in his defense of criminal matters while being compassionate towards his clients needs. He is passionate about his profession and serves his clients well. I highly endorse Mr. Rittgers."
Ellen Biscotti Rittgers headshot
Ellen Rittgers
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Family member
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
View more endorsements
John Leo O'Shea headshot
John O'Shea
Criminal defense
Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow
Criminal defense
Louis Rubenstein headshot
Louis Rubenstein
Criminal defense
Charles Matthew Rittgers headshot
Charles Rittgers
Personal injury
Jeffrey Charles Meadows headshot
Jeffrey Meadows
DUI and DWI
Ellen Biscotti Rittgers headshot
Ellen Rittgers
Divorce and separation
Jon Saia headshot
Jon Saia
DUI and DWI

Avvo Contributions

0 Legal Answers 3 Legal Guides
Lebanon Criminal defense Lawyer Charles Henry Rittgers
Charles Henry Rittgers
Criminal defense Attorney
Lebanon, OH
Licensed for 45 years
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